A VOICE and A CHOICE for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. | | |
Community Highlight
Assuring a VOICE and a CHOICE for 25 Years
| Integrated Services Network Support Services Brokerage (ISN) was established in 2001, celebrating its 25th anniversary in October 2026! When ISN began, it served 112 individuals experiencing intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) in the community. Now, ISN is proud to serve more than 500 individuals across 8 Oregon counties, creating a community of belonging through compassionate connection. | | |
“As I look toward the next 25 years, my hope for ISN is that it continues to be a trusted source of support and advocacy in the I/DD community."
Jill Sorensen, COO
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Chief Operations Officer Jill Sorensen has been with ISN since the very beginning. “I was with ISN from the start in 2001. I believe my original ISN employee number was 001,” she said.
Stephanie Stoker, ISN Program Director, was also involved in the early stages of ISN, joining the team 19 years ago. “As a Personal Agent during the early years, I was part of the team that enrolled the last of the individuals off of the waitlist for services that they had been on for a very long time,” she said. “It was very exciting and satisfying to be able to be at the beginning of people obtaining access to services.”
Joan Falardeau began as a Personal Agent, serving Marion and Polk Counties. “I had the privilege of learning a whole new system and a way of providing services that had never been provided in Oregon,” she said.
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Individual Highlight
Ryan and Kristie Reflect on Their Journey With ISN
As ISN celebrates 25 years, Ryan and his mom, Kristie, help tell the story of what lasting support, community connection, and opportunity can mean over time.
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Ryan and his mom, Kristie, have been connected with ISN since around the time ISN first opened as a brokerage. Their story offers a meaningful look at the impact of long-term relationships, thoughtful supports, and the steady growth of opportunities for individuals and families over the past 25 years.
Ryan, a current member of ISN’s Policy Oversight Group (POG), is known for his strong emotional intelligence and amazing ability to recite movie lines word for word. Ryan works one day a week at Garten, where he continues to build skills, stay active, and contribute in a setting that connects him with others.
Kristie has been part of ISN’s story in more ways than one. In addition to being Ryan’s mom, she currently serves on ISN’s Board and is Secretary on the Executive Committee. But her connection to ISN began before the organization officially opened, at a time when she was looking ahead and asking an important question: what would meaningful adulthood look like for her son?
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Employee Highlight
Staff Anniversaries
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5
years
Congratulations to Amber on 5 years with ISN on October 12th!
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2
years
Congratulations to Darlene on 2 years with ISN on October 16th!
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5
years
Congratulations to Pepsi on 5 years with ISN on October 18th!
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1
year
Congratulations to Amy on 1 year with ISN on November 1st!
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9
years
Congratulations to Josh on 9 years with ISN on November 20th!
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25
years
Congratulations to Jill on 25 years with ISN on November 28!
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3
years
Congratulations to Danica on 3 years with ISN on December 11th!
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7
years
Congratulations to Amanda on 7 years with ISN on December 11!
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Do you know someone who should be highlighted in our newsletter?
Click the button below to nominate them!
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Columbia County Friendship Connection | October 20 from 3:30 to 4:30pm
Join us for a paint craft, costume contest, nachos, treats and dirty soda bar!
St. Helen's Community Center: 2625 Gable Rd, St Helens, OR 97051
| | Autumn Jeopardy and Pumpkin Painting | |
Marion County Friendship Connection | October 29 from 2 to 3:30pm
Snacks, drinks, pumpkins and prizes provided! Contact your PA for more information and to RSVP.
Bonaventure Room in the Seymour Center
3745 Portland Rd NE, Suite 160, Salem, OR 97301
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Polk County Friendship Connection | October 30 from 1 to 3pm
Join us for a Halloween party full of crafts, bingo, a DJ and costume contest! Contact your PA for more information and to RSVP.
ISN Polk Office: 238 Jackson St E, Monmouth OR, 97361
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Yamhill County Friendship Connection | November details tbd
Come help us decorate cards that will be included in supply bags to be donated to houseless individuals to help meet their needs. Contact your PA for more information.
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Clatsop County Friendship Connection | December 4 from 12 to 3pm
Put on your festive holiday attire and ugly sweaters and join us for a day of bowling!
Gearhart Bowl: 3518 US-101 N, Gearhart, OR 97138
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Marion County Friendship Connection | December 10 from 11am to 3pm
Join us for snacks, hot cocoa, crafts, photos with Santa and more!
Broadway Commons: 1300 Broadway St NE, Salem, OR 97301
| | Annual Christmas Luncheon with Marie Mills | |
Tillamook County Friendship Connection | December 11 from 12 to 1:30pm
Contact your PA for more information or to RSVP.
Swiss Hall: 4605 Brookfield Ave, Tillamook. Lunch Provided!
| | Depoe Bay End of Summer Picnic | | Bauman's & E.Z. Orchards Harvest Festivals | |
All October
Explore these festivals for pumpkins, cider, corn mazes and other fun fall activities!
