The PPfi stands for Positive Partners for Independence. Our mission is to help children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) enrich their lives — building social skills, fostering independent living, and connecting individuals with vital community resources so they can thrive both at home and in their neighborhoods.

The PPfi was founded in 2017 by President and Executive Director Deborah Hamar. Deborah has decades of personal and professional experience navigating I/DD supports, having set aside a career in science to provide full-time care for her own adult son. Because The PPfi is a family-owned, family-focused organization, we understand firsthand the complexities, anxieties, and triumphs that come with specialized care.

Our main administrative office is located in Salem, Oregon. We are state-certified to provide community living and in-home support services across the entire state of Oregon.

Yes. The PPfi LLC is a fully licensed and certified Community Living Supports Agency through the State of Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). We operate under a Medicaid-funded standard agency model.

We specialize in flexible, tailored support outlined in each client’s individual contract. Our primary services include:

• Activities of Daily Living (ADL) & IADL Support — Mentoring and assisting with essential home and daily routines, including light housekeeping, meal prep, and organization.
• Community Inclusion & Safety — Assisting clients safely while they access community events, public spaces, and social outings.
• Social & Life Skills Training — Guiding individuals to build the behaviors and routines needed for greater personal independence.
• Family Guidance — Helping families navigate transition milestones, such as moving from public education into early adulthood.

The PPfi is a Medicaid-funded agency. Services are paid for through state Medicaid allocations for individuals who qualify for I/DD waivers in Oregon. We assist families in navigating these Medicaid assistance pathways to ensure they receive the authorizations they need — at no out-of-pocket cost to qualifying families.

This is one of the most important benefits of working with a standard model agency like The PPfi. Unlike independent providers who leave families without a backup plan, we provide on-call supervisor support. If your Direct Support Professional (DSP) is sick, delayed, or faces an emergency, our team is ready to step in to ensure consistency of care.

Navigating public support can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. Here’s how the process works:

1. Initial Inquiry — Reach out via our website contact form at thePPFI.com or call us directly at 503-449-2372.
2. Consultation & Assessment — We discuss your family member’s needs, current Medicaid authorizations, and specific goals.
3. Matching & Planning — We match your family with a certified, trained DSP whose schedule, personality, and experience fit your specific requirements.

A Personal Support Worker (PSW) is typically hired directly by an individual or family as an independent contractor — managing their own billing, certifications, and scheduling. A Direct Support Professional (DSP) at The PPfi is a fully hired, protected, and supported W-2 employee. We manage the administrative burden, provide ongoing training, maintain consistent pay schedules, and offer a comprehensive benefits package.

We are proud of our best-in-class employee retention rate — and we earn it by treating our care workers like the professionals they are. Our compensation package includes:

• Competitive Pay — Best-in-class wages within the industry.
• Health Coverage — Comprehensive medical and dental insurance plans.
• Financial Security — 401(k) retirement matching and company-paid life insurance.
• Reliable Paydays — Pay twice per month, every month — no waiting on unpredictable public voucher processing.
• Paid Time Off — Accrued sick leave and fully paid mandatory training.

Every DSP on our team undergoes rigorous screening and continuous professional development:

• Initial Verification — All candidates must clear state-mandated background screenings and hold active CPR/First Aid certifications.
• Continuing Education — We deliver a minimum of 24 hours of paid training per year, keeping staff current on best caregiving practices, required documentation, and client advocacy.

Yes! Many of our most dedicated DSPs are parents, siblings, or family members who care for their adult I/DD loved ones. Moving your caregiving arrangement to The PPfi removes the administrative burden of independent state systems while immediately unlocking access to healthcare, life insurance, and a collaborative network of experienced peers.

To join our team of 80+ trained professionals, you’ll need to:

• Pass a formal background check.
• Have dependable transportation and appropriate auto insurance.
• Be comfortable using a smartphone or tablet for daily tracking logs and timecards.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills to accurately document progress and advocate effectively for your client.