Salem, Oregon. – Bridges Oregon announces a new hire in the nonprofit agency’s Advocacy Services; Sammi Weethee joins the organization as the VOCA Client Advocate.
She joins Bridges Oregon from Oregon School for the Deaf (OSD) located in Salem, Oregon. During her successful tenure at OSD, she worked closely with Special Education students who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing. Sammi will bring a fresh perspective and approach to advocacy and accompaniment services to the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing survivors of any crime.
Sammi is a first-generation, Latina, Deaf woman who lives in the metro Salem area. She demonstrates a strong commitment to diversity, social justice, and brings a necessary scope of inclusion and access.
“I am excited and honored to be here as your VOCA Client Advocate. I am looking forward to seeing what I will be able to bring to the table with Bridges Oregon. I am also thrilled and extremely motivated for the opportunity to assist such an important resource to become 100% a reality for our Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing community here in Oregon. This will be important in continuing to make Oregon a Deaf-friendly state. Thank you for the warm welcome!”
Executive Director Chad A. Ludwig states, “Sammi is an outstanding addition to the team and brings exceptional skills and collaboration. Bridges Oregon is more than excited to have her join the agency.”
As a new and emerging leader in the community, Bridges Oregon has become the only dedicated Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing nonprofit organization in Oregon that provides advocacy and accompaniment services. Bridges Oregon was recently awarded the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant from the Oregon Department of Justice; This allowed Sammi to start her work on Monday, May 3rd. After weeks of intensive training and preparation, we will open the VOCA Advocacy Service on Monday, July 12th, and will begin the provision of services to Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing victims.
About Bridges Oregon:
Bridges Oregon is a nonprofit for Oregonians who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing or face other communication barriers. It is in our mission to facilitate equity, inclusiveness, and to provide a bridge to opportunities through advocacy, education, and communication.
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