Empowered-Services

Oregon IDD Support Services

Empowering lives, one person at a time.

Person-centered support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Oregon — matching people and families with trained DSPs, trusted caregivers, and local Care Coordinators who build support around real relationships.

Need support? Start with intake. Want to serve? Learn the work, show DSP interest, or apply for an open role.

Prefer to talk first? Call 503-855-3581 · Mon–Fri, 8:00 am–5:00 pm PT

200+ Families

Currently Supported in Oregon

200+ DSPs

Trained & Matched 1:1

11 Counties

Currently Served · Statewide Vision

Bilingual

English & Spanish Support

We do not just fill shifts. We build the right fit.

Every match considers personality, routines, communication style, language preference, goals, location, and support style — because support works better when the relationship works.

Build Your Path

Not sure where to start?

Choose the situation closest to yours. We will point you toward the clearest next step without making you guess.

Start Your Intake

Tell us about the person, county, support goals, and preferred match. A Care Coordinator typically follows up within 1–2 business days.

Who this is for Adults with IDD Families & caregivers Services Coordinators Personal Agents Future DSPs

Read the transcript →

From Our Founder

Hear our story in John’s words.

Empowered Services was founded by John D. Marvin and his late first wife, Sarah, with one belief: individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve more than care — they deserve dignity, opportunity, and people who truly see them.

Today, that legacy continues across Oregon through dedicated Care Coordinators, person-centered DSP matching, and the Empowered Choice Program that turns trusted relationships into supported care relationships.

Family-rooted. Oregon-grown. Built around real people, real relationships, and support that feels personal.

The Empowered Match Method

Support works better when the match is right.

We do not just match by availability. Seven things shape every great DSP relationship because daily support depends on more than a calendar.

Three commitments at the heart of every match:
01

Inspiration

We see possibility first — helping each person imagine more independence, more confidence, and more meaningful connection in daily life.

Independence Confidence Belonging
01

Personality

The kind of company that feels easy, safe, and human.

02

Routines

Morning rhythms, evening habits, and what makes a day feel steady.

03

Communication

Words, signs, devices, quiet presence, and how someone feels heard.

04

Goals

Independence, community, employment, confidence, and growth.

05

Language

English, Spanish, ASL, or another preferred way to connect with dignity.

06

Location

Same county, nearby community, or a short drive from daily life.

07

Support Style

Hands-on coaching, gentle company, or somewhere between.

Ready when you are

Tell us what matters.

We’ll find your match.

Oregon IDD Library

What are you trying to figure out?

Pick a topic and we will point you toward the best Oregon IDD resource, service pathway, or next step.

Browse the full resource library →

Browse IDD Resources for Oregon Families

County-by-county guides, monthly community newsletters, and curated supports beyond direct services — for individuals, families, Services Coordinators, and Personal Agents across Oregon.

Explore IDD Resources
What We Do

Our core support services.

Personalized support tailored to individual needs — coordinated locally, grounded in real relationships, and delivered across 11 Oregon counties.

A Real Week Of Support

What support can look like in real life.

Small practical steps — repeated consistently — can build confidence, independence, connection, and rhythm.

Monday

Plan routines

Review schedule, goals, appointments, groceries, and weekly support needs.

How It Works

From hello to ongoing support

Realistic timing, no surprises. Here's exactly what to expect from your first call onward.

Day 1
1

Submit Your Intake

A short online form (about 5 minutes), or a phone call if you'd rather talk first.

Start Your Intake
Days 1–2
2

Care Coordinator Connects

Your Care Coordinator reaches out within 1–2 business days to understand needs, goals, and preferences.

Week 1
3

DSP Matching

We match thoughtfully, then arrange a meet-and-greet so you can confirm the fit feels right.

Ongoing
4

Support Begins

Your DSP starts. Coordinator stays in touch. We adjust as life changes — because life always does.

Empowered Choice Program

Already have the right person? We can help make it official.

Through the Empowered Choice Program, eligible Oregon families can bring a trusted family member or close friend into the official care team — fully trained, supported, and paid.

What if care could come from someone who already knows your routines, communication style, and heart?

Adult customer with a trusted family caregiver reviewing support routines for the Empowered Choice Program
Success Stories

Real families. Real change.

Public reviews from the people we serve across Oregon. See all on Google →

Has Empowered Services made a difference in your life?

Google Reviews →Facebook →
Where We Serve

Local support across 11 Oregon counties.

Empowered Services organizes support around real Oregon regions, with Care Coordinators who live and work in the communities they serve.

Find your county contact.

Choose your county to see the Care Coordinator or regional team connected to that service area.

Washington County

Kennedy · Care Coordinator

Kennedy supports families in Washington and Yamhill counties.

Spanish-speaking families: bilingual English/Spanish intake and support are available statewide.

Do not see your county? Contact us — we welcome inquiries from all 36 Oregon counties and can confirm availability or route the next step.

More Ways To Connect

Support, service, and purpose.

Whether you are seeking support, looking for resources, or called to serve as a DSP — there is a clear next step.

Need Oregon IDD resources?

Find county guides, monthly newsletters, eligibility direction, and curated supports for families and referral partners across Oregon.

Common Questions

What people ask first.

Fast answers about services, county availability, caregiver choice, DSP work, and getting started.

What does Empowered Services do?

We provide person-centered support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Oregon, including DSP matching, life skills, community involvement, daily living support, and caregiver-choice pathways for eligible families. See all services →

Where in Oregon do you serve?

We currently serve 11 counties: Washington, Multnomah, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Yamhill, Polk, Marion, Benton, Linn, and Lane. Statewide inquiries are accepted, though service availability may vary by county.

How do I start services?

Submit the Customer Intake Form and a Care Coordinator typically follows up within 1–2 business days to discuss county availability, support needs, goals, and matching preferences.

Can a family member be paid as a caregiver?

Yes. Through the Empowered Choice Program, eligible customers may identify a trusted family member or friend to apply as their paid Direct Support Professional. See how caregiver choice works →

How do I apply to work as a DSP?

Follow the DSP hiring pathway: Join Our Team to learn what the work is like, Start DSP Interest if you want to be matched or guided, or visit Career Openings to apply for a specific open role.

Still Deciding?

Choose the next step that fits.

You do not have to know the perfect path. Start with the option closest to your situation, and we will help route you from there.

Already With Us?

Find your next step.

Whether you are a DSP referring another caregiver, a family referring someone who may need support, or just looking for resources — here is where to go.

For DSPs · Referral Bonus

Refer another DSP and earn up to $1,000.

$500 when your referral is matched and works 20+ hours per month for 3 months. Another $500 at 6 months — $1,000 total.

The best DSPs often come from people we already trust. If you know someone who would be great at this work, refer them — and earn the bonus when they are matched and working consistently.

For Customers & Families

Already part of our family? Help us grow it.

If someone you know could benefit from IDD support like yours, refer them through customer intake. Or find Oregon IDD resources — eligibility guides, forms, and county information — for your own family.

Customer and family referrals are word-of-mouth and are not part of the DSP referral bonus program.

Take The Next Step

Ready to be part of something meaningful?

Whether you are seeking support for a loved one or called to serve as a Direct Support Professional — there is a place for you here.

Questions about services? Call 503-855-3581

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