About Us
About Empowered Services
Our Goal is Empowerment
Finding a sense of purpose and fulfillment can be challenging in a world that often feels overwhelming and uncertain. But what if you could make a difference in someone’s life, every single day? What if you could help empower individuals with special needs to live happier, more fulfilling lives?
At Empowered Services, that’s exactly what we do. We are a team of dedicated professionals passionate about supporting individuals with special needs and their families. Our mission is to provide the highest level of care and support to help our clients thrive.
But our work goes beyond just providing care. We believe in empowering our clients to live their lives to the fullest. We work tirelessly to connect individuals and families with the resources they need to reach their goals and achieve their dreams. Our approach is personalized and compassionate, ensuring that each person receives the support they need to succeed.
Whether it’s helping a child with special needs access educational resources or supporting an adult with disabilities in their quest for independence, our team is committed to positively impacting the lives of those we serve. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a happy and fulfilling life, and we are dedicated to making that a reality for our clients.
So if you’re looking for a way to make a real difference in the world, consider joining the Empowered Services team. Whether you’re a caregiver, administrative professional, or passionate advocate, we have a place for you. Together, we can help empower individuals with special needs to live their best lives and improve our world.
We aim to empower, inspire, support, and provide opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Oregon. Our trained Direct Support Providers (DSPs) empower and enhance lives with necessary life skills. We work closely with our customers, guardians, and families to establish and accomplish self-directed goals to thrive at home and in the community.
Who We Are
John
FOUNDER / EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Meet John, the Founder and Executive Director of Empowered Services. John is a Canby, Oregon native who has been passionate about supporting individuals with special needs since his high school days. He worked as a teacher’s aide for students with special needs and volunteered with Special Olympics during his high school years. Since then, John has continued to support individuals with special needs in various roles, including as a provider and on the Special Olympics Oregon Planning Board.
John is a devoted family man and was married for 36 years before his wife passed away in 2022. He has two sons, two daughters-in-law, and six grandchildren. John is an active member of his church and the community. He enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, bow-hunting, and immersing himself in nature.
John’s education includes a bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministries and a master’s degree in Christian Ministries with an emphasis on Organizational Leadership from George Fox University. His greatest joy at Empowered Services is seeing customers and their families matched with excellent providers. He believes that by providing support and empowering customers, their families can find relief and feel that they are making a difference in the world.
John’s vision and commitment to supporting individuals with special needs have been instrumental in the growth and success of Empowered Services. His leadership and dedication inspire the team to continue making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.
John says, “When we offer support so that customers are empowered, and the family’s weight is lifted, we are making a difference and making our world a better place!
Brinnon
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Meet Brinnon, our Assistant Director at Empowered Services. Brinnon is a husband who loves his wife and is actively involved in his church and community. He is passionate about singing, listening to music, and playing the piano. He also enjoys spending time in nature, camping, fishing, and being surrounded by the beauty of the forest.
Brinnon was born in Puyallup, Washington, and moved to Portland, Oregon, with his family at a young age. He is the oldest of five children and has parents who are still happily married and pastors in their local church. Brinnon attended Portland Bible College and Clackamas Community College and is currently working towards completing his Associate’s Degree before pursuing a Degree in Counseling.
Brinnon’s heart and passion are for people, and he wants to see them live out their passions and dreams. He volunteers with his local church in Music and Men’s Ministries and has traveled on mission trips to several countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. Brinnon believes in empowering and uplifting those around him to be the best they can be.
With his passion for people, commitment to excellence, and desire to see others thrive, Brinnon is a valuable member of our team at Empowered Services. We are thrilled to have him as our Assistant Director and look forward to the positive impact he will continue to make on the lives of those we serve.
My ultimate desire is to see people live out their passions and dreams!
Who We Are
Meet Our Amazing Team
At Empowered Services, we are more than just a team – we are a family of compassionate and dedicated individuals who share a passion for helping others. We understand that providing the highest level of care and support to our customers and caregivers is not just about having the right skills and experience, but also about having a heart that truly cares. That’s why each member of our team has been carefully selected for their exceptional skills, professionalism, and, most importantly, their genuine compassion for others.
From our caregivers to our administrative staff, everyone on our team is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of our clients and their families. We understand that every individual is unique and has different needs, which is why we tailor our services to meet each person’s specific requirements. Our team members are experts in their respective fields and are always eager to learn and improve.
Whether it’s providing compassionate care, offering emotional support, or handling administrative tasks, each member of our team is passionate about empowering our clients and caregivers to lead fulfilling and independent lives. We take pride in our work and are committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence in everything we do.
So, if you are looking for a team that truly cares, Empowered Services is the right choice for you. Let us show you what we can do to help you or your loved ones lead a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
Dylan
Hiring Lead & DSP
“A smile is a light in your window that tells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside.” -Denis Waitley
April
Billing Specialist
I love being able to connect our customers with providers that care for them.
Connie
County Co-Ordinator
It's my hearts desire to see people's lives change dramatically for the better. I get to do that on the regular! I love helping people be their best selves with new resources, love, and encouragement.
Meet Dylan, the Recruitment Lead at Empowered Services.
