MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

October 8, 2021

Dear Living Opportunities Partners,

I’m sure we can all agree that the last 18 months have brought us many challenges, unexpected changes, & stretched our ability to ‘adapt & overcome’. We have navigated our way through wildfires, COVID-19, ever changing State, Federal & local health mandates and most recently – transition of leadership here at Living Opportunities.

Together we have persevered because of our supporters as well as the work from our committed staff who are deeply devoted to the people we serve and support. We are strong and resilient in the face of adversity and I believe that we will continue to successfully navigate what comes our way next.

On the topic of ‘next’, I am excited, humbled, and honored to share that I have been selected to be the CEO of Living Opportunities. When I started working at Living Opportunities 25 years ago, I instantly connected to the meaningful work that we do and with the people we serve and support. Throughout the course of my career, I have been a Direct Support Professional, promoted and moved into other positions and prior to my appointment to CEO, I served as the Director of Employment Services.

Living Opportunities has a history of strong and innovative leadership that has grown our organization for decades. These leaders have created a legacy that I am eager to carry on into the future. Over the years my passion has strengthened because our Mission, Vision, and Values are at the very core of everything we do. It is my commitment to all of you that together – we will continue to advance our mission and vision each and every day.

I look forward to connecting with you.

All the best,

 

Amber Robles Myre
CEO

OUR VISION

Our Vision is a welcoming community that embraces individuality and passionately supports and empowers people. Our Mission is to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live in the same neighborhoods, work for the same employers, and share in the same experiences to which we all aspire.

WHAT WE DO

As one of the largest service providers to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Southern Oregon, we meet basic needs and provide services to hundreds of individuals of all ages.

Developmental disabilities include intellectual impairment, autism, cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, and other neurological conditions.

Residential Services provide around the clock person-centric continuous care for individuals who live in small groups of three to five people in Medford and Central Point.

Supported Living assists individuals who live in the setting of their choosing with safety, personal independence, and a strong sense of community.

Job Coaches support over 110 people in over 80 businesses in the Rogue Valley. Our supported employment services are designed to fulfill labor needs for businesses while providing meaningful employment for the individuals Living Opportunities represents.

The Studio at Living Opportunities offers artists, musicians, and actors a welcoming environment for creative expression and personal development through painting sessions, guitar and keyboard lessons, drama classes, and more.

Living Opportunities offers specialized consulting and training in communication and positive behavior support, as well as social skills, relationships, and intimacy. We offer these services across all age groups, including children. The consultants have particular expertise in neuro-behavioral disorders, with a focus on the use of environmental and visual structured support systems. We support families, foster providers, and other agencies.

OUR IMPACT

At Living Opportunities we all aspire to the same goal:  that the individuals who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities live with dignity and experience meaningful work and rewarding careers.

We work hard to ensure that individuals with disabilities are included as an integral part of our community. It has only been in the last few decades that we’ve been able to imagine that people with disabilities could live in an apartment on their own and work in a regular job in the community. We need to continue to think big. We need to be here for generations to come, and continue growing and meeting the new challenges we encounter, to stay on the leading edge of support for people with disabilities and their families.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead