- Connect: We connect families to each other so that they feel less alone
- Discover: We help families navigate support and services by sharing information
- Welcome: We assist local communities in welcoming and supporting all families
Because Bridging Communities is family-led, it is constantly evolving to be responsive to the interests and needs of families. Examples of opportunities that Bridging Communities may facilitate include parent-to-parent mentoring, trainings and workshops, social events, and spaces to connect virtually. Meetings for moms, dads, and sibling groups offer the chance for family members to connect with others who share similar experiences and exchange resources, ideas, and encouragement.
Bridging Communities also works to help make communities more welcoming for the families of individuals living with disabilities. This includes advocacy, community-based events and supporting families in taking on leadership roles that help support inclusive communities.
All families are welcome at all Bridging Communities meetings and events. We are working to build an inclusive, diverse, community where each member’s voice and experience is valued and respected.
OUR VISION
To connect families with resources and each other; and support communities in being welcoming, strong, and diverse.
CORE BELIEF
Bridging Communities, along with six other family networks statewide, form the Oregon Consortium of Family Networks (OCFN). We believe:
- Disability is one of many types of human diversity.
- Families with high expectations for their children raise adults with high expectations.
- All families have strengths and valuable experiences.
- Peer support is sustainable, empowers families and changes lives.
- Empowered families strengthen communities.
- The role of service systems is to complement the support that exists in community
At Living Opportunities we all aspire to the same goal: that the individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live with dignity, and experience meaningful work and rewarding careers.
We work hard to ensure that individuals with disabilities are included as an integral part of our community. It has only been in the last two decades that we’ve been able to imagine that people with disabilities could live in an apartment on their own and work in a regular job in the community. We need to continue to think big. We need to be here for generations to come, and continue growing and meeting the new challenges we encounter, to stay on the leading edge of support for people with disabilities and their families.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead