Give the Gift of Independence to Oregonians with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

The holiday season is filled with joy and celebration. It’s a time to be grateful for the good things that have come into our lives: family, friends, health, a roof over our head, a good job. A great way to express gratitude is to give to those who aren’t as fortunate and have limited resources to change their lives for the better.

For many Oregonians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), generosity from the community can be life-changing. Trey is one of those individuals. With support from ALSO—Oregon’s leading nonprofit serving people with I/DD—Trey has been able to move forward with confidence, stability, and hope for the future.

Trey has a great life ahead of him…but this wasn’t always the case. Living with an intellectual disability, he had a tough time finding a job that fit his skill set and provided a living wage. Job interviews were particularly challenging. Trey was honest about his past, including his criminal background, and time and again, that honesty cost him employment opportunities. He was close to giving up, resigned to a life of poverty, dissatisfaction, and living on the margins.

Fortunately, Trey’s employment team at ALSO refused to give up on him. With consistent encouragement, emotional support, and practical job coaching, Trey found meaningful employment and became a valued employee. That success sparked something bigger. As his confidence grew, so did his independence. Trey went on to earn his driver’s license—an important milestone that expanded his access to work, community activities, and personal freedom. Being able to drive means greater connection, independence, and opportunity to fully participate in the life of his community.

An Investment, Not Just Charity

ALSO (Advocates for Life Skills and Opportunity) brings more than 25 years of experience serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our services span nine Oregon counties, including the Portland Metro area as well as Central, Southern, and Eastern Oregon. Each year, we support more than 250 individuals with I/DD as they work toward greater independence and a better future.

When you support people with disabilities in Oregon, it’s an investment in your community — so it’s not simply donating to charity. When you donate to ALSO, you become a key player in the ALSO Mission:

To promote the full inclusion of people experiencing disabilities in the life of their community.

Financial gifts are urgently needed as federal funding for people with disabilities is continually threatened. Making donations to Oregon nonprofits like ALSO before December 31, 2025, means tax breaks for donors. Everybody wins, in more ways than one!

The Need: Understanding Oregon’s Disability Landscape

At least 35,000 Oregonians with DD used support services as of May 2024. To the credit of Oregon citizens, state law emphasizes the rights of persons with I/DD to work and recreate in their community, have a valued role, and live an autonomous life… ORS 427.101(8). Even though these regulations are admirable, challenges persist in truly realizing the spirit of the law.

Who ALSO Serves

ALSO serves people with I/DD. Developmental disability can be defined as, “…a physical, cognitive or intellectual impairment occurring before adulthood that is expected to continue throughout the lifespan and is likely to create barriers to the ability of the individual to function independently.”  This term includes many disabilities/conditions, for example:

• Intellectual disability
• Autism
• Cerebral palsy
• Down syndrome
• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

Intellectual disability is based on IQ (intelligence quotient) and must be identified by the 18th birthday. However, those with developmental disabilities can be identified up until the age of 22.

Additional Information about I/DD eligibility requirements: The Arc of Oregon: Developmental Disabilities Basics.

We’re in This Together

As we learn about these complex terms and categories, we must remember the important fact that these are Oregonians. We should realize that the more inclusive our communities and the more we help others, the richer and more satisfying our own lives will be.

4 Gaps in Oregon’s System

There are a number of gaps in successful support of Oregon’s disability programs. Private donations are essential to fill those gaps.

1. Housing: Oregon’s housing crisis disproportionately affects people with disabilities. According to a 2020 report by the Kuni Foundation, at least 24,000 persons with I/DD in the Oregon and Southwest Washington region were at risk of housing insecurity.  Average monthly rents in the Portland area ($1400 for a one-bedroom) place a heavy strain on even those who are employed and receive some form of government assistance.
2. Government Funding: There are many limits on what Social Security and other sources will cover. Uncovered services, healthcare, and equipment come out of the pockets of the individual or their families, adding to financial strain.
3. Staff Training and Retention: All human services personnel must have extensive expertise to help the person they support thrive in the community. Because salaries are low, it’s difficult to retain high-quality staff.
4. Surviving vs. Thriving: There’s a big difference between living barely of poverty level, and living independently in a good-quality home, with caring neighbors, and an employer who pays a competitive wage. Wouldn’t you want the same for yourself or a loved one?

