Out Of The Box Solutions

11/07/2025

Check out Family to Family's revised brochure for grant funds! The brochure includes grants for general expenses and medications, communication devices, ‘wish’ programs, and more.

The link to the brochure is in the comments below.

11/06/2025

Autistic Parents Parenting Group
Thursday Nov 6, 2025 ⋅ 1:30pm – 2:30pm (Pacific Time - Los Angeles)
Presented by The Autism Society of Oregon

Connecting Autistic Parents

Meets every other Thursday online from 1:30 - 2:30 pm.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpcuGsqjgtE9f-CULAzK-ajxkAvgZ8vAjt #/registration

Questions? Email LoriB@AutismSocietyOregon.org or call 503-636-1676

These support groups are intended to create a safe environment for Autistic adults, whether formally diagnosed or not. If you do not identify as Autistic, kindly do not join this group.

11/05/2025

Fall Discount Days at the Oregon Zoo
We invite you to connect with nature from Monday, Nov. 3, through Sunday, Nov. 9, with $13 zoo admission.

Timed-entry tickets must be purchased in advance online. Tickets on sale in early October.

This offer cannot be combined with other discounts, including membership. Infants age 0 to 1 are free when reserved with a paid adult ticket.
https://www.oregonzoo.org/events/fall-discount-days

11/05/2025

National Adoption Awareness Month (NAAM) Event on Nov 15th, 2025- Join us for a FREE Family-friendly event to celebrate National Adoption Awareness Month.

Saturday November 15, 2025 from 10am-12pm

Robinwood Station (3706 Cedar Oak Dr, West Linn, OR)

We will have fun activities for kids and a few author read alouds. All are welcome to come join in the fun! Hope to see you there!

At Our Adoption Books, we strive to produce the best books about adoption for children focused on love. Our site highlights different upcoming events like new book launches, podcasts, author visits, etc.

11/04/2025

Shared with us by a Service Coordinator:

Important update for our shoppers with SNAP benefits!

There is an increasing likelihood that November SNAP benefits will be delayed until after the government shutdown ends.

To continue supporting our shoppers with SNAP benefits during this difficult time, Portland Farmers Market & Farmers Market Fund will provide $20 in Double Up Food Bucks or Produce Match per market visit for shoppers to spend on fresh produce, even if you have a zero balance on your Oregon Trail account in November.

To get started, bring your Oregon Trail Card and visit our info booths at our markets:

🥦PSU Farmers Market
Year-Round, Saturdays, 9 am - 2 pm, closed December 27
SW Park & Montgomery

🍎Lents International Farmers Market
Sundays, 9 am - 2 pm through November 23
SE 92nd & Reedway

🥔King Farmers Market
Sundays, 10 am - 2 pm through November 23
NE 7th & Wygant

The funds for this emergency program were provided to us by Farmers Market Fund.

If you would like to support the work Farmers Market Fund does to increase access to local food, visit or their website

11/03/2025

Kids ❤️ Museums
The littles will soak up knowledge while having a blast at these local, kid-friendly museums. Click on any image below to learn more about that museum: why kids love it, why parents love it, and information like hours, admission, and upcoming events and exhibits. Have fun!

Kids ❤️ Museums The littles will soak up knowledge while having a blast at these local, kid-friendly museums. Click on any image below to learn more about that museum: why kids love it, why parents love it, and information like hours, admission, and upcoming events and exhibits. Have fun! We…

11/03/2025

November Mom's Night Out (west-side) with Club EMU

Club Everyone, Me and U is a nonprofit social group for neurodivergent individuals ages 16 through adult.Club EMU's Mom's Night Out is an evening out with other caregivers to socialize and support one another’s. Mom's Night out occurs on the 1st Thursday each month when possible. We alternate from...

