Breaking down barriers, bringing people together

(HILLSBORO) — A local woman’s journey from adversity to advocacy is paving the way for inclusion.

Joy Duncan faced remarkable hardships growing up. At just 16 years old, the Washington County native was forced out of her home.

“My school secretary took me in and risked her job to help give me a stable place to live,” she recalled. “I then moved in with my now husband and his parents until I graduated high school and started college.”

Inspired to give back and reflect on the grace she received, Duncan entered social services, assisting low-income students with the Tigard-Tualatin School District and volunteering at Beaverton’s Sexual Assault Resource Center.

“I just found other areas to give back,” she said.

But after experiencing burnout, she eventually found a career that did not feel like a job: working with those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“I tried all these avenues and kind of got burned out in so many social service areas, but this is the one area that I just felt so inspired. It felt like it wasn't work. It spreads inclusion, and it feels like a friendship within a profession,” she said.

Employed as a recruitment director for an agency, Duncan noticed how the playing field wasn’t necessarily fair for all clients.

“None of the agencies I worked with provided equitable inclusion, meaning that if clients couldn't afford to do activities like going to the zoo or bowling, then they didn't get to experience the fun things. There was a big discrepancy,” Duncan explained.

To improve access, Duncan and her husband founded Northwest Friends Inclusion, a company that creates opportunities for people who might not be able to afford certain outings.

“I just thought that wasn't really right. So for me, I thought we need to start an agency where we cover the difference, so we pick up the cost,” she said.

According to Duncan, all services are paid for through Medicaid, meaning that clients can choose Northwest Friends Inclusion as one of their service providers.

On a day-to-day basis, clients participate in activities such as going to the beach, visiting the arcade or playing bingo.

“We also will do trips for a few days away, so there's a bunch of different opportunities,” Duncan said.

While the company bridges ways to interact with the community, Duncan emphasized the significant impact of this work on people's lives.

“Each individual has a specific set of goals, which could be working on communication, etiquette or being COVID-conscious. And while we're having fun, we're also cueing them in during conversations,” she said. “Over the years, I’ve seen our clients start conversations without being prompted.”

Duncan also noted the struggles stemming from isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many having difficulty caring for themselves.

“We see people being able to take better care of themselves. Creating friendships with others is huge,” she said. “It’s about creating a place where people can meet and do these fun activities together. We do it in big groups, so they get to meet other peers, and those friendships are really important.

“It all doesn't feel like work to me, just because it's so rewarding,” Duncan said. “Our clients look forward to seeing us, and that could be their one time getting out for the day. So it really feels like you’re making a difference.”