Impact of Oregon

11/06/2025

🌟 Impact Food Drive – Helping Our Community One Bag at a Time! 🌟

We’re proud to support our Impact customers and DSPs with grab-and-go food bags filled with pantry staples, canned goods, and more!

📍 Pick-Up Locations:

Impact of Oregon Jackson County: 3539 Heathrow Way Ste 201
Impact of Oregon Josephine County: 1547 NE F Strret
Impact of Oregon Douglas County: 2198 NE Stephens St. Ste 202
Impact of Oregon Lane County: 2139 Centennial Plaza
Impact of Oregon Klamath County: 409 Pine St

🕘 Available Monday–Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM (Begining Friday, November 7th)

🍎 Want to Get Involved?
We’re accepting non-perishable food donations — every can, bag, and box makes a difference!

💙 Thank you for helping us Impact lives one person at a time.

Need additional food resources in your area?
👉 foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org

👉 oregon.gov/odhs/food

11/04/2025

⚠️ Important Update: SNAP Benefits Temporarily on Hold

We understand how stressful it can be when SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are on hold. If you’re experiencing this right now, please know you’re not alone and help is available. 💚

While waiting for your benefits to resume, you can access free groceries and hot meals through local food banks and community pantries across Oregon.

🍎 Find a local food bank: https://foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org/

🥕 Need additional support? Call 2-1-1 or visit https://211info.org
to connect with nearby food and housing resources.

We encourage everyone to share this post, no one should have to go hungry.

Impact of Oregon stands with our families and community members through these challenging times. 💛

Find free groceries, fresh produce and nutritious meals near you through Oregon Food Bank’s network of food pantries and meal sites.

11/03/2025

Growing Skills and Confidence — One Egg at a Time! 🥚

At PS 177 in Queens, special education teacher Alanna O’Donnell found a creative way to help her non-verbal autistic students learn real-world skills — by building an urban farm and chicken coop right at their school!

Each day, students feed and care for hens, collect fresh eggs, and tend the vegetable garden. They also manage egg sales, practice money management, and work together to keep the farm running smoothly. Every task helps build communication, teamwork, and independence, turning everyday lessons into powerful life skills.

Alanna’s dedication recently earned her a national teaching award, but the greatest reward of all is seeing her students grow in confidence and connection.

At IMPACT of Oregon, we love celebrating stories like this that highlight creativity, inclusion, and the incredible potential of every person. 💙

Click here for the full article: https://qns.com/2025/06/chicken-lady-fresh-meadows-teacher-urban-farm/

Want to learn more about IMPACT or how to get involved?
Click Here: https://www.impact-or.org/

Alanna O'Donnell affectionately known as “the chicken lady,” is a special education teacher at P177Q in Fresh Meadows,

10/31/2025

Fall Fun at Cougar Ridge Ranch! 🍁

What an unforgettable afternoon we had at Cougar Ridge Ranch & Equine Therapy in Winston! From horseback rides to pumpkin decorating, music, and s’mores by the fire — it was the perfect way to celebrate the season with our IMPACT of Oregon family.

We loved seeing individuals we support, DSPs, families, and community members come together to laugh, dance, and enjoy the beauty of fall. The smiles, creativity, and connections made throughout the day truly embody what IMPACT is all about — inclusion, joy, and community.

A huge thank-you to Cougar Ridge Ranch for hosting and to everyone who joined us for making this event so special. Your energy and kindness made it a day to remember!

Here’s to more moments that bring us together — one hayride, cowboy hat, and s’more at a time.

Want to learn more about IMPACT or how to get involved?
Click here: https://www.impact-or.org/

10/29/2025

Creating Spaces Where Children With Autism Feel They Can Truly Belong

At IMPACT of Oregon, we love seeing inclusion in action — and this story from Disability Scoop truly moved us.