Dylan shared, “I’ve lived in Salem all my life and grew up around children of all ages and abilities, thanks to my mom, who ran and worked in daycares for many years. This experience instilled in me a deep sense of patience, understanding, and a strong desire to help others.
I am very passionate about health, fitness, and spending time in nature— especially hiking! During Summer, I enjoy hunting waterfall trails— Abiqua Falls is one of my favorite here in Oregon and I highly recommend it if you haven’t been. I spend at least 4-6 days a week in the gym training. I believe taking care of our minds and bodies is an essential path to living a long and fulfilling life, and I love motivating others to do the same.
Through my own experiences and interactions within the I/DD community, I have come to understand the unique challenges they face on a daily basis and the little things we can do to help. This is why I am glad to be a part of a team that is devoted to helping the I/DD community improve their lives through the development of new skills and opportunities, and I enjoy growing with them!”
Meet April, our talented Billing Specialist at Empowered Services. With a diverse background in payroll, administration, and logistics, April brings a wealth of experience to her role. She is a proud wife and mother to three beautiful children, and her love for family is evident in everything she does.
April is a graduate of George Fox University, where she earned a degree in psychology, fitness management, and Christian Ministries. Her passion for education extends beyond her academic achievements, as she believes in the power of continuous learning.
When she is not busy crunching numbers, April enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, gardening, cooking, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts. Her commitment to personal growth and unwavering dedication to her work make her a valued member of our team.
In her free time, Connie enjoys crafting, reading, and traveling to new and exciting places. She has a deep faith and finds solace in gardening and being surrounded by flowers.
Connie’s personal journey with her son inspired her to join the Empowered Services team over four years ago. She was not aware that such agencies existed and was overwhelmed by the lack of resources available to her son. Since joining our team, Connie has learned a great deal about the services and support available to families with special needs.
Her passion for helping families gain knowledge, resources, and hope for their loved ones with special needs led her to become our County Coordinator. In this role, she works tirelessly to connect families with the resources and support they need to improve their quality of life. Connie’s dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of families with special needs is unmatched.
If you or a loved one needs support with special needs, you can count on Connie to guide you through the process and provide the resources and assistance you need. Her expertise and commitment to empowering families make her an invaluable asset to our team.
Micah
Technology Manager & DSP
The people we serve often have deep reservoirs of beauty and artfulness that go unseen their entire lives. I see my role as ensuring that they have a solid foundation from which to grow and shine.
Joy
Customer Intake Specialist
"Every individual we serve holds a unique brilliance. Our role? To provide the sturdy foundation from which they can shine their brightest light."
We are proud to introduce Micah, a compassionate caregiver and advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Micah’s journey began as a teacher’s aide, where he worked alongside people with disabilities. Later, while working as a caregiver, he observed the many ways that people with disabilities often fall through the cracks, leading to tragic outcomes such as homelessness and imprisonment.
Motivated to make a difference, Micah joined the Oregon Youth Authority, where he provided support to young people with disabilities in high-security environments, including those in isolation and on suicide-watch. Through this experience, Micah gained valuable insights into the systemic barriers that prevent people with disabilities from accessing the support they need.
Determined to make a difference, Micah began working with eligibility systems for the Department of Human Services. Here, he witnessed firsthand the inefficiencies and disconnects between the legislated eligibility procedures and their implementation.
Today, Micah uses his expertise and experience to support caregiving organizations in various ways. He is a true champion for people with disabilities and is committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent them from accessing the support they need to thrive. His unwavering dedication and advocacy make him an invaluable member of our team at Empowered Services.
We’re excited to introduce our newest team member, Joy Whitmore, who recently joined Empowered Services as our Customer Intake Specialist. Based in Portland, Oregon, Joy is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in recruiting, business development, and job development.
Joy’s impressive career spans over two decades, and has held key roles in several organizations. Before joining us, Joy worked at Full Life from 2020 to 2023, initially as a Job Developer and later in Recruiting and Business Development. In these roles, she showcased her expertise in identifying potential candidates, conducting interviews, performing background checks, and maintaining effective communication with employers.
Before Full Life, Joy had a successful stint at Goodwill of Columbia Willamette as an Employment Specialist. There, she managed a caseload of 500-600 job seekers at any given time, helping them to craft effective resumes and cover letters, conducting mock interviews, and providing necessary job-readiness support.
Joy also demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit when she ran her consulting firm, Fresh Start Consulting, from 2005 to 2013. As the owner and Job Developer, Joy worked with clients from Oregon State Vocational Rehabilitation, helping them become job-ready, find employment, and provide coaching once they were employed.
Joy’s commitment to service extends beyond her professional roles. As a volunteer, she has made substantial contributions to organizations like Autism Speaks and Transitional Youth. At Autism Speaks, she led the Walk Now for Autism Speaks initiative as Chair, coordinating fundraising events, recruiting volunteers, and advocating for autism awareness. At Transitional Youth, she assists homeless youth in preparing for employment, helping them with job readiness, resume building, and interview practice.
Joy’s passion for helping others and her extensive experience in the field make her an invaluable addition to our team. We look forward to seeing the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to Empowered Services. Welcome aboard, Joy!