An Open Letter to James Toews, Beloved Friend of Support Services in Oregon

Dear James,The Oregon Support Services Association hosted a 10th anniversary party celebrating the opening of the first brokerage in Oregon last month. This fantastic gathering was nearly perfect, and it would have been if you would have been with us! You were sorely missed and deserve significant recognition for your accomplishment.Support Services as we know them would not have been accomplished without your vision, leadership and heart. As you will see by the photo display on our Facebook page, the 125 people in attendance included individuals and families who launched the effort that became the Staley Agreement. It was much like a family reunion with great food, laughter, storytelling and deep appreciation expressed for the dedication by the team who made it all happen. We can share some of this with you from pictures and people sharing their experience.Perhaps the best way to acknowledge you for your accomplishment is to ensure the continuation of the high quality of Support Services you helped create. You have our full commitment we will do everything possible, and things that seem impossible, to do so. After all, you lead the way and doing the impossible is what dreamers do. Thank you for your work, dedication and leadership. You have our highest regards!The Oregon Support Services AssociationMargaret Theisen (Full Access)Dan Peccia (Self Determination Resources Inc.)Bill Uhlman (Eastern Oregon Support Services Brokerage)Barbara Hedrick (Creative Supports Inc.)Ed Little, Jr. (Mentor Oregon Brokerage – South)Barbara Charette (Southern Oregon Regional Brokerage)Bev Herrin (Resource Connections of Oregon)Jill Ferns (Integrated Services Network)Howard Miller (Inclusion Inc.)Larry Deal (Independence Northwest)Katie Rose (Mentor Oregon Brokerage – Metro)Jennifer Bickett (Community Pathways Inc.)Sarah Knight (UCP Connections)