At Sunrise Enterprises, wellness isn’t just about health—it’s about connection. November marks Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to pause and reflect on how communities can show up for one another and create spaces where health and understanding thrive.

More than 38 million Americans live with diabetes, and roughly 1 in 5 don’t know they have it. In Oregon, diabetes continues to rise, particularly among adults who face challenges accessing consistent healthcare, transportation, and nutritious food. These numbers remind us that awareness is not just about information—it’s about creating the kind of environments that make healthy living possible.

Diabetes management depends on daily balance—steady meals, movement, medication, and encouragement. Yet wellness doesn’t happen in isolation. A person’s ability to thrive is deeply influenced by the world around them—by workplaces that understand, families that adapt, and communities that care.

At Sunrise, wellness is seen as a team effort. It shows up in how we educate, encourage, and empower one another—whether that means offering healthier options at work, learning to recognize signs of low blood sugar, or simply checking in on someone’s well-being. Those small, intentional actions build compassion, and compassion is the foundation of a healthy community.

This month, let’s not only raise awareness about diabetes, but also deepen our awareness of one another. By staying informed, supporting healthier choices, and fostering understanding, we can strengthen both individual and community wellness—because when people are supported, communities thrive.

Employment is more than a paycheck—it’s an opportunity to contribute, to grow, and to feel connected to community. For individuals with disabilities, access to meaningful employment also represents independence, dignity, and the chance to fully participate in the life of our county.

Yet, barriers still exist. Nationally, people with disabilities are employed at lower rates than those without disabilities. By observing NDEAM, we shine a light on these challenges while also celebrating the businesses, organizations, and individuals who are leading the way in inclusive hiring and workplace practices.

The 2025 theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” is a powerful reminder that every person brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. Inclusive employment is not just about fairness—it makes our community stronger. Diverse teams are more innovative, resilient, and better equipped to meet the needs of today’s workforce.

Here in Douglas County, we see examples every day of how inclusive employment strengthens both businesses and community life. Whether it’s a local employer who opens new doors of opportunity, or an individual who thrives when given the chance to showcase their abilities, these stories remind us that inclusion benefits everyone.

By working together, we can create a culture where every individual’s talents are valued, where businesses benefit from diverse perspectives, and where communities continue to grow as a welcoming, inclusive place to live and work.

The Work Behind the Title

Being a DSP means showing up in ways many people never see. It’s getting someone safely to their appointment, helping with meals, or coaching someone toward more independence. It means laughter, patience, problem-solving, and always being ready to adapt. DSPs support people with disabilities in living full lives in their communities: helping with daily living, assisting with job or social goals, and being both guide and friend.

Direct Support Professional Recognition Week is a chance to spotlight these essential workers.

What We Did at Sunrise

This week we celebrated DSPs across every corner of Sunrise. We shared cake and goodies, enjoyed client affirmations, and laughed together at moments that reminded us why this work matters.

We saw the pride on DSPs’ faces hearing directly from people they support. We saw clients express thanks, some eloquently, and others with a simple smile that said more than words.

Why It Matters

Recognition isn’t just a nice touch. It helps people in the field feel seen, valued, and encouraged. When someone says, “Thank you, I see what you do,” it refuels energy. It reminds all of us: the work you do isn’t invisible. It changes lives.

DSPs are facing challenges: high demands, sometimes low recognition, and many carrying burdens unseen outside the role. National reports note that turnover, understaffing, and inconsistent supports make this profession harder than ever.

Looking Forward Together

Let this week be more than a moment. Let it be fuel for ongoing respect, support, and improvement. At Sunrise we’re committed to doing more than saying thanks once a year. We want to:

• Keep listening—learning what DSPs need to do this work sustainably

• Make sure support and recognition are consistent—not just during recognition week

• Celebrate wins—both big and small—because every challenge overcome, every goal met, every life touched matters

On behalf of everyone at Sunrise, thank you to every DSP on our team. Your work shapes our community. Without you, the mission isn’t possible.

Here’s to deep gratitude, ongoing respect, and the difference one person with heart can make.

Behind every statistic is a person, a story, a family, and a future. Many people who struggle with suicidal thoughts often feel isolated, overwhelmed, or believe that things will never get better. But suicide is not inevitable—help and healing are always possible.