What Makes ALSO Heart Work

At ALSO, we believe in the people we support and are strong advocates for their desire to be the people in the community that they wish to be. This is our Heart Work.

Proven Track Record

Even the difficulties of serving people with disabilities and the uphill battles related to funding, we have much to be proud of:

• Over 715,822 annual support hours are provided to help those we support become more independent in their homes, workplaces, and communities.
• Despite difficulties with recruiting and retaining excellent employees, the average employee tenure is a healthy 5.7 years.
• We have over 300 ALSO advocates and growing!

Guided by Values, Fueled by Heart Work

Our organizational values and commitment to justice and inclusion guide our Heart Work. We embrace the dignity of all persons with disabilities, as we also embrace the diversity of our own talented workforce, which is 65% female and 30% BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color). Our person-centered approach allows the people we support to find their true selves and develop confidence in the value they provide to the community.

Where Your Donation Goes

Our track record says a lot.  That being said, we humbly ask that you help us to do more. Funding gaps created by housing and government resources absolutely must be mitigated.

Critical Areas Your Donation Supports

1. Safe and Affordable Housing: The ALSO Home Initiative is based on the principle that housing stability is critical to helping people thrive. We’re addressing Oregon’s housing crisis by increasing the number of accessible and affordable apartments. We create homes, not just housing. Learn about the power and impact of sponsorship.
2. Children’s Program Development: We create healthy and safe home environments for the children in our program that also involves family training. With our Whole-Child Approach, kids maximize their skill-set and improve self-confidence. See our Children’s Program Wish List (Many items cost less than $10.00).
3. Assistive and Adaptive Technology: Examples are devices that help people operate computers, communicate with others, maintain mobility. This technology enables people to truly participate in the community. Did you know that $100 keeps internet and other digital technologies accessible?
4. Accessible Transportation: Just like us, those with disabilities need to get to work, activities, and school! Accessible transportation is essential to community connection.
   A contribution of $250 helps fund safety and mobility equipment.
5. Adult Residential Programs:  24-hour support services that provide dignity and high quality-of-life are available if needed. We ensure smooth transitions from children’s programs to adult services. Just $50 supports wellness kits and over-the-counter care.
6. Sustainable Operations: ALSO is dedicated to environmental stewardship in everything we do. We strive for increased operational efficiencies that include items such as solar-powered installations. Your Generosity Changes Lives.

Ways to Give: How to Make Your Donation Go Further

No matter what your budget, there are many ways to give to ALSO, transforming the lives of over 250 people with disabilities annually.

• Access 10 allows for direct financial contributions. You can give as little as $10 a month or make a one-time donation.
• Cans for Cars. Support safe and affordable transportation and mobility technology simply by collecting cans and bottles! You can also donate your vehicle.
• Would you like to become a Legacy Partner and include ALSO in your estate planning? Call us: (503) 489-6565

The Ripple Effect: Community Impact in Oregon

ALSO proves that people with disabilities are excellent employees, neighbors, and contributors to a vibrant and healthy society. We provide a strong foundation to:

• Succeed in competitive employment.
• Live independently.
• Break down barriers and stereotypes.
• Be consumers in the local economic market.
• Decrease their dependence on public funding.

Learn more: The Economic Benefits of Disability Inclusion.

Urgent Need Now and Building for the Future

The time to donate is now. Currently in development is the ALSO accessible and affordable apartments. This 39-unit development has 10 units reserved for those with I/DD. Prices are set at 60% of the Median Family Income (MFI).

In addition to Trey, we want to help more people like Sam too, who wouldn’t be able to live on his own without the resources to make his home more accessible. You know how much you love the coziness and safety of your own home. Let’s work together to help others as well.

Donate Today!