On-The-Move Community Integration

I visited On the Move for its Halloween party yesterday, and I was so happy to have the opportunity to meet such wonderful people. As a wheelchair user, I appreciate its emphasis on social justice and modeling healthy, caring relationships for people who may have limited experience with disability. On the Move has a personal approach to breaking down barriers to social inclusion that I really value.

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I grew up with a brother who has Down Syndrome, and our relationship has influenced so many parts of my life. I am so proud of his amazing talents, his spark, and the love that he shares with so many people. We always challenge each other to pursue our passions and to be the best people we can be- but as many others who have special needs, he is constantly facing obstacles, and a new page of them going into adulthood. What first struck me when I learned about On-the-Move was the emphasis on how fundamental it is for our community to more greatly appreciate those who have differences, and I knew I wanted to be part of this. On-the-Move works to empower participants and to genuine relationships- and from the small group model to the morning group planning sessions, you can see this played out from day to day. And, On-the-Move is fun- it's definitely an inspiration to see everyone have genuine support for each other. I'm excited for OTM's future :)

I have volunteered several times in the last year to help individual adults to learn to read. The staff is positive and welcoming to both the learners and tutors. I like that this is a local community based group and that they are flexible and encouraging, no matter what the experience level of the volunteer.
I also appreciate the time frames for classes, they are usually 6 weeks per class. This allows for me as a volunteer to make a commitment without having to tie down a long stretch of time. The leaders of this group are warm and accepting and work hard to make sure everyone is included and heard.
I would encourage anyone who is looking for a volunteer opportunity to give them a try, it is easy and rewarding.

The On-The-Move organization gives my daughter an opportunity to socialize, make close friends, and get out into the community. Getting out and about with people other than family is such a great chance for her. She loves the staff and even gets some one-on-one time to assist her growth. With On-The-Move she gets many experiences she would never get such as events at Pioneer Square, open air markets at the park blocks, activities with friends at parks, hands on activities provided by businesses. I am extremely grateful for the
On-The-Move organization.

I like On-the-Move! It's a joyful place. I really like all of the staff that are here. They spend a lot of time really getting to know people and understand everyone. I also enjoy all the activities- especially when we do arts and crafts and when we explore art galleries.

I like On-the-Move every day. because I hang out with my friends. I go to the potluck for volunteering at the food bank.

I love On-the-Move. The staff worry about my safety. We just have fun."

Shout out to On-the-Move staff who are understanding, helpful and friendly. My loved one participates in the program and continues to thrive. On-the-Move gives us purpose and much needed balance in our lives.

What a special place On the Move Community Integration is. As a reading volunteer, I got to witness a passionate, joyful, wildly capable and patient team give their best week in and week out to their participants. They are constantly working to figure out new ways their group can get involved in meaningful activities and experiences all over the Portland. The heart of the staff - from the Executive Director, Leah, to the other volunteers and ultimately seeping into the hearts of the participants - is SERVICE. I would love to see this place grow into a new space, new programs, and more involvement in Portland and beyond because I have experienced first hand the true value this organization offers - to it's participants AND to the community. SO GREAT.

A friend of mine asked me to volunteer to paint faces during a Family and Friends gathering last weekend. I love my friend and I love to paint faces so off we went. We were also joined by another friend. After the event the three of us had several conversations about how wonderful this group is. The energy and atmosphere was positive from start to finish. We all had a wonderful time and felt blessed having spent time with this group.

However, what really impressed us was the interaction between the staff and participants. There were no visible lines drawn. Everyone was treated as an equal with respect and dignity. All three of us came away feeling the same way about this group.

This organization is a model for how all human beings need to behave with one another.

I would love to work with On-The-Move Community Integration again.