Network News
Formal Clothing Drive for the Winter Ball-Now thru Jan 8, 2026
As excitement builds for the upcoming Winter Ball in Douglas County, our partners are coming together to ensure everyone can look and feel their best on this special evening! We’re collecting formal attire for individuals attending the event, which celebrates inclusion and community for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Donations of gently used dresses, suits, slacks, dress shirts, ties, shoes, and accessories are welcome in all sizes and styles for both men and women.
Items can be dropped off at RISE Services (2365 NW Kline St, Suite 102, Roseburg, OR 97471) through January 8, 2025, or coordinated with Connections NW for pickup. Every donation helps someone shine with confidence on the dance floor while promoting inclusion and celebration for all. For more information or to arrange a donation, contact RISE at 541-246-9770 or email Courtney.M@connections-nw.org.
Because everyone deserves to feel confident, celebrated, and part of the fun this winter!
The Arc CARES Clothing Drive – October 2025 Meeting Recap
At our November IDD Connector Oregon networking meeting, members gathered with a shared purpose — to support individuals and families in our community as the colder months approach. Through the Warm Hearts, Warm Clothes drive, attendees collected gently used clothing, toiletries, and nonperishable food items to bring warmth, comfort, and dignity to those in need. From cozy coats and blankets to essential hygiene items, each contribution reflected the compassion and generosity that define our community.
Beyond the collection itself, the meeting was filled with meaningful networking, lively discussion, and genuine enthusiasm about future collaborations. Attendees shared ideas for upcoming projects, explored ways to better connect families and service providers, and reaffirmed their commitment to working together for Oregon’s I/DD community. All donations were delivered to the ARC CARES Center, supporting individuals across Eugene and Springfield.
Learn more about the ARC CARES program and the incredible work they do at getfoodlane.org.
Mt. Hood Kiwanis Club – September 2025 Meeting Recap
At the September meeting, we welcomed Sarah Doty, Partnerships Coordinator with Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp (MHKC). Sarah shared how MHKC empowers children and adults with developmental disabilities by providing equitable access to the outdoors and recreation at their fully accessible 22-acre campsite in the Mount Hood National Forest.
She discussed the wide range of programs MHKC offers—such as eight weeks of residential summer camp, winter retreats, family camp, and adventure programming that includes adaptive horseback riding, zip-lining, hiking, and swimming.
In addition, Sarah outlined ways for clients or individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to connect with MHKC’s programs, as well as multiple opportunities for community involvement—becoming seasonal staff or counselors, or exploring MHKC’s rental program for retreats, weddings, and group events.
Sarah’s presentation was an inspiring reminder of how outdoor recreation can build confidence, community, and joy for people of all abilities. Thank you, Sarah!
👉 Learn more about Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp and how to get involved at mhkc.org
RISE Services’ Host Home Program – August 2025 Meeting Recap
Our August meeting featured an inspiring presentation by Declan Silveira and Kathrine Bryan from RISE Services, where Declan serves as the Host Home Coordinator and Kathrine as the In-Home Assistant Director. Together, they shared how RISE empowers individuals and families through compassionate, person-centered care—highlighting the heart of their mission: the Host Home Program.
For children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who cannot live at home, the next best place is with a loving, caring family in an alternative home setting. The foster homes at RISE Services, known as Host Homes, offer a safe and supportive family environment for children and youth up to age 18.
Declan and Kathrine explained how Host Homes are carefully licensed and supported through extensive training and ongoing guidance, helping host families provide individualized care that fosters growth, independence, and stability. They also shared that RISE is currently seeking families of all backgrounds and cultures who are ready to open their hearts and homes to welcome a child or two into a nurturing, stable environment.
Their presentation reminded us that when community and compassion come together, incredible things can happen.
👉 Learn more about becoming a Host Home provider at riseservicesincor.org/host-homes
Sprout Film Festival 2025 Shines Bright in Springfield!
The Sprout Film Festival, presented annually by Full Access, once again brought joy, creativity, and community together on September 19, 2025, at the beautiful ARC Park in Springfield, Oregon. Each year, this special event showcases films that celebrate the voices, stories, and artistic talents of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
This year’s festival was a vibrant evening under the stars at the Comcast Amphitheater, filled with laughter, inspiration, and connection. Attendees enjoyed a lineup of heartfelt and thought-provoking short films that highlight inclusion, creativity, and the shared human experience. Families, friends, and community members gathered with blankets and lawn chairs to cheer, laugh, and sometimes tear up as they watched the incredible work of talented filmmakers from across the country.
The event was made possible thanks to the generous support of our community sponsors — Allies, LLC, Goodwill Industries, and Connections NW — whose dedication to inclusion and empowerment helps make this event free and open to everyone year after year.
The Sprout Film Festival continues to be one of the most anticipated events of the year for Full Access and the greater Springfield-Eugene community. It’s a true celebration of diversity, self-expression, and belonging — reminding us all that every story deserves to be seen and heard.
👉 Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/sproutfilmfestival/
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Thank you to our generous site sponsors Connections NW & New Horizons In-Home Care.