Creating Opportunities

Through the Employer Resource Connection (ERC) program, we assist people with disabilities and/or mental health challenges and their families learn how to recruit, train and manage their support workers in 8 Oregon Counties. Out ERC program supported 384 people in 2022, including 137 new participants. We conducted outreach presentations to 30 community partner groups. Our staff presented 8 workshops with with 20 people in total attendance. ERC staff attended monthly Oregon Home Care Commission's (OHCC) ERC Program Consultant meetings, led 9 monthly OHCC Training Committee meeting, 10 monthly OHCC Develop- mental Disability/Mental Health Committee meetings and Creating Opp- ortunities is the leading provider of the ERC Program.

OHA COVID - Contracted by Oregon Health Authority. With grant funding we assembled and distributed 100 COVID Care Kits for local families. Under contract with the Oregon Health Authority, we distributed cases if various PPE and COVID tests throughout 2022. We also gave direct supports for over 77 households and 264 families while who were under quarantine, providing assistance with household expenses, essential items such as food, PPE, and other needed supplies.

Regional Family Network: Contracted by the Oregon Department of Human Services, Office of Developmental Disabilities. We strengthen families and communities through support, information, advocacy and family events. We had many family-focused events in 2022, including parent workshops, and family activity kits. We continued to hold quarterly board meetings, partnered with other service organizations to increase awareness and advocate for systems change. We provided direct consultation to help families navigate systems and manage challenges related to their child's disability.

HSC-Housing Stability Contract with OHA to address housing inequities and fair housing education for people with disabilities and families.

HEG-Health Equity Grant with OHA to address health inequities through emergency preparedness and outdoor survival projects.

HPG-Housing Planning Grant with OHA to address housing disparities for Oregonians with disabilities and provide systemic recommendations

GO Project is a grassroots advocacy project contracted through the Oregon DD Coalition to help people connect with their legislators

OCDD/SP Meeting Coordination contract with Oregon DD Council and Advocacy contract with Partnerships in Community Living.