Learn More: Bauman's Harvest Festival | E.Z. Orchards
| | Beach Buddies 4th Annual Halloween Dance Costume Party | |
October 31 | 1-4pm
Join Beach Buddies at the Aces Banquet Room in Lincoln City for a ghoulishly good time. Costume contest, music, food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Learn More: Beach Buddies Halloween Dance
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November 29 | December 6 | December 13 | 10am-3pm
Shop local and celebrate the season at the Astoria Holiday Market! Browse handmade gifts, artwork, holiday treats, and more while supporting local vendors from around the region at the Astoria Armory: 1636 Exchange St, Astoria, OR 97103
For event updates: Astoria Markets
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After Thanksgiving through Christmas
Take a Ride on the Candy Cane Express! Enjoy festive lights, holiday music, warm drinks, and the views of the Oregon Coast in Garibaldi, OR.
Learn More: Candy Cane Express
| | Glow Holiday Light Display | |
Winter 2026 details tbd
Enjoy the Glow Holiday Light Display in Independence, OR.
For event updates: Glow Lights
| | Special Education Resource Fair | |
November 4 | 5-8pm
Join us at Sprague High School for the Salem-Keizer School District Special Education Family Resource Fair. This event is open to all high school families in the school district to explore support, programs and opportunities available in the community.
| | For additional Community and ISN events happening in your area, visit our Events Calendar. | | |
Community
Your Voice Matters: Voting and Civic Engagement
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Civic engagement means taking part in your community. This can include learning about issues, sharing your ideas, voting, attending meetings, or joining groups that matter to you.
Voting is one way to share your voice. Your vote can help choose leaders who make decisions about transportation, healthcare, housing, jobs, parks, and community services. People with disabilities have the same right to vote as everyone else. In Oregon, voters with disabilities can ask for help, use accessible voting tools, and vote privately.
Did You Know?
- Oregon mostly votes by mail. This can make voting easier from home.
- Oregon voters can ask for help with registering, filling out a ballot, or returning a ballot. Help can come from someone you trust or from elections staff.
- Oregon voters with disabilities can use accessible tools to mark a ballot. Some tools work with screen readers and other assistive technology.
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Ways to Get Involved Beyond Voting
Voting is important, but it is not the only way to be involved. You can also:
- Go to local community meetings.
- Contact elected leaders about issues that matter to you.
- Join a self-advocacy group.
- Volunteer in your community.
- Learn about local issues and share what you learn with others.
Every voice matters. When more people take part, communities can become stronger and more welcoming.
Helpful Resources
Oregon Secretary of State: Register to vote, update your registration, check your ballot status, and find official voting information:
Disability Rights Oregon (DRO): Voting rights information, Easy Voting Guides, and resources for people with disabilities.
Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities (OCDD): Easy-to-understand information about voting rights, getting help, and learning about election issues.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): Free Easy Read and Plain Language voting guides for self-advocates.
Vote411: A nonpartisan website where voters can learn about candidates and issues on their ballot.
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Lifestyle
Shorter Days and Seasonal Changes
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When summer turns into fall, you may notice changes in your energy, mood, sleep, or daily routine. Days are shorter, the weather is cooler, and many people spend more time indoors. These changes can affect how your body and mind feel.
The good news is that small steps can help you feel better during the fall and winter months.
Why Can Shorter Days Affect Us?
Your body has an internal clock that helps you know when to sleep and when to wake up. This is called a sleep-wake cycle. When there is less daylight, it can be harder to wake up, feel alert, or fall asleep at your usual time. Some people feel more tired, less motivated, or want to be alone more during fall and winter. Some people may have stronger mood changes called Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. SAD is a type of depression that happens during certain seasons.
Tips for Better Sleep This Season
Sleep is important for your health. It can help your mood, memory, and daily activities. Most adults need at least 7 hours of sleep each night.
Try these sleep tips:
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine.
- Turn off phones, tablets, and TVs at least 30 minutes before bed.
- Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
- Avoid caffeine late in the day.
- Get regular physical activity during the day.
Move Your Body and Get Daylight
Spending time outside during the day can help, even when it is cloudy. Daylight helps your body know when it is time to be awake and when it is time to rest.
Try these activity ideas:
- Take a short walk during daylight hours.
- Visit a local park.
- Attend an exercise or recreation class.
- Dance to your favorite music at home.
- Meet a friend for a walk or activity.
Stay Connected
When the weather gets cooler, it can be easy to spend more time alone. Staying connected with other people can help your mood and help you feel less lonely.
Ideas to stay connected:
- Schedule regular phone calls or video chats.
- Participating in community events.
- Joining a club, class, or self-advocacy group.
- Sharing meals or activities with others.
When to Ask for Help
It is okay to ask for help. Talk with a healthcare provider, counselor, family member, your Personal Agent, or another trusted support person if seasonal changes make daily life harder.
You might ask for help if you are:
- Feeling sad or down for a long time.
- Sleeping much more or much less than usual.
- Not wanting to do things you usually enjoy.
- Having trouble focusing.
- Noticing changes in hunger, appetite, or energy that last for several weeks.
Helpful Resources
CDC Sleep Health: https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/index.html
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Learn more about Seasonal Affective Disorder and seasonal mood changes: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime for free emotional support and crisis assistance.
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