The people of Horizon come from various backgrounds. Their stories are moving and compelling, and a few are provided here. To respect people’s privacy and to maintain confidentiality, stories are real; names are not. There is no correlation between the stories and the people pictured on the Horizon web site.
Colleen’s Story
Colleen came to Horizon through an adult protective services investigation at her family home. She was on dialysis, very underweight, sick and needed supports for her medical condition. She was not eligible for a kidney transplant because of her other poor health conditions and because she struggled to manage her diet on her own.
After a year living with Horizon, Colleen was healthy enough to be put on the transplant list because of her support from staff. A few years ago she received her transplant, but this serious medical procedure required her to live within a short distance of OHSU to receive aftercare and monitoring – outside of Horizon’s geographic service area
Horizon did not want to give up on this young lady and wanted to continue supporting her even though were only licensed in Umatilla county. Horizon advocated with the State to become licensed in Washington county for this one person and developed a Supported Living Program for her for 5 week
She has since recovered and returned home to Umatilla county, where she is supported in aftercare as needed to help support her new kidney. She enjoys listening to music, has a good sense of humor, and loves chocolate and her friends.
Jack’s Story
Horizon has served Jack for over 20 years through our Supported Living Program. Until 2015 he worked also in our Sheltered Workshop where he sorted materials for recycling. Though Jack enjoyed the social aspect of being with other clients he became bored, unmotivated, and would often come to the facility preferring to sleep. When asked what type of work he would enjoy and had always wanted to do, Jack replied “a dishwasher!”
So Jack entered Horizon’s Discovery process and began visiting various kitchens to get a better sense of what the job would entail. Horizon mentors helped him understand the speed and skills needed to perform the tasks that would be required. Horizon also assessed the physical accommodations that would be required for him to complete the job successfully and helped procure the adaptive devices needed.
With his dream within reach, Jack’s attitude and motivation increased; he worked hard to meet the goals required to obtain integrated employment. For the past several years, Jack has been employed part time as a dishwasher and live independently with structured supports from Horizon’s Supported Living DSPs
Horizon Heroes
In my childhood, I went to church with an older gentleman who didn’t speak and often made loud noises, but always looked SO happy! Every week, he’d shake my hand, kiss my cheek and hand me a piece of spearmint gum. He accompanied his parents, and though he was older, he seemed to relate better to us kids. He was so sweet and full of life, I loved seeing him singing hymns and moving his hands along — he became my buddy. Then on my first day in this field, 25+ years ago, his was the first face I saw as I walked into a group home. I had no idea he lived there, but I knew right away that I was in the right place, in every sense of the word.
— Shannon, Site Manager
Nicole* was a rather challenging client, but my favorite memory was a perfect girls’ night at home. That day, she was terribly sleep deprived but going strong, and asked “make me pretty.” We started with two bottles of hair dye for her thick hair. As it set, I painted her nails — fingers and toes. She wanted her hair down, so we did an hour of blow drying before curling. After makeup, she asked me to take pictures for her Facebook because she felt so beautiful. We picked the perfect outfit, and she said she never felt prettier. Luckily, after all the fun, Nicole was finally able to sleep.
Paige, DSP2/Scheduling Coordinator
* Name changed to protect privacy.
Why I work at Horizon
I work at Horizon because I love to see the joy on clients’ faces. Whether it is learning a new skill, getting a job in the community, being successful in their community job, winning a game, seeing their favorite staff or seeing their friends…their smiles warm my heart. I like to help them learn something new or help them get better at something they like. This job has brought so much joy into my life, I could not imagine working anywhere else.
Kalyn, Employment Professional
I work at Horizon Project because nothing compares to seeing one of our clients work hard and reach their goal. Seeing the smile on their face and the excitement in their eyes when they learn something new is the best feeling. I believe in them and they believe in themselves, there is nothing more rewarding.
Eilleen, Employment Manager
Taking clients to musical events is my favorite memory of working for Horizon.
– Michael, Direct Service Professional
The teamwork, my boss, the family atmosphere, the difference this company makes in every day living for our clients — that’s what I like most about working for Horizon.
– Brandi, Training and Development Manager
A while back, I went shopping with a client I’ll call Jessica. Entering the store, she meowed and had some social anxiety. I reassured her she was safe, and we did her shopping just fine. When the cashier asked how she was, Jessica said, “Oh, I’m fine, honey. I’m just a little bit yell-y and scream-y today.” Jessica’s simple honesty was one of the things I loved about her.
John, Direct Support Professional