What is your passion? Whether it be knitting, fishing, or collecting sports cards, we all have that one thing that fuels us!

We would like to introduce you to Bill. Bill has been connected to MV Advancements for nearly four decades. He started with supported employment services at our former wood products division in Amity, where he worked for many years, before retiring in the early 2000s. In retirement, Bill has been able to get involved with our Day Support Activities (DSA) program. Whether it’s a trip to the Oregon Coast or trips to Portland, Bill is up for an adventure. When it is said that Bill is the world’s biggest Disney Fan, we have no doubt it’s true. If you run into Bill around McMinnville, he will likely have on his Disney gear, including his Mickey Mouse ears. In his apartment, you will see a shelf full of Disney collectibles and movies. His favorite movies are Pocahontas and Sleeping Beauty. Bill is more than a collector; he loves to travel to different Disney destinations. He has gone on a Disney Cruise to the Bahamas, to Disneyland/California Adventure Park nine times, and to Disney World multiple times as well. Bill tries to plan a Disney vacation each year, but as we know, the COVID-19 pandemic has put the world on hold and that has greatly impacted Bill’s travel plans. He had to wait multiple years to return to Disneyland. We are happy to report that this November he was once again able to travel with Trips Incorporated to the Happiest Place on Earth.

Trips Inc. is an organization that offers all-inclusive vacation packages including hotel, food, and airfare, at a discounted rate for adults who experience disabilities. They have organized trips to locations around the work including Italy, Spain, and Japan. This November Trips Inc. offered a trip to Disneyland, and Bill was able to join. With the size of the Disney Park, Bill needed a little extra support on this trip, and that’s where Randy comes in. Randy became a Direct Support Professional at MVA almost a decade ago and when asked why he enjoys his job he said, “I am happy to be a DSP because there is no other job where you can fill someone’s day with joy and make a difference in someone’s life, sometimes by just paying attention and listening to what they have to say”. Randy started working with Bill seven years ago and when it was identified that Bill needed some extra supports, it only made sense that Randy, whom Bill has had a great connection with, accompanied him. While in the Disney Park, they explored every inch of the property, rain, or shine. The true Disney diehards that they are, they kept going on rides even when it suddenly started pouring rain and everyone was running for cover. They went on every ride! Bill said the Haunted Mansion and Tom Sawyer Island were his favorites. What a way to celebrate his birthday! Bill was able to get the full Disneyland experience and he was truly in his element.

As soon as that trip to Disneyland in 2022 was a wrap, Bill started planning his next annual Disney adventure. Bring on Disney World 2023!

At MV Advancements our mission is to empower people to live their best life with the needed support through Employment, DSA, Residential, or Supported Living Services. It is important that each person has the opportunity to pursue their passion.

We hope that you have an opportunity to spend time on your passion this holiday season. Thank you for belief in our work and your continued commitment to our mission. We can’t do this important work without you!