Personality
The kind of company that feels easy, safe, and human.
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? Start with the DSP pathway.
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
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
Routines
Morning rhythms, evening habits, and what makes a day feel steady.
Communication
Words, signs, devices, quiet presence, and how someone feels heard.
Goals
Independence, community, employment, confidence, and growth.
Language
English, Spanish, ASL, or another preferred way to connect with dignity.
Location
Same county, nearby community, or a short drive from daily life.
Support Style
Hands-on coaching, gentle company, or somewhere between.
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 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 ResourcesWhat We Do
Our core support services.
Personalized support tailored to individual needs — coordinated locally, grounded in real relationships, and delivered across 11 Oregon counties.
01Life Skills Training
Daily routines, personal care, home skills, and practical independence.
Explore →
02Community Involvement
Social activities, appointments, recreation, and everyday community life.
Explore →
03Meal Planning Support
Meal routines, grocery planning, food choices, and day-to-day structure.
Explore →
04Cooking & Self-Sustenance
Safe cooking, simple meals, kitchen routines, and self-care.
Explore →
05Shopping & Budgeting
Shopping lists, planning purchases, money routines, and confidence.
Explore →
06Movement & Daily Activity
Walking, recreation, active routines, and meaningful participation.
Explore →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 IntakeDays 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?
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.
Oregon Coverage
Four active regions. One team across Oregon.
We currently provide active support in 11 Oregon counties, are building toward additional regions, and welcome inquiries from all 36 counties so we can confirm availability or help route the next step.
11Counties Served
4Active Regions
+18Coming Next
11 counties currently served
Start intake
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.
For DSPs
Become a Direct Support Professional and help individuals with IDD build independence, connection, and confidence across Oregon communities.
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?
Start with Join Our Team to learn about the work, submit DSP interest through the Become a DSP page, or visit Career Openings if you are ready to apply for an 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.
01
I need support
I'm exploring IDD support for myself or someone I love.
Start intake 02I want to choose my caregiver
I want a trusted family member or friend to become my paid Direct Support Professional.
Explore ECP 03I want meaningful work
I want to support people with IDD and build real relationships in Oregon communities.
Become a DSP 04I'm a referral partner
I'm a Services Coordinator, Personal Agent, school, hospital, or community partner.
Refer or connectAlready 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
