independence northwest

Have you RSVP'ed for our next Craft Night?

Join us on August 20th at the Independence Northwest office for a summer-themed afternoon of crafting fun. We'll be making tie dye shirts, sun-catchers, stained glass candle holders, and more!

Space is limited and RSVP is required. Reserve your space by calling 503-546-2957, emailing [email protected], or signing up here: https://form.jotform.com/260776348550060

We're located at 919 NE 19th Avenue in Suite 275 in Portland. See you there!

Self advocates and providers are invited to join the Oregon Developmental Disabilities Coalition Lunch and Learn training 'How to Share Your Personal Story and Effectively Talk with Legislators' tomorrow, August 6, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Zoom.

Details below.

📣 Self Advocates and Support Providers📣 You're invited to join our Lunch and Learn training 'How to Share Your Personal Story and Effectively Talk with Legislators' tomorrow, August 6, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Zoom.

➡Register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/5AwOEDKqTNaD7_Inx7ukfw #/registration

Wondering which number you should call for wildfire help?

Call 211
For evacuation updates, wildfire and clean air shelter information, livestock resources, re-entry and preparedness. You can now call 211 for wildfire and clean air info and resources 24/7.

Call 833-699-0554
For help with ongoing and long-term needs caused by wildfire and smoke impacts.

Call 911
If you are in immediate danger, have a medical emergency or need emergency help evacuating.

The 211info contact center is open 24/7 right now to help Oregonians find resources and information for wildfires and clean air.

Call 211 for the most up-to-date information.

Learn more about when to call 211, 911, or the wildfire hotline: 211info.org/2026/07/statewide-wildfire-hotline

Our #1 tip for staying informed during wildfire season is to download the Watch Duty app for wildfire maps and alerts.

Watch Duty - Wildfire Maps & Alerts Real-time information about wildfire and firefighting efforts nearby

Apply now to join The Arc Oregon's Self-Advocate Leadership and Ambassador Program!

The Self-Advocate Leadership and Ambassador Program is a virtual training program for new self-advocates. You will learn important advocacy skills and work with a peer mentor to advocate for something you care about.

There will be seven training sessions held on Zoom. The sessions will take place every other Monday from 3:00 PM-4:00 PM. The first training session is on Monday, August 10.

This program is open to all adults with IDD who live in Oregon. If you want to join, fill out the application form before August 5, 2026!

Application Form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/rpQL5mPSDP

Exciting to see a great product coming from Bend OR!

Bend startup's tablet case helps people with disabilities hold devices effortlessly A Bend startup called Kaes designed a tablet case with flaps that help people with arthritis, limited grip strength or limb differences hold devices comfortably. The co-founders are launching a Kickstarter campaign.

In a time when the noise of division grows louder — fueled by wars, conflicts, inequality, and fear — friendship feels almost radical in its simplicity. It doesn’t arrive with fanfare or policy; it doesn’t need speeches or signatures. It begins with something quieter: a conversation, a shared moment, a willingness to see one another not as strangers but as fellow travelers through the human experience.

In this year’s observance of the International Day of Friendship, we’re reminded that real peace is forged not only in negotiation halls or by writing into treaties — it’s built, thread by thread, in the trust we extend to one another in daily life.

International Day of Friendship | United Nations The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities

The American Red Cross has declared the second national blood crisis in its history. All blood types are needed, but the situation is especially dire for type O. According to the Red Cross, the blood supply fell nearly 25% in June, and blood donations are now at a four-year summer low.

If you or anyone you know would are able and willing to help, follow the link below to find a drive near you:

Schedule a Blood, Platelet or Plasma Donation | American Red Cross Find the nearest Red Cross blood, platelet or plasma donation center. Make a difference in someone's life, give the gift of life.

Did you know that you can link your Fred Meyer Rewards Card and in turn Fred Meyer will donate a portion of sales to INW's Customer Emergency Fund? There's no cost to you and no donation request at the checkout. Learn more by following the link below (and thanks for considering us!)

https://independencenw.org/fredmeyer/