We a nonprofit labor organization whose mission is to win an Adult Foster Care Home system where providers have the tools, resources, and opportunities required so that every one of our residents can thrive. We are currently working to remove SEIU as the union for Medicaid providers and replace it with our independent association for all AFH providers – I/DD, APD, Mental Health – Medicaid and private. Our purpose is to represent and advocate for the interests of all Oregon Adult Foster Home providers through collective bargaining, participating in legislative and rule-making processes, representing members in regulatory and licensing matters, informing the public about the importance of foster care homes, and identifying opportunities for savings to providers through group purchasing.
By coming together in a strong, united, independent association, we can make major and lasting improvements in our industry. We will push to: 1) Increase provider rates and make sure the funding follows the individual; 2) Win equitable funding compared to other care settings; 3) Standardize rules and regulations across provider types; 4) Increase the maximum number of residents allowed in each home; 5) Leverage our numbers to negotiate better pricing for healthcare, business insurance; 6) Educate legislators and the public about the important and cost-effective work we do; 7) Support new providers trying to enter the industry through mentorship, resources, and making the process easier to understand.
No. Our goal is to be independent from SEIU. 7 of our 9 current board members have never been involved with the union. Some of us have tried to make things better for providers by volunteering with the union. But we are all united in wanting to break from SEIU and have a fresh start in an association by and for all providers.
Many of us have been advocating for providers for years, either as part of formal groups like the Independent Adult Care Home Association or as part of various communities like the Kenyan providers group. On July 30, 2025, providers representing half a dozen associations and informal groups met to discuss whether we could join together AS ONE to replace SEIU as the collective bargaining entity for Medicaid providers with one new association for all providers. With one exception, the groups represented that day chose to work together and formed UOPA.
First, we are a democratic and transparent organization. You can find our bylaws on the About page, and all our board members will stand for election in 2026. Second, our leadership has experience advocating and making real change. Whether pushing to defeat HB 3838 or achieving a commitment from the union not to include AFH providers in future Workforce Board efforts, we have real experience in the halls of the Capital and in negotiating with the players. Finally, we are professionals who will only ever provide SOUND and VETTED advice to providers. When we share information, you can trust it has been verified.