Congratulations to Bob Prine, our employee of the month. He has been with us five years this month! The clients, staff and Board members of OSLP thank him for the great work he does.
“Bob is the right hand at Sunny Drive, working tirelessly to keep things running smoothly. During his time he has shown extraordinary professionalism and great humanity in all situations. Thank you, Bob for your hard work and dedication.” Dan Collins
One of the best things to happen to OSLP lately, is the sign language class attended by staff and clients once a week at our office. Thanks to the instructor, Jess Bolivar, the occurances of communication breakdowns in our daily lives are decreasing.
Sign language is prooving to be an effective tool for staff to communicate with non-verbal clients in a way that allows the client to contribute to and also initiate the conversation as they wish. It gives people with different verbal and hearing abilities common ground on which to reach understandings. Many people with developmental disabilities who display aggression, anxiety or depression often show improved moods and behaviors when they are able to express themselves better. Sign language has been a valuable outlet for that expression for many OSLP clients, so starting a class for them and the staff that works with them was a natural choice.
The second ten week session recently began and includes veteran signers and first time students. The atmosphere in the class is fun and everyone is actively involved. Sometimes, the students become teachers, and everyone learns from each other. It has also been a hub for social interactions. Many clients have developed new friendships with fellow students. and have been developing those relationships outside of class.
Our supporters have already earned over $80 recently just by using this toolbar on our browsers! We could potentially earn hundreds this year, especially if you do your online shopping with GoodShop. It’s very easy. Give it a try, and become a GoodPerson for OSLP! Thank you. Contact us if you have any questions.
Thanks to the Register-Guard in Eugene, OR for this article sharing the good news about the improvements in Chip’s life because of the tools provided by his iPad! It’s made a big difference in his life, his family’s lives, and is a big help to the OSLP staff people who work with him, too. We are always looking for support from the community for tools like this that change lives. If you’d like to make a contribution for the holidays, please visit our donate page, or give us a call! Happy Holidays!
NextStep educates and empowers marginalized populations by providing refurbished computers that allow access to technology and the Internet. They recycle computer hardware and other electronics, keeping hazardous waste out of our soil and water. OSLP offers programs to people with developmental disabilities that are designed not only to meet the person’s needs but just as importantly, to allow him or her to realize their desires, wishes and dreams. The two organizations are planning to continue this relationship and the connection of OSLP clients with technology and training through NextStep’s Digital Literacy Training Center.
The arrangement is rewarding to all parties. It helps OSLP achieve its mission of providing support in ways that will enhance the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of those we serve while providing each individual with the opportunity to become integral members of the community. It supports NextStep Recycling’s mission of providing technology and training to children and adults who have barriers to employment and education, while protecting our environment and community from hazardous waste. Since government funding of vocational programs and recycling programs is unstable, support from other organizations, companies and friends is vital to the sustainability of such enriching services.
The Technology Grant has made a notable difference in the lives of its recipients. The computers were donated to NextStep Recycling by businesses and individuals in the community. They were refurbished, supplied with complete, up to date operating systems, and distributed to OSLP clients who have never had access to the unlimited benefits many people with computers take for granted. Smiles were abundant as the men and women found connections to their friends, instructional websites, music and movies at their fingertips. Marilyn, a 63 year old woman living in OSLP’s Friendly House, is deaf and uses sign language to communicate. She is learning quickly how to navigate her PC. At NextStep’s digital literacy training center, “ePower Our Community (ePOC),” she used a computer mouse for the first time, watched sign language videos and saw pictures of herself on OSLP’s website.
More information about Oregon Supported Living Program: www.oslp.org.
About NextStep Recycling: www.nextsteprecycling.org.
Greetings to all of our OSLP supporters!
I am elated to be able to announce many successes to celebrate this fall. As we marched in the Eugene Celebration parade this year, proud to be a part of the “Look Me in the Eye” campaign, it was clear that OSLP has become a name enthusiastically acknowledged in the community. Our clients feel more included when they go out, and our staff members are proud of their important work; all things we set out to accomplish. I want to thank you all for your unwavering support.
We are grateful to Kim Mitch, who has been our Vocational Director for 20 years. Thank you, Kim for your sensitive way with clients and staff and your dedication and service. I am proud that our staff person at the River Road House, Joseph Knapp, is receiving the Good Heart award this month. In July, Joseph Luttes received the Caregiver of the Year Award from Oregon Rehabilitation Association. I welcome Melissa Lind, our new Board President, and acknowledge her support of our clients as Associate Clinical Director of Direction Services. We are honored to have her lead our team! Also joining us is Celeste Peterson, Administrative Assistant and Development Director who has charmed us with her talents. She is bringing her mixed abilities dance classes to our Arts and Music Program, which will be open to the public. We have two new client staff members, Tom, who works with staff, John Roberts to maintain lawns, and Perry, our new car detailer. Keep up the awesome work, guys and welcome aboard! We are fortunate to have these people among us sharing a vision for the people we support. They make it easy to come to work, and I can barely contain my excitement for the future!
Gretchen Dubie
Congratulations to Bill Gorby. I’m pumped that Bill won employee of the month. He absolutely deserves it. Bill is ALWAYS on time, upbeat, and productive while on shift-a manager’s trifecta of excellence. He has become the go-to guy at Ray’s house for video and animation production; if you know Ray, then you know this is huge. In addition, there is no shortage of excellent ideas/suggestions for helping his programs become the best they can be.
Recently, Bill helped take Ray to Hollywood to see some museums and wax figures , something he has wanted to do for a long time. His enthusiasm and level head helped make the trip a smashing success from beginning to end.
I can always count on Bill to be at his best at work which gives me much needed peace of mind, so I give my congratulations; he’s more than earned it. He is one of my best kept secrets; to my fellow managers-hands off!!
I’m so glad that Megan Wheeler won “Employee of the Month” this month! She has been such a GREAT help to me over the last several months with preparing for a very successful state on-site inspection. Megan does so many big and little things around here that I could probably fill this whole webpage with her praises…but I won’t. Simply put, Megan makes all of our lives here at Arcadia House so much better and we appreciate her SO much! Thank you,
Megan for everything you do. Josh Heidrick, OSLP Arcadia House Manager.
