Ed. 1 Vol. 2

As summer winds down and the days grow a little shorter, we’re looking forward to all the opportunities that autumn brings. Just as the seasons shift, so does our work at Garten, continuing to grow, adapt, and celebrate the impact we make together.

In this volume of The Garten Connection, you’ll find updates from across our programs, highlights of recent events, and stories that remind us why our mission matters year-round. We’re grateful for your continued support and partnership as we step into a new season filled with fresh energy and possibility.

A New Chapter at Hawthorne & A Summer Celebration

We’re excited to share that our Document Destruction and E-Recycling team members have officially moved into the Hawthorne location! This transition unites our IW and Hawthorne teams under one roof, creating even more opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and grow. Welcome home—we’re so glad to have you here!

We marked this milestone with a lively celebration of Team Garten on August 12th! The day was filled with delicious treats, laughter, and even an epic dunk tank that had everyone cheering. It was a wonderful chance to relax, connect with colleagues, and reflect on all the hard work our team has accomplished this summer. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined in the fun and made the day so memorable!

Celebrating Our Summer Youth Employment Program Graduates

This summer, 14 incredible youth with disabilities rolled up their sleeves and gained real-world experience at some of Salem’s most exciting host sites—including the Grand Hotel, Becka Makes Buttons, Gilbert House, Oregon Garden, YMCA, Fork Forty Food Hall, and even Salem Fire!

Over the course of the program, they built confidence, developed valuable workplace skills, and discovered the strengths they can carry into future careers. In August, we proudly celebrated their graduation, honoring the dedication, energy, and enthusiasm they brought to every opportunity.

A big congratulations to our youth interns. You’ve made this summer truly unforgettable!

The 2025 Garten Gala: Supporting Youth Employment

As we celebrate the success of our Summer Youth Employment Program graduates, we’re also looking ahead to the future, and you can be part of it!

Join us on Friday, October 24th from 5–8 PM at the beautiful Oregon Garden for an evening of impact and celebration. This year’s Garten Gala: Masquerade Ball, will be a night of enchantment, where mystery meets meaning. Masks are welcome, but completely optional!

Sponsored by Oregon State Credit Union, guests will enjoy a delicious dinner, live entertainment, and a vibrant atmosphere—all in support of youth with disabilities. Every dollar raised helps create pathways to opportunity, inclusion, and brighter futures for the next generation.

DSP Appreciation Week

At Garten, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the heart of our mission. They walk alongside people with disabilities every day—providing encouragement, tools, and personalized support to help individuals build confidence, discover opportunities, and thrive in their communities.

A DSP is more than a job title; it’s a calling. Whether through our Supported Employment Program or DayBreak activities, DSPs empower people to achieve career milestones, explore passions, and live lives filled with dignity and choice. Their dedication creates ripple effects of inclusion and empowerment that reach far beyond our doors.

As part of DSP Appreciation Week, we hosted a special ceremony to thank our DSP team for their incredible commitment and hard work. It was a chance to celebrate their impact, recognize their contributions, and show our deep gratitude for the life-changing difference they make across Oregon.

To every DSP at Garten: thank you for being mentors, advocates, and champions of inclusion. We see your impact every single day!

Inclusion in Action: Chris’s Journey at Jiffy Lube

Our latest blog tells the story of Chris, who began as a Garten intern at Jiffy Lube and quickly became a valued member of the team. With support from his job coach and encouragement from his coworkers, Chris gained confidence, built new skills, and earned a permanent position.

His success is a powerful reminder of what happens when businesses open their doors to inclusive employment, creating opportunities that transform lives while strengthening our community. Jiffy Lube’s commitment to saying yes made all the difference, and Chris’s journey is now inspiring other employers to do the same.

The impact of Chris’s story has stretched far beyond Garten. Shared on TikTok, his journey has resonated with people across the country garnering more than a quarter million views and sparking conversations about the power of inclusion in the workplace.

Read the full story on our blog.

Spotlight on AbilityOne During NDEAM

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)—a national observance that celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and promotes inclusive employment practices. For Garten, it’s also an opportunity to shine a light on the AbilityOne Program, which has been instrumental in creating meaningful jobs for people with disabilities right here in our community.

Through AbilityOne, Garten team members are not only employed—they’re empowered to build skills, grow careers, and make a lasting impact. The program reflects the very heart of NDEAM: advancing opportunity, dignity, and inclusion in the workplace.

To honor this important connection, we’ll be releasing a special article series throughout October. Each piece will highlight how AbilityOne helps us deliver on our mission and showcase the broader role this program plays in shaping a more inclusive workforce nationwide.

Until Next Time

That’s a wrap for this volume of The Garten Connection! From summer celebrations and youth achievements to inspiring stories of inclusion, it’s been a season full of growth and impact.

Thank you for being part of the Garten community and for supporting the work we do together. Here’s to a meaningful fall season filled with connection, purpose, and possibility.

Until next time, keep growing with us!