Freedom, Belonging,
and a Month Full
of Good Things
The July 2026 newsletter is here — packed with independence, community milestones, and real stories worth every minute of your time.
Read the Full Newsletter →July isn't just fireworks and barbecues. At Empowered Services, it's a month to reflect on what freedom truly means — the daily freedom to make choices, build confidence, and live a life on your own terms. This edition captures all of that, and then some.
A July Welcome from John Marvin
Founder John Marvin writes with deep personal conviction about what independence means to the IDD community — not as a concept, but as a daily practice. Behind every service plan, he says, is a person with a story, a voice, and a future. This letter will stay with you.
Welcoming Mellisa Grizzell to the Team
She's a proud Oregon native with 9 years of recruiting experience, a gift for making friends anywhere she goes, and a passion for helping people find careers where they truly belong. Meet Mellisa, the newest addition to the Empowered Services family.
Why We Celebrate Independence Day
For the people Empowered serves, independence isn't just a holiday — it's choosing what to eat, where to go, and how to spend a day. July 4th takes on a whole new meaning when viewed through this lens. A thoughtful, moving piece you won't want to skip.
Disability Pride Month — "The World Works Better With Us"
July is Disability Pride Month, and this year's theme says it all. The newsletter explores what it means to celebrate disability as part of human diversity — and how Empowered Services lives this truth every single day.
"Behind every service plan is a person with a story, a voice, a family, and a future. Your voice matters, your choices matter, and you belong."
— John Marvin, Founder & Owner · Empowered Services
Harley
He's volunteering with Meals on Wheels, organizing a community fishing event at Junction City Pond, and proving that giving back can take any shape. Harley's story is a masterclass in showing up for others — and inviting everyone along for the ride.
Betty Aflleje
Betty helped a customer go from rarely leaving home to volunteering in his community and planning a fishing meetup. When her customer reflected on his progress, he said: "Yeah, you could say I'm pretty happy these days." That says everything.
July Is Packed with Good Reasons to Show Up
From sensory-friendly movie nights to disc golf, library crafts to weekly bowling — there's something for every member of the community.
There's So Much More
Waiting for You
Patriotic recipes, a fireworks blower craft, sensory-friendly fireworks guides, wellness raffle updates, free July events across Oregon, and the full IDD Resources Hub — all in the July 2026 newsletter.