At Sunrise, we believe that mental health matters and are committed to creating a culture that supports emotional well-being. Suicide is a leading cause of death, but it is also preventable. By opening conversations, reducing stigma, and showing compassion, each of us has the power to make a difference.  This Suicide Prevention Month, we invite you to join us in breaking the silence, spreading hope, and standing together for healing. Every life has value, and every life is worth fighting for.

Even small actions can bring hope:

• Listening without judgment

• Checking in on a friend, colleague, or loved one

• Sharing resources and encouraging others to reach out for help

These gestures remind people they are not alone and that support is always within reach.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember: you are not alone.
Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Trained counselors are available 24/7, ready to provide immediate support.

]]> https://www.sunrisehelps.com/news/%f0%9f%92%99-suicide-prevention-month-together-for-hope-and-healing-%f0%9f%92%99/feed/ 0 3097 https://www.sunrisehelps.com/news/disability-pride-month-seeing-strength-building-belonging/ https://www.sunrisehelps.com/news/disability-pride-month-seeing-strength-building-belonging/#respond Wed, 02 Jul 2025 19:07:10 +0000 https://www.sunrisehelps.com/?p=3075 Read More]]> Every July, Disability Pride Month invites us to celebrate the identity, resilience, and achievements of people with disabilities. At Sunrise Enterprises, this month isn’t just symbolic; it reflects our daily work to create opportunities where people are seen, supported, and empowered.

Disability is a natural part of being human. It’s not something to fix or hide. We see that truth every day: in the retail trainee mastering a new skill, the wood products team creating quality products, and the many staff who bring lived experience to our mission. With over 180 individuals served annually, and a staff that includes people with disabilities, we build workplaces where everyone belongs.

This month also marks a historic milestone: the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. That landmark law was a civil rights breakthrough, but the work didn’t end there. Real inclusion means more than access ramps. It means equity in employment, leadership, and community life.

You may notice a vibrant flag this month: a black background with diagonal stripes in red, gold, white, blue, and green. Each color represents a different part of the disability community. We’re giving out Disability Pride flag pins at Sunrise store locations this July. It’s a small gesture with a big message: you matter, you’re seen, and you belong.

As someone with hearing loss, I know how meaningful that message can be. When we stop expecting people to “overcome” their disabilities and instead remove barriers, we create real opportunity. That’s what Disability Pride is about.

We invite you to celebrate with us. Visit a store, partner with us, or just start a conversation. At Sunrise, we believe dignity and belonging aren’t extras, they’re the foundation of a better community for everyone.

Every person, every stage, every moment: worthy of love and belonging.

That’s not just a nice idea, it’s a core belief. One that becomes even more important when we look at the numbers.

Research shows that 42% of Americans over age 55 will develop some form of dementia. That’s almost one in every two people. For us at Sunrise, this brings up a few hard truths:

• Many of the people we support today – people with developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, or physical limitations – will also face dementia as they age.

• If you don’t currently have a disability, odds are high that you or someone you love will develop one later in life.

• And even if you’re never directly diagnosed, there’s a good chance you’ll care for a parent, spouse, sibling, or friend who is. Dementia ripples through families and communities.

We’re not a memory care facility. But we do know how to support people with dignity. We understand how complex needs can overlap. We know the fear and frustration that comes with change and decline. And we believe that everyone, at every stage of life and ability, deserves to be seen, heard, and included.

This month, we’re honoring the reality that brain health affects us all. And we’re recommitting to making Sunrise a place where people living with disabilities, in any form, can find support and respect.

Want to help?
Start small. Here are a few things you can do this month:

• Learn the signs of dementia. Forgetfulness isn’t always harmless. Early detection matters—for you and those you love.

• Talk to your family. Conversations about aging and memory loss aren’t easy—but they’re necessary.

• Support a caregiver. Even small gestures—a text, a meal, a break—can make a real difference.

• Advocate for inclusive services. Dignity in aging should be available to everyone, no matter their background or diagnosis.

• Keep showing up. Whether it’s volunteering, donating, or just paying attention—your presence matters.

Because the truth is, this isn’t just about “them.” It’s about all of us.

