Voices
At Reach Out Oregon, we want every voice to be heard. Sharing our stories is vital to reducing stigma and building a strong support network for Oregon families.
Your story matters. We want to understand the needs of our community members, and in order to understand your needs, we first need to know your story. In sharing your personal testimony with us, you will not only help contribute to the bettering of your own support system, but the support systems of others in your community as well. So please, share your family’s story with us and join those who have already shared their testimonies in helping to increase the quality and capacity of the support we are able to provide to you and your community.
As you listen to the unique voices here, we hope you will be inspired to reach out and share your perspective.
Meet some of our amazing Oregon Community and find out why they Reached Out.
Family Member
Gloria is a parent and fierce advocate for her family. She is reaching out to remind us that it is okay to face challenges and that we are all here to support one another.
Program Officer, Oregon Community Foundation
Michael serves as Program Officer for the Oregon Community Foundation. Reach Out Oregon is grateful to OCF for for being an early investor in the initiative. Michael is reaching out to support statewide growth in increased training, tools, and community based collaboration so that we all have better solutions for our families.
Family Member
Nelva is a parent who hopes to inspire our community to reach out for help early and often in our journey caring for young people with complex needs. She is reaching out so that we all know that we are not alone; we're in this together!
Executive Director, Asian Health and Service Center
Holden is the Executive Director of the Asian Health and Service Center and serves as an Advisor to Reach Out Oregon. He is a regional and state-wide leader on diversity and inclusion in social service programs. He is reaching out to acknowledge how difficult it can feel to face stigma when our child experiences complex challenges; encouraging us to break through the barriers of isolation and share our experiences with others.
Family Member
Miles is a parent who knows first hand what it is like to raise a young person who experiences complex needs. He hopes to see better coordination between systems in order to support families well. He is reaching out so that others know how important it is to have a community.
Has Reach Out Oregon inspired you? Please tell us about it!
I am so grateful forgrateful_mama
I am so grateful for Reach Out Oregon. Thank you for being there for families!
During COVID-19 I have feltWanda Getz
During COVID-19 I have felt so isolated and alone. Trying to work from home and have my kids running around has my nerves on edge. My husband lost his job and I have been the only income which also has made me feel scared and not knowing where to turn. Reach Out Oregon has made me feel like I have some place where I can talk to other parents. People have listened when I felt like I had no one to listen. I thought I would feel judged when I was at my end. I did not want to be a mom some days. They told me that was ok, that my feelings were valid and I was not alone in feeling this way, that they feel that way sometimes too. I love that who ever answers has gone through the same things that I have, they are not judgemental, they are not full of answers, they are just listening.
Connecting with other parents whoModmom
Connecting with other parents who have been through challenges like mine has been so nice. I thought I was the only one and would hold back from sharing my experience. I felt protective of how story. Getting to share has really helped us heal. I have learned so much from others and am grateful to be able to be part of a parenting community like this. Many times I felt overwhelmed and hopeless, but connecting to others around my families mental health issues has really helped. It made a really hard journey, a little bit easier. still difficult, but no so lonely.
