Ed.1 Vol. 4

This past year, a paycheck meant independence for a young adult starting their first job, confidence for a graduate stepping into a new career, and stability for families across The Willamette Valley. It meant community members gathering in the rain to support inclusion, businesses opening their doors to new talent, and lives changing through opportunity.

Throughout 2025, Garten helped turn moments like these into lasting impact. From expanded programs and new facilities to powerful partnerships and community-driven events, this year reflected what’s possible when people believe in inclusive employment and life-changing opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

January. A New Chapter for DayBreak

On January 31, 2025, Garten’s DayBreak Program celebrated the grand opening of its new building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. The event brought together many community supporters dedicated to Garten’s mission.

The larger facility, which officially opened in December, allows DayBreak to serve more individuals with disabilities in a welcoming, inclusive environment. The new space includes a dedicated wellness area and an expanded sensory room designed to support enrichment, connection, and personal growth.

Thank you to the Chamber of Commerce and the many community members who helped celebrate this milestone. This expanded space means more individuals can access consistent support, build relationships, and experience a sense of belonging in an environment designed for their needs.

February. Launching Careers Through Landscape Training

February marked the graduation of the first landscape training cohort of the year. Garten’s no-cost, six-week landscape training program prepares participants for entry-level careers in the landscaping industry throughout Salem, Oregon.

Programs like this do more than teach skills. They open doors to employment, financial independence, and long-term stability for people who are ready to work and contribute.

Thank you to instructor Jesse Moore for his leadership, and to Pacific Landscape Management and Green Acres Landscape, Inc. for sharing real-world expertise with our trainees.

This program is made possible by our partners, M.J. Murdock Trust, Collins Foundation, and the Oregon Community Foundation.

March. Advocacy, Awareness, and Community Support

March brought powerful moments of advocacy and celebration. Garten was honored to receive the IDD Awareness Month Proclamation from the Marion County Board of Commissioners. 

During the presentation, one of our Supported Employment clients, Allie, shared her experience working as an Office Specialist 1 for Marion County IDD Services and spoke about the pride and fulfillment she finds in her job.

Later in the month, over 200 community members and advocates gathered at the Willamette Heritage Center for the annual Garten Luncheon. The event featured inspiring stories from families who have seen the generational impact of Garten’s work, along with a local business owner who shared how welcoming interns into her company transformed both her workplace and her life.

Thanks to the generosity of attendees, the luncheon raised more than $25,500 to support Garten programs and expand opportunities for people with disabilities.

Advocacy and community support work hand in hand. Together, they ensure that stories like these lead to expanded services, stronger programs, and greater access to employment across Marion County.

June. Sip & Stroll Brings the Community Together

Despite unpredictable weather, more than 600 supporters came together in June for Sip & Stroll Salem presented by ARG Industrial. The event celebrated inclusion, community, and shared purpose all while enjoying wine, beer, and spirits from 41 local vendors.

Every ticket purchased, sponsorship secured, and donation made helped create meaningful opportunities for hundreds of individuals with disabilities. Thanks to this incredible support, the event raised over $40,000.

Thank you to our sponsors, downtown business hosts, vendors, volunteers, staff, and fundraising committee members who spent months bringing Sip & Stroll to life.

July. Teaching Financial Skills for Life

In July, Oregon State Credit Union, a long-standing Garten sponsor, visited our Summer Youth Employment Program to teach interns the basics of money management.

From budgeting and saving to understanding wants versus needs, interns gained practical tools to build a strong financial future. While earning a paycheck is an important milestone, knowing how to manage income is just as critical. We are grateful to these financial experts for helping empower our youth with skills that extend well beyond the workplace.

August. Transitions, Team Celebration, and Youth Success

August marked an important transition as Garten closed its long-time recycling facility on Industrial Way. Our Electronics Recycling and Document Destruction departments relocated to the Hawthorne location, bringing our operations together under one roof.

To celebrate this new chapter, staff gathered for the Garten Summer Celebration. The event featured desserts, cold drinks, and plenty of fun, including a dunk tank. More importantly, it offered time to reflect on where Garten has been and where we are headed.

The month also concluded with the Summer Youth Employment Program graduation. Youth ages 17 to 21 gained paid, meaningful job experience at community partners such as the YMCA and The Oregon Garden. Graduation celebrated their growth, confidence, and accomplishments.

We are grateful to Paul Hines for his leadership, and to our job coaches and community employers who supported interns every step of the way.

September. A Story That Reached Thousands

One of the most inspiring moments of the year happened in September when Chris’s journey from intern to hired employee at Jiffy Lube captured widespread attention on TikTok, earning more than 320,000 views.

Chris’s story highlighted the power of connection, coaching, and determination, as well as the ripple effect businesses can create when they say yes to inclusion. Comments poured in praising Chris’s hard work and Garten’s role in matching talent with opportunity.

Thank you to James Blystone and Jiffy Lube for helping make this opportunity possible.

October. A Night to Remember at the Garten Gala

The Garten Gala returned in October, presented by Oregon State Credit Union, bringing together supporters for an unforgettable evening of celebration and impact. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, the event raised more than $100,000 to support Garten’s youth programming.

One of the most moving moments of the night came from Olivia, who shared her story on stage during a heartfelt interview that earned a standing ovation. Her determination and positivity embodied the spirit of Garten and the purpose behind our work.

Investments like these ensure more young people can access early work experiences and the confidence to pursue meaningful careers.

November. Honoring a Lasting Legacy

In November, we celebrated the retirement of Pete Grell after 28 years of service. Throughout his career, Pete helped hundreds of people with disabilities grow their careers and build fulfilling lives.

His dedication and impact will continue to be felt across our community. We thank Pete for his extraordinary contributions and wish him a joyful and well-earned retirement.

December. A Transformational Investment

December closed the year with a remarkable milestone. Garten was honored to host KeyBank as we received a $225,000 grant benefiting our Supported Employment team.

This transformational funding will strengthen systems, solidify program structure, and support specialized staff training shaped by people with lived experience. The investment positions our Supported Employment department for growth over the next several years, ensuring services remain responsive and person-centered.

Looking Ahead. Events in 2026

Several exciting events are already on the calendar for 2026:

• March 13th – Friends of Garten Happy Hour: Everyone who signs up for our Monthly Sustainers program, Friends of Garten, will receive an invite to our Happy Hour hosted at Coria Estates in South Salem. 
• June 19th – Sip & Stroll Salem: Sip & Stroll returns to kick off summer! Be sure to stay up to date on our email or social media so you can snag discounted pre-sale tickets for you and your fellow strollers. 
• October 3rd – The Garten Gala: Join us at the Salem Convention Center for this year’s Garten Gala. The ceremony will include inspiring stories, a live auction, delicious food & drink, and so much more. Stay tuned for updates later this year!

Until Next Time

That’s a wrap for this volume of The Garten Connection. Last year brought momentum and we are excited to carry that energy forward.

Thank you for being part of the Garten community. Your support makes everything we do possible. 

Until next time, keep growing with us.