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Date: June 19, 2025
Contact: Communications.dhs@odhsoha.oregon.gov
Welcome to the Partner Update. Here’s a compilation of recent news you can use. You can expect the Partner Update in your email the third Thursday of every month.
A Message from Fariborz: Honoring the past, building belonging for all
Juneteenth, observed each year on June 19, commemorates the end of chattel slavery in the United States. It is a day of remembrance and reflection, honoring the resilience, strength and enduring contributions of Black Americans. It also calls us to confront the legacies of injustice that continue to shape our institutions and communities.
At the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Juneteenth reinforces our commitment to equity and belonging. We recognize that true equity means creating a culture where every person, regardless of race, location, ability, background, or identity—feels seen, heard, valued and safe.
As we honor this day, we renew our responsibility to foster spaces of dignity and inclusion. This includes deepening our understanding of history, engaging in honest dialogue, and dismantling the systemic barriers that prevent full access and opportunity. Belonging is not a goal we reach, it’s a shared practice we commit to, every day.
Thank you for your partnership in building a more just, inclusive, and welcoming Oregon for all.
With gratitude,
Fariborz Pakseresht, ODHS Director
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Five young Sherwood residents who once struggled to speak up now stand tall, ready for the workforce. This month they celebrated graduating from a nine-month internship program that gave them real-world job skills and big dreams for the future.
The internship was part of Project SEARCH, a national employment program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The program helps participants build job skills through hands-on learning at local businesses—and supports them as they transition from school into the working world.
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 Members of Oregon’s intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) community gathered at the Breaking Barriers: Life Beyond Labels conference in late April. The Central Oregon Disability Support Network (CODSN) hosts the annual event in Redmond. The network’s executive director, Dianna Hansen, said, “It’s important for us as families, people with disabilities, service providers and educators to come together and learn from each other.”
 The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) announced that Child Welfare Director Aprille Flint-Gerner accepted a position with Casey Family Programs as Senior Director of Strategic Consulting. The new role will allow her to continue the work of improving the well-being of children and families, but at a national level, while also giving her more flexibility to take care of family needs. Flint-Gerner’s last day at ODHS will be June 20. Rolanda Garcia, a leader with nearly three decades of experience within ODHS, will serve as interim Child Welfare director.
Oregon Summer EBT is a food benefits program that helps shrink the hunger gap when children are on summer break and don’t have easy access to healthy meals at school.
Summer EBT provides $120 per eligible child to buy food. This is the second year of Oregon’s Summer EBT program. On May 22, 2025, about 341,500 children got the benefit on an Oregon EBT card. Families should check their EBT card balance at the EBTEdge web page to confirm receipt. Families who didn’t automatically get Summer EBT in May should check program requirements before applying. Families can check requirements at sebt.oregon.gov or by contacting the Summer EBT Call Center at 833-673-7328. Resources in many languages are available for partners to use to encourage families to apply.
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During this month of appreciation for fathers, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is highlighting the critical role fathers play in a child’s physical, emotional and social development.
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is working to better support fathers involved in the child welfare system through two programs that provide peer mentorship, parenting skills and supports for incarcerated fathers, as well as a Father’s Advisory Board that provides regular input to ODHS Child Welfare leadership and frontline workers.
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 This virtual event will highlight resources available to support our Spanish speaking LGBTQIA2S+ communities. Tune in to connect, learn, and celebrate inclusion.
- When: Thursday June 26 at 12 p.m. (noon)
- Where:
There is no need to register. People interested can visit the at the date and time of the event. See you there!
The Oregon Disabilities Commission, Northwest ADA Center and Disability Rights Oregon will host a free webinar series in July in recognition and celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Everyone who is interested is invited to these sessions, which will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific Time on Tuesdays throughout July. The series begins on Tuesday, July 8.
Topics by date include:
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July 8: Striving for educational access and equity for students with disabilities
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July 15: Working towards equal access employment for people with disabilities
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July 22: Guest presenters Hannah and Shane Burcaw: Squirmy and Grubs
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July 29: Oregon's journey to accessibility: removing barriers
The series will be accessible to people with disabilities and will be translated into Spanish. Captioning and American Sign Language interpretation will be provided. For questions about accessibility, or to request an accommodation, contact OregonDisabilities.Commission@odhsoha.oregon.gov.
Get involved:
Electronic theft of benefits from Oregon EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards is increasing. Criminals are using tactics like skimming devices to collect card numbers and PINs, allowing them to steal critical food and cash benefits from individuals and families.
We recognize the significant impact this has on people in our community — many of whom are already navigating complex and stressful life situations. That's why the Oregon Department of Human Services has created outreach materials to help raise awareness and support prevention.
These materials — a flyer, brochure and wallet card — are designed to be accessible, easy to understand and empowering. They explain the risks and offer simple steps people can take to protect their benefits.
The brochure, flyer and wallet card are available in many languages on the Protect Your EBT Card and Benefits webpage.
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 ODHS Provider and Partner Resources
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