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 Solutions (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.
Staff begin to setup and equip our first facility.
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; effective June 30, 2003.
The Multnomah county grant was $75,000.
Thanks to Larry Postlewait (Relationship officer), Larry Baker (Vice-president.)
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 50.