Every person, every stage, every moment: worthy of love and belonging.

A big thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth at the JBCC Spring Fair last Saturday and added your piece to the bigger story we’re building at Sunrise. And special shoutout to the team who made our booth possible: Linda, Kevven, Diana, Ruth Ann, and Savannah, thank you for showing up with energy and heart.

The weather kept us on our toes (sun! clouds! rain!), but that didn’t stop folks from showing up. We had a strong turnout and even stronger community spirit.

At our booth, we invited kids, parents, friends, and neighbors to decorate puzzle pieces to reflect how everyone plays a part in our mission. Some drew symbols of inclusion. Others wrote names or messages of encouragement. Each piece was different, and each one mattered.

These creations will soon be displayed in one of our Sunrise stores as a colorful, collective reminder: the work we do is powered by connection. No matter your age, background, or ability, you belong here. Your piece matters.

Thanks for being part of it.

At Sunrise, we believe that meaningful work, inclusion, and opportunity are for everyone: every disability type, every ability level, every person.

Mental health conditions are more common than you might think:

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences a mental illness each year.

• 1 in 20 lives with a serious mental illness.

• Nearly 1 in 2 adults with a disability reports frequent mental distress.
  (Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness and Centers for Disease Control)

We know disabilities aren’t always visible. Mental health is part of the whole person, just like physical health, communication needs, mobility, or learning style. That’s why our mission isn’t about just one type of disability. It’s about every person getting the support they need to grow, thrive, and belong.

Whether someone lives with anxiety, depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or any combination, our work is about building pathways to dignity, independence, and self-worth. Real work, real inclusion, real community.

This month, we’re handing out green ribbons as a symbol of mental health awareness. On each card, there’s a QR code that leads here: a reminder that mental health is everyone’s business, and that no one is alone.

If you’re struggling, there’s help.
If you’re thriving, there’s still room to grow stronger.
If you’re unsure where you fit, you’re not broken. You belong.

Quick Resources:

• National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime

• ADAPT Mental Health Services: adaptoregon.org/services/mental-health/

• NAMI Douglas County: namidouglas.org

• Mental Health America Free Screening Tools: mhascreening.org

Thank you for standing with us — for inclusion, for dignity, and for hope, in every form it takes.

For us, it’s not just about understanding autism—it’s about building a community that welcomes and supports autistic people in real, meaningful ways. That’s been part of our mission since 1969, and it continues to guide our work today.

Awareness Is the First Step. Acceptance Is the Goal.

Raising awareness has played a vital role in helping people better understand autism. But as the conversation has evolved—especially through the leadership of autistic self-advocates—we’re also embracing what it means to move from awareness to acceptance.

Acceptance means:

• Valuing differences in how people think, communicate, and interact with the world.
• Listening to autistic voices and lived experiences.
• Removing barriers that prevent full participation in work, education, and community life.
• Creating workplaces and services where people can thrive as they are—not just fit in.

At Sunrise, that kind of inclusion is core to what we do.

How Sunrise Supports Autistic Individuals

Customized Employment Support
We work one-on-one with autistic individuals to match them with jobs that align with their strengths, goals, and support needs. That might include visual schedules, job coaching, sensory considerations, or flexible pacing.

On-the-Job Training in Real-World Settings
Our five stores, mill, and janitorial services offer supported job training across Douglas County where people can build skills, confidence, and a path toward long-term employment. Many autistic individuals thrive in roles with structure, routine, and opportunities to focus—and we make space for that.

Workplace Inclusion Practices
We’re committed to creating supportive environments, offering training for staff and supervisors, and continuing to learn from the people we serve.

How You Can Join Us

• Be curious and compassionate. Whether you’re new to the conversation or deeply involved, there’s always more to learn—and more voices to listen to.
• Support inclusive hiring. If you’re a local employer, partner with us to create opportunities that work for everyone.
• Donate or advocate. Help us expand training, support services, and career pathways for individuals with disabilities—including autistic community members.

This April, let’s honor both awareness and acceptance. Let’s celebrate the strengths and contributions of autistic people—and recommit to building a more inclusive Douglas County where everyone belongs.

At Sunrise, we’re proud to be part of that work. Not just during Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, but every day of the year.