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MILTON-FREEWATER, Ore.-Horizon Project, Inc (HPI), is a nonprofit working to create community-based opportunities for individuals experiencing intellectual or developmental disabilities in Umatilla County.
“Horizon Project has long been one of the best kept secrets around,” said Terri Silvis, PhD, Horizon Project CEO. “For over 40 years our DSPs and Managers have become an integral part of people’s lives, helping them stay healthy, learn new skills, and be valued members of the community.”
Guided by core values of compassion, respect, and the belief that all people have the right to live fully, without societal barriers, HPI offers a variety of services, including residential and supported living programs and integrated employment and community living.
Foundation and mission
Horizon Project was founded in 1977 by a group of parents in Milton-Freewater who wanted to create community-based opportunities focused on socialization and activities outside of the home, for their adult children with disabilities.
By the 1980’s Horizon Project opened its first group homes for adults with disabilities to live independently in the Milton-Freewater area.
Horizon Project expanded to Hermiston and Pendleton in the 1990’s and is now the single largest provider for adults experiencing intellectual or developmental disabilities in Umatilla County.
“Our mission evolved over the decades from a focus on social interaction, to include residential and assisted living programs and developmental support throughout Umatilla County,” said Silvis.
The Horizon Project strives to offer its clients independence through its housing programs and integration with its work programs, where clients have access to resources for personal development, job training, socialization and inclusion.
Residential Program
The largest component of Horizon Project’s services is its residential program, with small community-based homes in Milton-Freewater, Hermiston and Pendleton.
“Residents get help with daily living activities, such as food prep, cleanliness, laundry, medications and anything else they may need help with to ensure they can live safely,” said Silvis.
Group homes are staffed 24 hours a day by a home manager and site manager, with services for the three residents of each home based on their individual needs and choices.
Horizon Project currently operates four group homes in Milton-Freewater, five in Hermiston and six in Pendleton, providing residential services for more than 60 individuals, according to Silvis.
Supported Living
The supportive living program provides access to Horizon Project services and resources to individuals living in their own homes or apartments, and is ideal for those moving out of their family home as adults or those transitioning from a group home, who may not need constant care.
“This program has grown with residents moving from a group home to supported living, where they can do more for themselves physically, so they don’t have that constant support,” said Silvis.
Individual support plans are created for each client and vary from a few hours of help throughout the week to more on an as needed basis.
“Supportive living is about what a person needs when they need it,” said Silvis
Many individuals in the supportive living programs have jobs but may still need some help with tasks such as shopping, cooking, or reminders to take their medicine.
Horizon Project STEP Center for Independent Living
HPI expanded and rebranded its independent living services to the STEP Center for Independent Living in the Fall of 2021 to meet increased demand.
More than 70 individuals are currently participating in HPI’s community integration activities, which include recreational and socialization activities, as well as career development planning, skill building, and job coaching.
HPI staff work one-on-one with clients to develop life and career goals, including identifying interests, abilities and employment opportunities, then developing the skills needed to realize their goals.
“What do you need to be living a full and integrated life,” said Silvis. “Maybe it’s seeing or meeting someone in that job, learning new skills or tactile training, whatever it is we’re here to help our clients achieve their employment goals.”
After clients have identified a job they would like to pursue and complete employment path training, HPI works to help them find a job in that field, offering continued job coaching and support throughout their career.
STEP Center Academy
The STEP Center Academy is an eight-week course for clients looking to further their independence and explore different careers and skill sets, with courses on Hygiene, Communication, Planning & Scheduling, Financial Competency, Transportation and Industry Standards & Safety.
“There is a focus on problem solving, punctuality, budgeting and organization, skills like making decision, arriving on time and completing tasks efficiently,” said Bryn Hill, STEP Center Community Integration Liaison.
Clients who participate in the STEP Center Academy learn skills necessary for the workforce, such as working on communication skills by answering phones, or cleaning and sanitizing in a healthcare environment.
According to Hill, the program, which celebrated its first-ever graduating class this year, emphasizes listening, speaking clearly and working well with others, with clients retaining the skills through practice, which in turn helps in finding a job and employment retention.
“We plan out tasks and how to get them done quickly and accurately,” said Hill. “Altogether, these skills build confidence and independence.”
Teamwork makes the dream work
“The bulk of our staff work hands-on in homes or the community, they are key team members we can depend on to support clients when and where we need them,” said Silvis.
HPI has about 200 employees across its three sites in Northeastern Oregon, the majority of whom are Direct Support Professionals (DSP), who work directly with clients, a job that can be tough, but is also rewarding.
“I set out on this new job thinking what can I offer these clients?” said Dayton McIntyre, who works for HPI in Hermiston. “But in return they gave me a world of perspective, purpose and immeasurable joy.”
DSPs provide direct care in group homes, helping residents with cooking, cleaning, transportation, appointments, medication, safety support and daily living skills.
In the supportive living program, DSPs follow individualized care plans, that can include shopping and transportation to anything else a client needs for increased independence.
“For me, supporting adults at DSA is a humbling and heartwarming experience. Each day brings moments of laughter, resilience and connections that remind me of the strength and beauty in every individual,” said Chloe Chay, a Horizon DSP in Pendleton.
DSPs undergo a thorough background check and extensive training, and most find out within three to six months if the work is right for them, according to Silvis.
“It’s meaningful work, it’s a calling,” said Silvis. “They get to know our clients and establish relationships.
More information about part-time/on call DSP opportunities currently available with HPI in Milton-Freewater, Hermiston and Pendleton is available online.
Community support and resources
As a nonprofit, HPI partners with Umatilla County, the State of Oregon and the federal government to provide services to its clients.
In addition to federal, state and grant funding, HPI also relies on donations to its General and Client Assistance Funds.
The General Fund covers unforeseen expenses and goes “wherever funds are most needed,” to cover anything from new furniture in a group home to personal protective equipment (PPE) during COVID.
Donations can also be made to the Client Assistance Fund, with 100 percent of all donations going to individuals supported by HPI.
HPI clients often have no money or extended family to rely on, and donations to the Client Assistance Fund help with expenses from technology and transportation to critical care, such as hospital stays or medical equipment, and end-of-life expenses, such as burial or cremation expenses.
Donations to HPI may be made online or by calling 541.567.8374.
More information on eligibility requirements for support services offered by HPI is available through the Umatilla County Community Developmental Disabilities Program (CDDP).
Resources for individuals and families is also available through the Oregon Department of Disabilities Services.
