Self-Directed Services - SDS

12/03/2025

Our participants are the best!!!

“New Narrative has given me tools for life. Housing, people...it feels grounding, and safer. Gives me a chance to restart my life.”

Shawn moved into New Narrative housing after a series of events left him houseless and without a backup plan. Now, he has a whole team to rely on. “I have people I can talk to; therapists, counselors...it’s nice to be able to have someone to lean on when I need to,” he said.

New Narrative's team doesn’t just provide food and safety and medication to thousands of people like Shawn each year. They engage with residents, providing opportunities for socializing and skills training along with goal setting.

When you support New Narrative on Giving Tuesday, you are making it possible for people like Shawn to recover their footing and figure out their next steps.

Today, Shawn is thriving. He is making travel plans to visit places he’s always wanted to see. He is practicing music with his ocarina flute, which he uses to entertain fellow residents. And he’s building the tools to thrive.

There's still time to be a part of and be entered to win a Portland Blazers package through Willamette Week Give!Guide! 🔗https://giveguide.org/nonprofits/new-narrative

10/29/2025

04/24/2025

Jessica Jacobsen at Multnomah County oversees our Self-Directed Services program. She is a huge supporter and advocate for SDS and we couldn't be more grateful and proud that she's getting this award. She is so deserving!!!

Introducing our 2025 Reverend Sandvig Award Honoree: Jessica Jacobsen of Multnomah County, Oregon-Behavioral Health Division! Jessica has made a tremendous impact in mental health in this community and we're proud to celebrate her during our 2025 Change the Narrative Gala next month.

Have you purchased tickets yet? Save your seat: https://onlinefundraiser.events/NN_Gala2025

✨ABOUT JESSICA: ✨
Jessica been working in the behavioral health field for more than 20 years – work that has spanned all ages, and has included direct service in mental health and addictions, as well as care coordination and leadership.

Over the past 10 years she has been focused on collaborating with Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) partners to support our region’s Medicaid members. Jessica holds a Masters in Social Work from Portland State University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She joined Multnomah County in 2018, and since 2019 has been providing support as Behavioral Health’s Senior Manager of Care Coordination and very recently accepted the role of Interim Deputy Director of Clinical Integrity.

We look forward to celebrating Jessica (and the present and possible of mental health) at the Gala on May 15!

12/30/2024

We're so proud of our SDS program!!

"Having access to this program helped me during some very difficult moments in the past year. I am grateful to have been a participant."

"I came into this program sadly with some extra baggage and needless to say, they were all accommodating even under the circumstances, I'm very grateful."

"They have made a huge impact on my life. When I was feeling low, I'd look forward to getting these calls from you guys and it makes me at least have something to look forward to."

"I have become more independent. I can do things on my own with less help and if I do need help, I know where my support is and how to find resources."

This is just a small sample of the feedback our Self-Directed Services - SDS peer program receives quarterly from participants, who can access funding for resources to help them achieve their goals for mental wellness. Supporting New Narrative can literally change lives through our integrated peer-based services. (And it does! Every day!)

Please consider donating to our year-end Give!Guide campaign; we're so close to our goal! BONUS: When you give $10 or more today, you will be entered to win the Create Oregon prize bonanza thanks to Oregon Cultural Trust. Explore the natural beauty of Oregon while immersing yourself in creative experiences!

Our Willamette Week Give!Guide campaign link is here: https://giveguide.org/nonprofits/new-narrative

Learn more about today's prize and all of the perks here: https://giveguide.org/big-give-days/big-culture-day

11/26/2024

Jason is also an SDS alumni who continues to come to our activity hours and open houses. We appreciate our alumni who continue to come see us, even after many years!!!

Meet Jason K., one of our members!🌟

Jason has this to say about membership: "[Being a member means] knowing I am helping to build something more than just myself. I intend to give back to the Clubhouse for all that it has done for me!"

Jason has been a NorthStar Clubhouse member for more than seven years. What keeps him coming back? "The camaraderie I feel here helps sustain me through tough and difficult times," Jason says. "But it is more than that! The feeling of family from both peers and staff opens the heart and mind to the best of possibilities."

"From kitchen to computers, from administration to socialization and peer support, NorthStar Clubhouse has been, and is, a fantastic service to me!"

Jason's experience is unique, but also relatable to many of our Clubhouse members. Be a part of stories like Jason's - donate today! Link in bio.

07/03/2024

Stay safe in this heat wave!

With very hot and sunny days projected for the Portland area starting Thursday, July 4 and through the weekend (temperatures could reach triple digits on Saturday and Sunday), the JOHS Supply Center is expanding outreach efforts, starting Wednesday, July 3, to distribute life-saving cooling supplies to our unhoused neighbors and direct them to cooling spaces throughout Multnomah County where they can stay safe and cool.

Some cooling supplies that the JOHS and our partners will be distributing include: reusable water bottles, electrolyte packets, cooling towels, sunscreen, misting bottles and more.

If you are in need of a place to stay cool, check out this map of libraries and parks with water features in the Portland area: https://ow.ly/e4xE50SufqM

05/14/2024

Mental health matters all year round, but this month is a great time to check in on those who may need it 💚

01/16/2024

Please stay safe and warm.

09/07/2023

We are passionate and proud about the work we do at SDS.

Our participants do the work. They identify their dreams and goals, and we help them make a plan to achieve them. Each quarter, our Self-Directed Services - SDS peer program sends out a survey to participants to learn about their experiences with the program. This past quarter, responses included statements like,
"I feel like I'm making connections and hopefully will make friends as I engage in social activities. I love it here."
"I will remember how important mutual aid/peer support is for mental health/well-being."
"I'm not the type of person that uses the phrase "I love you", but I can truly say that I love you guys."

The interactions between peer mentors and our participants matter in their healing journeys. We are proud of their progress and can't wait to see what their futures hold while they develop in their communities. To learn more about Self-Directed Services and learn more about their work, visit https://newnarrativepdx.org/discover-what-we-do/peer-programs/.

08/14/2023

05/05/2023

May is , and this year's theme is . Use this time to and to learn about how your surroundings can impact mental health.

04/27/2023

Be kind to yourself ❤️