Southern Oregon Aspire is a non-profit organization providing support services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1975.
"Inspiring Unlimited Opportunities for People to Create the Life They Choose." Administration Office is open M-F from 8:30am to 5:00pm
09/04/2025
A big thank you to Melissa and the team at Evergreen Federal Bank for stepping up in such a meaningful way for Mark!
Mark’s current challenges meant he needed new clothing but had limited resources. Evergreen graciously donated a new wardrobe to Mark—including everyday clothes, cozy winter coats, and even a few watches. Thanks to this generous gift, Mark now has some great new outfits and a big boost of confidence to go with them. He’s genuinely excited to have something new to wear and truly feels the care behind the gift.
This moment is a reminder of the power behind even a single act of kindness. Thank you, Evergreen, for making a real impact. ❤️
08/27/2025
James is a big country music fan—if there’s a local concert, you can count on him being there. Sporting his cowboy hat and enjoying Rodney Atkins at the Josephine County Fair! 🤠🎶
08/25/2025
The new roof is complete at our Community Employment & Training Building! 🛠️
Thanks to your generous support during our recent fundraising efforts, we were able to replace a much-needed roof—ensuring we continue making the most of this vital space.
This building is home to our Community Employment Program, where individuals receive personalized support for career exploration, skill development, and ultimately, meaningful community employment. It's also where we provide encompassing training for new team members and ongoing, specialized development for our dedicated staff.
We’re so grateful for the community members like you who make these renovations possible. On to the next project—together! ❤️
08/20/2025
Mission Moment — Mikayla’s Stepping Out and Shining Bright 🌟🎤
Mikayla has been making great strides toward becoming more involved in the community—attending the YMCA, working on the Water Bill team, and participating regularly with Encompass Person Centered . These activities have provided valuable structure and connection, though the time between them can still feel a bit quiet.
Recently, she wanted to try something new and asked to attend karaoke. With support from her staff, she gave it a shot—and absolutely shone! Mikayla confidently ordered her own food and drink, chatted with others, and took the stage. 👏 Singing in front of an audience takes real courage, and Mikayla did so with remarkable confidence and joy.
Now, she plans to make karaoke a regular Saturday night outing—a fun and empowering way to connect, express herself, and keep growing.
08/18/2025
10 Years is a remarkable milestone! Congratulations Kyle 🎉
Celebrating this guy today. Kyle has been with us 10 years, working in the shop and helping keep things in shape around here. He comes to work with a smile every week, willing to do whatever we need and always anxious to learn new things. Looking forward to another 10 years with you on board Kyle!!!
08/14/2025
This year marks a major milestone, Southern Oregon Aspire’s 50th Anniversary — and we’re thrilled to celebrate with you at our🌟 Golden Gala —50 Years of Changing Lives !🌟
Join us for a spectacular evening as we celebrate 50 years of Southern Oregon Aspire’s transformative work supporting individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). Together, we’ll honor the past and look ahead to an even brighter future.
Made possible by the generous support of our Title Sponsor, Pacific Power
🗓️ October 11th | 5:30–8:30 PM
👗 Dress Code: Jewel-Toned & Gold Cocktail Attire
🎶 Dinner • Drinks • Live Music • Awards Ceremony & More
🎟️ Tickets available now at: soaspire.org/goldengala
Pre-registration is required.
Let’s make this milestone one to remember — here’s to 50 more years of changing lives! 💫
08/13/2025
Mission Moment—Zach’s Longest Hike Yet ⛰️💪
Zach is always up for a challenge. Last summer, Zach, accompanied by DSP Brittanie, hiked Cathedral Hill almost every weekend with the goal of eventually hiking Table Rock.
This summer, they started early and committed to weekly hikes to build strength and endurance. After consistently hiking 2 miles for several weekends, Zach decided it was time—they would take on Table Rock, their longest hike yet at 3.7 miles round trip.
With gear and snacks packed, the pair began their journey. Along the way, they met many hikers who encouraged Zach to keep going. He pushed through the steep terrain, stumbling over rocks and tree roots, but never gave up. After three hours—and a few out-of-breath breaks—they made it to the summit. ✨
The view was incredible. Zach called his mom to share the exciting news, enjoyed lunch, and took in the scenery. As they made their way back down the trail, pride beamed across his face—he had accomplished his goal of conquering Table Rock!
08/12/2025
Now Hiring: Part-Time Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)
Are you driven to inspire, support, and empower others to live life on their own terms? Do you bring a strong sense of integrity and dependability to your work?
Join us as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). Help with daily living—and more importantly—help people thrive in our community.
Why Join Southern Oregon Aspire?
💵 Fully paid training program—no experience required
🏆 Award-winning, supportive team environment
❤️ Fulfilling work that makes a lasting impact
📅 Variety of schedules —Including PT, FT, night/weekend, & on-call
👉 Apply now: soaspire.org/careers
08/07/2025
We're excited to share that the first of many projects funded by our annual golf fundraiser is now complete—a brand-new fence at our RJ residence! ⚒️
While it may seem like a simple update, this fence brings lasting benefits: increased safety, privacy, pride, and more usable outdoor space for the individuals who call this house a home.
It’s a powerful reminder that even small changes can make a big difference in someone’s daily life. ✨
Your support truly matters — and this is just one example of the impact you help make possible. Thank you!
08/06/2025
After six years of dedicated service, we extend our deepest thanks to Kurt Tamashiro as he retires from our Board of Directors. 🏆
Since joining in February 2019, Kurt completed two 3-year terms and served two 1-year terms as Secretary/Treasurer. During his time on the board, he was instrumental in strengthening in-board governance, event sponsorships, and generously contributing to our mission.
Always ready with sage advice and a smile, Kurt brought both wisdom and warmth to every discussion. We’re truly grateful for his leadership and commitment—he will be greatly missed! ❤️👋
08/05/2025
David made an exceptional catch while filling in on the job, helping to prevent a potentially costly issue. To show their appreciation, the team awarded him three $2 bills💵—something that had never been done before. Giving out three at once was a first, making this recognition a big deal. Well done, David!
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Forty four years ago before the start of Southern Oregon Aspire, children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities had limited options to seek care and support. If a parent wanted their child to live outside of their home the only option was to send them to a state institution. Majority of these institutions were structured to give basic needs to their patients; food, a bed, clothes. They did not truly let the individuals make their own choices or thrive in their life. In some severe cases, these institutions would force sterilization on the patients, lock them in their room for hours when they were experiencing a behavior and restrain them with a straight jacket as a punishment. For these reasons and many more, a group of parents decided they wanted more for their children. So they began, the non-profit organizations of SPARC and Stepping Stone, what we now call today as Southern Oregon Aspire.
With the core values we still hold today, it was decided by these parents that the non-profit organization would be person-centered focused. Allowing the individuals to make their own choices in their every day life. SO Aspire supports 200 individuals in Josephine and Jackson Counties by providing residential housing, community employment placement, vocational job training, behavioral in-home supports and community inclusion services.
Our Mission is, “Inspiring Unlimited Opportunities for People to Create the Life They Choose.”
Find out how to get involved or learn more by visiting our website www.soaspire.org
