about US
History of Essential Services.
In May 2018, Essential Services LLC officially opened for business. The vision for this enterprise developed across the years when co-CEOs, Carl Bloms and Jesse Lugo, worked as care providers in both private and public sectors. Jesse helped those who had disabilities regain life skills and Carl worked as a health care specialist in the Army. While serving in these capacities, they often talked of finding a better way to care for those with disabilities and in the process, establish a more rewarding work environment for care providers. As a result of their long hours of conversation and because they had known each other for most of their lives, it seemed fitting that they would go into business together.
The key components of their business plan were two-fold:
1) ensuring that clients received the specific care they needed and 2) that providers not only had a voice in the plan of care, but would also enjoy competitive pay and a choice of full-time or part-time hours. In addition, Essential Services LLC was created with two distinguishing values. First, to build a company where the care providers and administrative staff are valued and respected. Secondly, to create a company where clients are treated with respect and dignity.
Having clarified their intent, the necessary legal process began: to meet the criteria established by the State of Oregon to become a certified provider agency. In May 2018, the company opened with 5 clients and a small number of care providers working primarily in Yamhill County. Initially operating out of their homes, Carl and Jesse quickly broadened their clientele, care providers and added an administrative team—all of which allowed them to expand their services to Marion, Polk, Washington and Clackamas counties. In March 2020, the business moved into office space in McMinnville, Oregon.
Designation as an Agency.
Essential Services is a State certified agency, licensed to provide services throughout Oregon for those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. We are currently licensed in the State of Oregon.
Benefits of joining an Agency.
From a Direct Support Professional’s Point of View:
§ Competitive pay
§ Referral-based raises and bonuses
§ PTO
§ 401K Profit Sharing
§ Advocate with brokerage house
§ Flexible hours
§ Training to refresh and expand knowledge and skills of quality care
§ Opportunity to work with a range of clients
From a Client’s Point of View:
§ Care based upon your explicit needs
§ Opportunity to attend social events hosted by Essential Services
§ Flexibility in scheduling
§ Support for finding community resources: housing, food boxes, furniture, vision care, legal counsel
Who We Serve
§ Individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who have an established K Plan covering ages from toddler to 62.
§ Those in need of a K Plan who require assistance with the application process.
§ Those with a Personal/Professional Services Contract through DHS.
Endorsements from the State of Oregon
§ Supported Living per OAR411-328: Supported living provides the opportunity for an individual to live in the residence of his or her choice within the community with recognition that the needs and preferences of the individual may change over time. The levels of support for the individual are based upon individual needs and preferences as identified in a functional needs assessment and defined in an Individual Support Plan. Such services may include up to 24 hours per day of paid supports that are provided in a manner that protects the dignity of the individual.
§ Relief Care per OAR 411-450: Is short-term care and supervision provided because of the absence, or need for relief, of persons normally providing the care to individuals unable to care for their selves. This relief care is provided for those who have this authorized service in their K Plan.
§ Child Intensive In-home Services/Supported Living Services (CIIS): Children with intensive care needs.
§ Transportation per OAR 411-435: Services that allow individuals to gain access to waiver services, community services, activities and resources that are not medical in nature.
§ Community Support Living per OAR 411-450: Attendant care services include direct support provided to an individual in the home or community of the individual by a qualified provider. ADL and IADL services provided through attendant care must be necessary to permit an individual to live independently in a community-based setting.
