1997
In late January representatives of 5 families met in Warren and Evvalee Rushold’s home; their sons were about to exhaust their eligibility for special education and all were wondering what was next. The support system beyond school was limited and most individuals went on a long waiting list for services.
It rapidly became apparent that the families would have to build their own solution. Over the next 4 months the group went through the process of forming an Oregon non-profit.
The following are important happenings during this year:
May 29, 1997 – Parents for Alternate Support Systems (PASS) was incorporated.
Founding Board of Directors:
Warren Rushold – President
Ray Berg – Vice President
Mary Guerra – Treasurer
Marilyn Moen – Director
Barbara Weikum – Director
September – 6-month renewable lease signed with Portland Adventist Medical Center (PAMC) for start-up space on the PAMC campus. Cost to PASS was $1 per month all inclusive.
December two staff hired; activities director and caregiver.
1998
January 19, 1998 the PASS Day Program opens its doors:
Two staff and three clients (listed below)
Wesley
Matthew
Geoff
Significant start-up assistance and advice from the Arc of Multnomah.
1999
January – Evvalee Rushold takes the reins as full time volunteer Program Director
Warren Rushold continues as volunteer President and CEO.
Major factors in PASS’ early success are:
Very low cost space thanks to PAMC,
Volunteer leadership.
2000
“Group of the Year” award from the Arc of Multnomah.
A grant from the Multnomah County Commission on Self-directed Supports enables PASS to start facility based Saturday respite care.
The first organization to achieve State certification under Support Services for Adults – the brokerage support system set up as a result of a settled class action lawsuit, “Staley vs. Kitzhaber”.
2002 – PASSAGES
July-December would be our last 6-month lease with PAMC.
We now had a 5-client waiting list of our own!
Passages – a campaign to move and expand begun. Highlights:
Molly-Mink Liston of Gilbert Brothers Commercial Realty assisted PASS in finding a suitable property.
10700 SE Divion St, Portland.
Parent Ron Hurl and others assisted in fundraising including:
Our donor list – $40,000
Collins Foundation $25,000
Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters $20,000
Sisters of Charity $25,000 (program expansion)
Portland Development Commission (PDC) $100,000
Multnomah County $5,000
Berg Construction – 1st floor remodel.
November – services moved to our new location under a lease/purchase agreement.
Our waiting list was cleared and we began accepting more new clients.
PASS is recognized by the IRS as a 501 c (3) tax exempt non-profit.
2003
Passages Continues:
Mortgage on the Division St. property secured through Merchants Bank of Gresham (now M Bank); effective June 30, 2003.
Thanks to Larry Postlewait and Larry Baker.
And Beyond
PASS continues to serve individuals with developmental disabilities at our Division St. facility and on outings into the community. Our current client load is just over 40.
