Empowered Services

The impact of a great DSP isn’t measured by the tasks they complete—it’s measured by the lives they help change.

This month, we’re proud to recognize Betty Affleje as our Pillar of Empowerment.

Betty brings compassion, creativity, and patience to every relationship she builds. Through her encouragement and person-centered approach, she helped one of the individuals she supports go from rarely leaving home to becoming an active member of his community—volunteering, building meaningful connections, and planning new experiences that reflect his interests.

When reflecting on his journey, he shared:

“Yeah, you could say I’m pretty happy these days. Things are going pretty good!”

Those words say more than we ever could.

Betty, thank you for believing in people’s potential, celebrating every step forward, and helping create lives filled with confidence, connection, and purpose.

💙 Join us in celebrating Betty for the incredible difference she makes every day!

📬 The July Empowered Newsletter is Here!

A new month means new opportunities to learn, connect, and discover what’s happening across Oregon’s IDD community.

This month’s newsletter includes:
✍️ A heartfelt message from our founder, John Marvin, on what independence truly means.
🌈 A celebration of Disability Pride Month and this year’s theme, “The World Works Better With Us.”
👋 A warm welcome to our newest team member, Mellisa Grizzell.
⭐ Community spotlights featuring Harley and Betty Aflleje.
🎆 A reflection on Independence Day through the lens of dignity, choice, and inclusion.
🎨 Patriotic recipes, a family-friendly fireworks craft, wellness updates, and more.

And don’t miss our July IDD Resource Guide, packed with opportunities for individuals, families, and DSPs across Oregon, including:
📅 Community events and local gatherings.
🎳 Adaptive recreation like bowling, disc golf, and sensory-friendly activities.
🤝 Programs, organizations, and resources that support individuals with IDD and their families.
💙 Opportunities to connect, explore, and build community throughout the month.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, DSP, or self-advocate, we hope these resources help you make the most of July.

🔗 Read the newsletter and explore this month’s IDD resources today👇👇

https://empowered-services.org/july-2026-empowered-idd-resources/

https://empowered-services.org/july-2026-newsletter/

🇺🇸 Happy Fourth of July! ✨

Today, we celebrate the freedoms that bring us together, but we also recognize the everyday freedoms that give life meaning.

For the individuals we support, freedom can look like making your own choices.

Choosing what to eat.

Deciding where to go.

Spending time with the people who matter most.

Pursuing goals, exploring the community, and living life in a way that reflects who you are.

These moments may seem ordinary, but they’re powerful. They represent dignity, self-determination, and the opportunity to live life on your own terms.

To the families, DSPs, Care Coordinators, and everyone who walks alongside individuals with IDD, thank you. Your support helps make these everyday freedoms possible.

From all of us at Empowered Services, we wish you a safe, joyful, and meaningful Fourth of July filled with family, community, and moments worth celebrating.

Happy Independence Day! ❤️🤍💙

Generic support gets generic results. The people we serve deserve better than that.

At Empowered Services, personalized care isn’t a bonus —it’s the foundation of everything we do.

Learn more: https://empowered-services.org/