Meadowlark Employment Services

10/12/2026

We love hearing moments like this.

One of our referral partners recently reached out after talking with a participant who had nothing but incredible things to say about one of our Employment Coordinators. The participant shared that our Employment Coordinator helped her regain confidence in her own abilities, helped her feel stable in her new role, and made a lasting impact on her life. She even said she isn’t sure she could have done it without that support.

Our partner also noted that many other participants have gone out of their way to say how much they appreciate our Employment Coordinator and how supported they feel.

This is what individualized support looks like. A job can change a life, and the right person in your corner can make all the difference.

Thank you to our incredible team for the work you do every day, and to our partners for taking the time to share feedback like this.

09/15/2026

Today we're sharing an opportunity from Oregon Employment First and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR): help shape the future of employment services for people with disabilities in Oregon!

VR is hosting community conversations at various locations across the state this fall, and they want to hear directly from people with disabilities, families, caregivers, advocates, and anyone connected to employment services. Share what's working, what gets in the way, and what supports are missing. Your input will help shape VR's next state plan.

You don't need to be a current VR client to attend. Find dates, locations, and registration at the VR Community Engagement page:

Find opportunities to share your feedback about VR programs and services

09/09/2026

We wanted to share this amazing testimonial from Paddy, who worked with Meadowlark's STEP Program in Fiscal Year 2026. We're so thrilled to hear about Paddy's experience working with Lizzi and the success he's having today!

Paddy wrote, "Lizzi Valyou has been the pivot point that has turned my life around. When I started receiving services from Lizzi I was homeless and unemployed. I had no identification, no phone, and no job references. With Lizzi's help, I've been able to regain my identity, reconnect with social supports, find housing, and start a new career contributing to my community and helping the local economy grow in difficult times."

06/29/2026

Recognize the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) next month with this webinar series! https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/providers-partners/pages/ada-celebration.aspx?

Find materials for upcoming and past ADA celebrations hosted by the Oregon Disabilities Commission, Northwest ADA Center and Disability Rights Oregon

04/09/2026

Thank you to our friends at Idaho Youth Ranch, who wrote the wonderful story below about our client Luke!

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At our Meridian location, one of the clearest examples of growth and joy in action is Luke Larson, who recently celebrated three years with our team.

Over that time, Luke has embraced a strong growth mindset, continuing to expand his responsibilities and step into new opportunities. Luke connects most easily with the teammates and people he works with every day, and while engaging with customers and the public can be more of a challenge, he takes it on with determination — and does a great job.

Luke plays an important role in donations, and he has continued to branch out beyond that work. Recently, he’s been walking the store with a book puppet, sharing the story of Ranch Readers and letting children know they get to take home a free book. These moments create smiles, spark conversations, and help kids feel welcomed in our store.

He has also stepped into supporting our front end by bagging items at the register, helping cashiers and customers alike. Luke approaches each interaction with care, focus, and pride in doing his job well.

One of Luke’s greatest gifts is the joy he brings to work every day. A huge movie fan, Luke loves sharing his passion for film and can often be found laughing as he delivers an enthusiastic impersonation of a favorite actor, intentionally bringing smiles and lighthearted connection to those around him. He also sparks fun conversations by asking coworkers, “Who’s going to play…?” as he casts them in reimagined versions of his favorite films.

Luke works alongside his job coach, Dwight, from Meadowlark Employment Services, whose support helps Luke continue building confidence, skills, and independence at work. Together, they demonstrate how encouragement, opportunity, and persistence open the door for people to succeed.

Luke has worked hard to overcome personal challenges and continues to grow and excel in the workplace. He is valued by his teammates, appreciated by our customers, and a daily reminder that joy, growth, and belonging are at the heart of our mission.

People make the difference — and Luke makes ours better every day.

02/26/2026

Looking for ways to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness month in March? Check out Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities' events!

𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀! 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗨𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵!


💻𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗞𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗢𝗳𝗳 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁:
𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟯, 𝟭𝟮:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠 - 𝟭:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠
- Join us for a reading of the 2026 Developmental Disability Awareness Month Proclamation by OCDD Chair Kelly McCauley and a sneak peek at the 2026 poster.
- Get access our campaign toolkit and shareable templates to add your own brand and photos!

⭐️𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁—𝗜𝗻-𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗗 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟬, 𝟭𝟭:𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗠 - 𝟭𝟮:𝟯𝟬 𝗣𝗠
- Lobby Area, Barbara Roberts Human Services Building Salem, OR 📍 500 Summer St. NE, Salem 97301​
- Join us in celebrating with special guest speakers, unveiling the 2026 poster, cake and refreshments

💻𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 (𝟮 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀):
𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟳, 𝟭𝟮:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠 - 𝟭:𝟯𝟬 𝗣𝗠, 𝗼̲𝗿̲
𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟰, 𝟱:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠 - 𝟲:𝟯𝟬 𝗣𝗠
- Discussions will center around "Nothing About Us Without Us," highlighting advocacy and meaningful representation by people with IDD in all spaces where decisions are made, and address barriers.