10/31/2025

10/31/2025

Presented by The Autism Society of Oregon
Tryon Creek Nature Walk
Who: These walks are meant to be a safe space for Autistic individuals, their families, friends, and supporters to be together to enjoy and experience nature without any agenda or judgment.
What: Come and enjoy a beautiful, guided nature walk at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. The guided walks will be led by an Oregon Master Naturalist, Certified Interpretive Guide and former A*O Board member.
When:
Sunday, November 9 from 1:00 to 2:30 (Adult walk - ages 18+)
Sunday, December 14 from 1:00 to 2:30 (Adult walk - ages 18+)
Where: Tryon Creek State Natural Area: 11321 Southwest Terwilliger Boulevard Portland, OR 97219
Parking can be limited. Consider arriving early to allow time to park and join the group.
We are capping each guided walk at 20 people. Registration is FREE but advance registration is required.
For more info & to register, click the link here: https://charity.pledgeit.org/TryonCreek
If you need help getting there, or for additional questions, please contact Lori Ball at LoriB@AutismSocietyOregon.org or call 503-636-1676 during business hours (9 am - 6 pm).

10/30/2025

Date: October 30, 2025

Oregon Department of Human Services to Lead State’s Food Emergency Response to the Federal Government Shutdown
Governor Kotek announces statewide food emergency
Many people in Oregon are facing food insecurity as the federal government shutdown halts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits. We know this creates deep uncertainty and distress for the people and communities we serve — and for our valued partners who are helping to meet the growing need.

Governor Tina Kotek has announced a coordinated state response to make sure families continue to have access to food during this difficult time.

Key State Actions
Governor Kotek announced three key actions on Oct. 29, 2025, in a news release:

Food Emergency Declaration: The Governor has declared a food emergency to ensure the state can use all available resources to keep food flowing. The ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (OREM) will lead the agency response in coordination with Oregon Emergency Management (OEM).
$5 Million in Emergency Food Funding: ODHS will release $5 million to support Oregon’s network of food banks. This will help food banks purchase and distribute food and sustain local operations.
Statewide Call to Action: The Governor is encouraging all in Oregon to come together by donating to their local food pantry, community food bank, or Oregon Food Bank, contributing to “Blue Bag” food collection bins at grocery stores, and volunteering in their communities.
How ODHS and Partners Are Working Together
ODHS has updated its online food resource hub — needfood.oregon.gov and alimentos.oregon.gov — to connect people in Oregon with food assistance and local programs. OREM is coordinating closely with the Oregon Food Bank, local partners and other state agencies to direct emergency resources where they are needed most.

Across ODHS, staff in programs such as the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP), Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) and the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) are contributing to this effort. From focusing on processing as many SNAP applications as possible before November 1 to supporting senior meal programs and outreach to individuals with disabilities, these teams are working in close partnership with local organizations and providers to reach Oregonians who are most impacted.

We recognize that community partners are on the front lines with us — connecting with families, providing food, and supporting people through this uncertainty. Your work is vital to the success of this statewide response, and we are grateful for your continued partnership and collaboration.

Stay Informed
ODHS will continue to share updates and new resources for partners as the situation evolves. Please monitor:

The ODHS Federal Shutdown Updates page: www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Pages/snap-updates.aspx
Official ODHS social media for real-time announcements.
Together for Oregon
This is a challenging moment for our state, but Oregon has a strong network of public, private and community partners who show up for one another. Thank you for your tireless work to help ensure that no one in Oregon goes hungry. Together, we will get through this.

Send a message to learn more

10/30/2025

Empowered Relationships: A Support Group for Partners of Autistic Spouses
Saturday Nov 1, 2025 ⋅ 4pm – 5pm (Pacific Time - Los Angeles)
Presented by The Autism Society of Oregon

Meets online the 1st Saturday of the month & in-person on the 3rd Saturday of the month. When in-person, we meet at Broadway Commons in Salem, OR.

Empowered Relationships is a supportive discussion group designed for partners of autistic spouses who want to strengthen their relationships, better understand their partners, and connect with others facing similar experiences.

Led by Crystal Dickinson, a partner of an autistic spouse for 15 years and a parent of an autistic teen, this group provides a safe, welcoming, and uplifting space where individuals can share insights, discuss common challenges, and celebrate the unique strengths in their relationships.

This group is a community-driven discussion group where members can engage in open, constructive conversations about communication, connection, self-care, and relationship growth—without judgment or negativity. This group is not a class or therapy session.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/OgtnuzojQTa1Nwdg3h9Vkw #/registration

Questions? Email LoriB@AutismSocietyOregon.org or call 503-636-1676.

10/30/2025

Boogie with the GREAT PUMPKIN Amazing Raffle Baskets Costume Contests Dance Contests Prizes! All Ages