Success is making a difference.
Each client’s success is unique unto themselves.

Ron: Under the Edwards' Umbrella
Ron, developmentally disabled from birth, lived with his mother at their home for more than 40 years, until her sudden death left him alone and in crisis. Without help Ron could not care for himself and his house and became lonely and anxious. Edwards Center helped to stabilize this anxiety and assist Ron with moving to an apartment. However, this very independent living situation was more than he could handle and as a result, his health deteriorated. Ron opted to move to our mid-step program, where he was monitored daily, yet had the independence he desired. Here, he met new friends-also under the Edwards umbrella of service in a safe and warm environment. Our staff transported him to daily doctor appointments until he became strong and confident. Our special mobility trainer helped Ron to navigate the public transit system so that he could remain mobile. Today he works at Edwards Enterprises, along with other Oregonians with disabilities, and enjoys receiving a paycheck each month. His life is full and he has people who care for him once again.

Patty
Breast cancer does not discriminate between developmentally disabled and the non-disabled—it strikes women equally. Patty began treatment for her breast cancer while living at one of Edwards Center’s group homes. Her family deeply appreciated the hard work and care given by our staff members. Patty’s sister Joyce said, “I don’t know what we would have done without their help. We can’t thank the staff at her group home enough for taking her to all the doctor appointments—it was fantastic!” Patty went through radiation and chemo therapy with flying colors. Throughout her battle she remained dedicated to her job at Edwards Enterprises and rarely missed a day. Happily, Patty is doing well and is cancer free!

Anonymous
“When I first started at Edwards Center 15 years ago, I had left my room at a state institution where I lived with 30 roommates and had to protect my food from being taken by other people. I now have a job with a paycheck from Edwards and do fun stuff with my “family,” (the four people who share my house). I am happy that Edwards is here!”

	Jean Edwards and Candy, one of our first clients to enter our program, at our fall fundraiser.

Candy
The Holiday Inn was the first stop for Candy after 14 years at the institution. Candy loved the feel and look of the red plush carpet between her toes and she never felt sheets as soft as she had that night. She was on her way to a better life, one that included her living in a group home at the Edwards Center and employment at our business. Candy was the first client to live in one of our group homes. Upon arriving at her new home she was so pleased to see that the carpet in the group home was red, she said, “I’m living at the Holiday Inn!” Well, not quite, but it was a far cry from the noisy, cold and crowded conditions she left at the institution. Our beloved Candy still works and lives at the Edwards Center.

Sharon
Sharon, physically and mentally disabled from birth, was abandoned by her mother and placed in an institution where she lived for 21 years. Edwards Center opened one of the first group homes in Oregon to serve medically fragile adultsrequiring 24 hour a day nursing care. The Roundtree home, located in Oregon City, is now a medical model for the state. Sharon was able to leave the institution for a better life at this unique group home. She finally has her own bedroom and shares her space with four other house-mates. Sharon travels in a special mobility vehicle to the Milwaukie day program, where she enjoys music and pet therapy, outings in the community and many new friends.