Other events in March and through the year— to be announced. Subscribe to get the latest updates: 📫 https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/tHSYJth/OCDD

Join all events online at: https://bit.ly/Oregon-DD-Awareness

Download & share our flyers:
https://www.ocdd.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DDAM-Save-the-Date-All-Events-Eng.pdf (English)
https://www.ocdd.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DDAM-Save-the-Date-All-Events-Sp.pdf (Spanish)

11/13/2025

We got some lovely feedback from Allison H. about her experience with our STEP Program. Thank you so much for your kind words, Allison!

“The support and guidance I received from Meadowlark Employment Services was absolutely essential in my finding a job. Lizzi assisted me throughout my entire job search process, though I have to say the most impactful was her advice on the interview process. In considering interviewing and speaking about my strengths while returning to the job market with a disability that I didn’t previously have, I found my confidence lacking. I realized I didn’t even know how to talk about my now-different skill set in a strengths-based way. Talking with Lizzi gave me the confidence and concrete ideas I needed about how I could show up to an interview and be my best self - my best self as a person with a disability.”

11/03/2025

Jana’s journey to success is nothing short of extraordinary. A proud nonbinary, trans individual originally from Iran, Jana’s life has been shaped by courage, resilience, and a deep commitment to building a better future—for themself and for others.

Forced to flee Iran due to persecution, Jana sought safety in Afghanistan. Tragically, while there, their brother was killed by the Taliban. In the face of unimaginable loss, Jana found strength and purpose, serving as an interpreter for the United States military. This role, though lifesaving for many, came with significant risk. As a result, Jana and their family were forced to leave once again—this time as refugees bound for the United States.

After years of determination and hard work, Jana proudly became a U.S. citizen. Eager to rebuild their life and contribute to their new home, they joined Meadowlark Employment Services’ STEP Program. There, Jana found a welcoming community and the guidance they needed to take their next professional steps.

With support from the STEP program, Jana became an unarmed security guard—marking a major milestone on their path toward a long-term dream: becoming a police officer. Recently, Jana passed their training to become an armed security guard, further proving their commitment and readiness to protect and serve.

Jana's story is one of strength in the face of adversity, and their future is bright. We at Meadowlark are proud to be part of their journey, and we look forward to seeing all that Jana will accomplish next.

10/15/2025

Jessica’s journey to meaningful employment was truly transformed by the partnership and encouragement of her job coach. She found that having a dedicated advocate to communicate her needs was instrumental in securing her position at Skinny's Texaco, where she has been a valued team member since April 2024.

With a job coach's guidance, Jessica felt she was able to master her tasks more effectively. Her favorite parts of the job are stocking merchandise and the convenience of being able to walk to work. The ongoing support has provided much-needed stability, ensuring her schedule remains consistent and respected—a challenge she faced in previous jobs. Jessica’s positive experience has not only brought her and her family happiness, but has also helped her build confidence and a greater sense of independence.

Jessica’s reliability and strong work ethic have not only made a difference in her daily routine but have also strengthened her sense of independence and belonging in the workplace. Her experience stands as a testament to how the right support and opportunity can unlock potential and deliver meaningful, lasting change.

10/03/2025

For more than twenty years, Robert faced barrier after barrier that kept him out of the workforce. During that time, he worked with several different Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs), but instead of feeling supported, Robert often felt ignored and overlooked. Each attempt left him more discouraged, and after so many setbacks, he began to believe that finding meaningful work might never happen for him.

That all changed in May of 2025, when Robert was introduced to Meadowlark Employment Services. From the very first meeting, he noticed something was different. Instead of feeling like just another case, he felt like a partner in the process. His Employment Coordinator (EC) took the time to sit down with him—not only to learn about his work history, but also to truly get to know him as a person. Together they talked about his strengths, his challenges, his interests, and even the types of environments where he might feel most comfortable and successful. For the first time in years, Robert felt heard.

Even though most of Robert’s work experience was more than two decades old, his EC helped him rebuild his confidence by creating a functional résumé that highlighted his abilities and past accomplishments. From there, they met regularly each week, sometimes in person and sometimes by phone, to keep the momentum going. Robert also practiced interview skills through mock interviews, receiving constructive feedback and encouragement after each one. His EC handled
the job search alongside him—helping to find opportunities, submit applications, and even coordinate interview scheduling—so that Robert never felt like he was navigating the process alone.

The consistent support paid off quickly. On July 7, 2025—just forty-seven days after beginning his journey with Meadowlark—Robert was hired at Albertsons as a Courtesy Clerk. After more than twenty years of unemployment, Robert finally had a job he could be proud of. Even more importantly, he found himself surrounded by a kind and supportive management team and a group of coworkers who welcomed him warmly.

Today, Robert’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and renewed hope. He has discovered not only meaningful employment but also a workplace where he feels valued and included. For Robert, this job is more than a paycheck—it’s proof that with the right support and partnership, barriers can be overcome and dreams can become reality.