A father turned his family’s challenges into change by opening a sensory-friendly restaurant where children with autism can feel comfortable, accepted, and free to be themselves. No judgment, no stress — just understanding and joy.

Stories like this remind us why autism-friendly spaces are so important. When restaurants, businesses, and community spaces design with accessibility and compassion in mind, families of children with special needs can finally relax and connect without barriers.

Here in Oregon, we can all help create a more inclusive community by:
- Encouraging local businesses to offer autism-friendly dining and quiet spaces
- Providing staff training on disability inclusion
- Sharing stories that highlight acceptance and awareness

Every child deserves to experience the simple joy of eating out or enjoying time with loved ones — without limits. Together, we can make inclusion the norm, not the exception.

Let’s continue to build a more understanding, sensory-friendly Oregon — one experience at a time.

Read the full article here: https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/10/27/at-this-restaurant-children-with-autism-can-truly-be-themselves/31699/

Want to learn more about IMPACT or how to get involved?
Click here: https://www.impact-or.org/

10/25/2025

DSP Spotlight: Amanda & Dawn — Making Every Moment Memorable

Amanda and her daughter Dawn share a special bond filled with fun adventures and meaningful experiences. Whether they’re attending Night to Shine, watching planes take off at the airport, or spending the day in the pumpkin patch at Pheasant Field Farms, these two know how to make every moment count.

As part of our IMPACT of Oregon family, Amanda brings warmth, positivity, and dedication to everything she does. Her care and commitment shine through — creating joyful memories and lasting connections every step of the way.

We’re so grateful to have Amanda as part of our IMPACT family. Thank you for all that you do to make a difference!

Learn more about IMPACT and how you can get involved: https://www.impact-or.org/

10/21/2025

DSP Spotlight: Laura & Eric — Friendship, Fun, and Community

For the past three years, Laura and Eric have been an incredible duo through IMPACT of Oregon. You can often find them out in the community — competing in bowling tournaments, enjoying poker nights, and playing pool with friends. Wherever they go, laughter follows!

As a dedicated Direct Support Professional (DSP), Laura goes above and beyond to support Eric’s needs while encouraging him to take part in the activities he enjoys most. Their bond is built on trust, respect, and genuine friendship — and it’s clear they both have a great time along the way.

For Laura, being a DSP isn’t just a job — it’s a chance to spend time with a friend and make a lasting impact. 💙

Learn more about IMPACT and how you can get involved: https://www.impact-or.org/

10/19/2025

DSP Spotlight: Angel & Lukey — Building Connections That Make a Difference

For nearly a year, Angel has been working with Lukey, and in that time, she’s built a truly special connection — not only with him but also with his family. From shooting hoops with the neighborhood kids to helping Lukey learn new life skills like washing dishes, Angel brings enthusiasm, patience, and genuine care to every moment.

Her dedication as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) shines through in everything she does. Angel’s commitment to empowering the people she supports reflects the heart of our mission at IMPACT of Oregon — helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities grow, connect, and thrive in their communities.

We’re incredibly grateful to have Angel as part of our IMPACT family and proud to celebrate the difference she makes every day.

Learn more about IMPACT and how you can get involved: https://www.impact-or.org/

10/16/2025

DSP Spotlight: Dalton & Noah’s Journey Toward Independence

When Noah first joined IMPACT of Oregon, he was quiet and reserved, unsure of how to navigate new spaces and experiences. Everything changed when he was paired with Dalton, one of our dedicated Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).

Through Dalton’s patience, encouragement, and commitment, Noah has grown tremendously. Together, they’ve explored the community, gone hiking, and even learned the ropes of hunting! Recently, Dalton has been helping Noah build his resume and apply for jobs, empowering him to take meaningful steps toward greater independence.

Noah is finding his voice and confidence, and we couldn’t be prouder of his progress. Here’s to many more adventures and milestones ahead for this inspiring duo!

Learn more about IMPACT and how you can get involved: https://www.impact-or.org/