Mission and History

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In 1976, Direction Service began a heartfelt ambition to provide a space where people with disabilities and special needs would be treated with respect, dignity, and compassionate care, regardless of their situation.

Today, Direction Service continues that legacy of service as a multi-program family support nonprofit serving all of Lane County. Guided by our five core values, we operate as an independent and private agency with offices in Springfield and Eugene. With funding from local and federal partners, our services are accessible throughout Lane County. 

Mission: Helping people with disabilities and special needs live full and healthy lives.

Purpose: To cultivate healthy individuals, families, and communities through collaboration, empowerment, and education.

Direction Service Core Values

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Effectiveness: Direction Service works in informed partnerships with our consumers. This enables arriving at solutions that are generated by empowered individuals and families who have been given the support needed to determine the best course of action to make meaningful improvements in their lives. Our services and supports are high quality, timely and responsive to client needs.

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Respect: Direction Service acknowledges the dignity of all human beings. We are committed to respecting and reflecting cultural and individual diversity, fostering mutual understanding and continuous learning, and promoting inclusiveness, justice and equity. Our staff members approach their work with humility, recognizing their limitations while consciously sharing power and responsibility. 

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Integrity: Direction Service staff are honest, trustworthy and fair. Direction Service ensures that consumer trust is well-placed and that privacy is always protected.

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Accountability: As stewards of the public trust, Direction Service keeps administrative costs low and carefully monitors expenditures to ensure all resources are being strategically applied. Direction Service staff take responsibility for their work; they honor their commitments and deliver on their deadlines. Feedback is sought from consumers and other stakeholders. The feedback is reviewed by staff and management to ensure continuous improvement in services.

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Compassion: Direction Service staff are empathetic and understanding. We listen without judgment and focus on strengths and opportunities. We approach relationships with the belief that everyone is trying to do the best they can.

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A message from CEO, Aimee Walsh

Direction Service hopes you and your family are safe and well during this time of immense change. As COVID-19 accelerates into every corner of our community, we are face-to-face with a challenge unlike any in our lifetimes. While it is impossible to predict how events will unfold in the coming weeks and months, we want you to know that you can count on us. Direction Service has been here to help people with disabilities and special needs live full and healthy lives for nearly 45 years, and we will continue to be here in these difficult times.

From the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year, our Youth and Family Services program saw sharp increases in the number of families seeking advocacy within the school system. The stress and trauma of the COVID-19 pandemic intensify the needs of our families. Now more than ever, we need your support to ensure we can provide crucial resources and ensure families have the support they need to be safe, secure, and successful.

Thank you for your continuing support!

 
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