Southern Oregon Aspire

10/15/2025

In honor of National Disability Employment Month, we celebrate the strength, talent, and dignity that every person brings to the workplace. Inclusion isn’t just a value—it’s how we build stronger teams and richer communities. 💪

When individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities are welcomed in the workplace, they don’t just work—they flourish, contribute, and find purpose. The confidence, pride, and dignity that come from meaningful employment change lives!

Our heartfelt thanks to each of our Community Partners who open doors to opportunity and celebrate the strengths of every individual. Because of your partnership, inclusion isn’t just an idea—it’s a reality where individuals are seen, valued, and empowered. ❤️

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

10/14/2025

🌟 New Training Opportunity! 🌟

We’re excited to share a new training designed to support individuals who experience Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and are now living with dementia. 💜

This training provides valuable tools, understanding, and strategies to ensure the people we support continue to live meaningful, dignified lives as they navigate this dual diagnosis.

Whether you’re a caregiver, family member, or professional in the field, this training will help deepen your knowledge and confidence in providing compassionate, person-centered care.

🧠✨ Learn more about how we can create supportive environments and enhance quality of life for individuals with I/DD and dementia.

💙 Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Four Way Community Foundation, this training is free to attend!

👉 Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=tTjyFE1CY0a6pyU1RliPjiITNRdq68NBnMdn9lQOMGxUNzBBNklBSlNBS1JQMzc2S1ZKNE9DQ1YxVy4u

09/23/2025

Mission Moment—Mackenzie's Building Skills, Earning Trust 🐈❤️

Mackenzie has been volunteering at the animal shelter to build her workplace skills and strengthen her connection with animals. A cat lover at heart, she enjoys socializing the cats and helping with tasks like laundry around the shelter.

Mackenzie had the opportunity to revisit a cat she had previously spent time with. The once-shy kitty was noticeably more sociable and clearly enjoyed the attention. Mackenzie found it remarkable to witness such progress, a testament to the care and dedication of the volunteers at Josephine County Animal Shelter

09/10/2025

❤️ Direct Support Professionals, We Thank You ❤️

This week, we honor the dedication, compassion, and commitment of our Direct Support Professionals. You take the time to understand the individuals we serve—their stories, preferences, and personalities—and provide person-centered support rooted in trust and consistency that cannot be replicated.

In both challenging moments and everyday routines, your strength and heart shine through. You walk alongside people with complex, ever-changing needs, and you continue to provide not only essential support—but extraordinary service.

As we celebrate 50 years of supporting individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, we recognize that our legacy is built by people like you—those who show up, lift others, and lead with compassion.

Thank you for the incredible work you do. You make a difference—every day. 💙

09/09/2025

Mission Moment—Bobbe's Walk for Joy ✨

Bobbe has faced a tough road the past few years with her health, but on a recent Kroner House trip to Crater Lake, she showed just how far she’s come. 💪

At the lake, Bobbe came out of her shell—chatting with other visitors, asking to pet dogs, and walking easily around the open trails before enjoying a picnic with the group.

What began as a simple restroom stop at Rogue River Gorge turned into something more when Bobbe pointed to a nearby trail and confidently led the group on a 0.25-mile hike, pointing out waterfalls and flowers along the way. At the next stop, the Natural Bridge Viewpoint, she eagerly agreed to another walk—this time completing a 4.5-mile hike with ease, smiling and joking throughout!

Altogether, Bobbe walked 7.5 miles—something unimaginable just a year ago. As her health improves, so does her confidence and joy, and we are excited to see even more of her vibrant personality shine through.

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!!!