Top Picture: Lori Bacon (right) and Ellen (left)

One year ago, the MV Advancements leadership team recommitted to our mission of empowering people to live their best lives. We wanted to take a deeper look at what that truly means and how we could set clear, meaningful goals to live that mission every day. That journey brought us to the concept of the One Big Thing.

Every department at MV Advancements now has a One Big Thing—one mission-focused goal they work toward throughout the year to enhance the lives of the people they support. Last year, Employment, Day Support Activities (DSA), Supported Living Program (SLP), and Residential teams all sat down to identify their unique One Big Thing.

The Employment team’s One Big Thing was ambitious: 40 job starts and 30 job retentions, defined as holding a job successfully for at least 90 days.

Through dedication and teamwork, the department exceeded their goal— 42 people started successful new careers!

Joey, a Project SEARCH graduate, began working at Linfield’s cafeteria after learning how much he loved working in food service. Shanita started as a dishwasher at Brookdale Assisted Living and earned a promotion to prep cook. Matthew went from receiving constant job coaching support to thriving independently, with only monthly check-ins.

These are just a few of the many examples of how the Employment team’s One Big Thing goal empowered people to live their best lives.

The DSA team focused their One Big Thing on gathering feedback directly from participants to build the monthly activity calendar. The DSA team wanted to hear from people in services what activities were most important to them, and make those things happen.

To do this, they created Monthly Mingles, social events like spaghetti feasts and chili cook-offs that doubled as feedback sessions. Participants suggested activities such as visiting garage sales, attending farmers’ markets, board game days, and adding more weekend events.

All the activities that were suggested are now implemented, and the DSA calendar reflects the voices of the people we support. That is what empowering people is all about.

For the Supported Living team, the One Big Thing was all about celebration. Holidays and special occasions can be difficult for many people we support, so the team focused on empowering people to celebrate moments that matter to them.

They met with all 28 people in the program and assisted in planning a meaningful celebration, ranging from birthday parties to concerts in Portland.

Ellen is planning a birthday trip to the Oregon Coast. “I wanted to go to the beach for my birthday,” Ellen shared.

Other plans include Bruce and Anne’s wedding anniversary beach trip, Rene’s upcoming Caribbean cruise, and Glenn’s dream visit to Universal Studios, California.  

The Residential team’s One Big Thing focused on empowering the people they support to accomplish a personal goal—whether part of their Individual Support Plan or something entirely new.

Tina fulfilled a lifelong dream of swimming with dolphins in Hawaii. Myron reunited with his 101-year-old mother after years apart. Cali graduated from high school! These milestones—both joyful and emotional—are a testament to the team’s commitment to empowerment.

MV Advancements’ One Big Thing initiative was a resounding success. Every team made meaningful progress towards our mission. Each team has set their new One Big Thing for the coming year.

The Employment team is going for 50 job starts and 40 retentions.

The Day Support Activities team is going to host speed dating and friend-making events.

The Supported Living team is setting three areas of growth, and meeting with everyone they support to determine which area they want to grow in.

The Residential team is meeting with each employee to create a plan for professional growth.

At MV Advancements, we are proud of our teams and their continued dedication to empowering people to live their best lives—every single day.