Disability Support Services in West Salem, OR
In-home attendant care and Day Support Activities on the Polk County side of Oregon's capital — where North Star Oregon has a physical DSA location.
West Salem at a Glance
- Services Available
- In-Home Attendant Care & Day Support Activities
- County
- Polk County
- Local CDDP
- Polk County Developmental Disabilities Services (CDDP) · 503-831-5969
Disability Support Agency Serving West Salem and Polk County
West Salem sits on the west bank of the Willamette River, connected to downtown Salem by the Marion Street and Center Street bridges. It is geographically part of Salem but falls within Polk County — a distinction that matters for disability services, because Polk County operates its own Community Developmental Disabilities Program (CDDP) separate from Marion County's. If you live in West Salem, your CDDP is Polk County Developmental Disabilities Services, located at 182 SW Academy St, Suite 350, Dallas, OR 97338 (phone: 503-831-5969), not the Marion County office across the river.
North Star Oregon's DSA location is based in West Salem at 675 Orchard Heights Rd NW, Suite 160, Salem, OR 97304. This is where our Day Support Activities groups meet, and it serves as a hub for our work across both Polk and Marion counties. West Salem residents also have full access to our in-home attendant care services, which operate statewide.
With a population of roughly 34,000, the Polk County portion of Salem is a residential community defined by its hilltop neighborhoods, proximity to Wallace Marine Park, and a pace of life that feels distinct from the busier east side. Families here deserve a disability support provider that understands both the Polk County service system and the realities of living in a community that straddles two counties.
Disability Support Services in West Salem, Oregon
The Home Base for Salem-Area DSA
West Salem is where North Star Oregon's Day Support Activities physically operate in the Salem metro area. Our location on Orchard Heights Road serves as the gathering point for DSA groups that run Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 3 PM. For families in West Salem and the surrounding Polk County communities of Dallas, Monmouth, and Independence, this location means DSA programming is accessible without crossing the river into Marion County. We also provide in-home attendant care throughout West Salem and Polk County, coordinated through Oregon's K-Plan and the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS). If you're already working with a service coordinator at Polk County Developmental Disabilities Services, we can coordinate directly. If you're new to the process, call Polk County DD at 503-831-5969 or contact us.
Navigating the Two-County Reality
Living in West Salem means navigating a split that confuses even longtime residents: your mailing address says Salem, but your county services come from Dallas. This affects everything from which CDDP handles your case to which local resources apply. North Star Oregon works across both Marion and Polk counties daily, so we understand how the two systems interact and can help families on the West Salem side get connected to the right contacts without the runaround.
In-Home Attendant Care Services in West Salem, Oregon
In-home attendant care provides one-on-one support in the individual's own home — assistance with daily living, personal care, skill building, and community access. For West Salem residents, this means a support worker who comes to your neighborhood, whether you live up on the hill near Orchard Heights, closer to Wallace Marine Park along the river, or in the newer developments west of Doaks Ferry Road.
West Salem's residential character makes in-home care a natural fit. Most of the area is single-family neighborhoods without the commercial density of east Salem. Getting to appointments, grocery stores, or community activities often requires a car, and public transit options on the west side are more limited than across the river. Our attendant care workers help bridge those gaps — assisting with transportation to medical appointments, errands in the community, and the daily routines that support independent living.
- Personal care and daily living assistance
- Skill building toward greater independence
- Transportation support and community access
- Meal preparation and household tasks
- Consistent staffing — the same familiar faces, not a rotating roster
Day Support Activities in West Salem, Oregon
North Star Oregon's DSA location at 675 Orchard Heights Rd NW, Suite 160, is the physical home of our Salem-area Day Support Activities programming. Groups meet Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM, with a rotating schedule of activities that includes community outings, arts and crafts, fitness activities, volunteer opportunities, and educational workshops.
Because the DSA location is in West Salem, participants from Polk County communities — Dallas, Monmouth, Independence, Falls City — can access programming without needing to cross into Marion County. Participants from east Salem and Keizer are equally welcome; the bridges are a five-minute drive. Activities are designed around social connection, practical skill development, and community engagement. The schedule changes regularly, so check the DSA calendar for current offerings or contact us to arrange a visit and see the space in person.
Ready to talk about care in West Salem?
A real person on our team will reply within one business day — no phone trees, no intake robots.
Services are typically at no out-of-pocket cost to families, funded through Oregon's K-Plan (Medicaid).
Polk County Disability Resources
- Polk County Developmental Disabilities Services (CDDP) — The local CDDP for West Salem residents. Your starting point for eligibility determination and service coordination. Contact: Bethany McGarvie, mcgarvie.bethany@co.polk.or.us
182 SW Academy St, Suite 350, Dallas, OR 97338
Phone: 503-831-5969
- NorthWest Senior & Disability Services (NWSDS) — Area Agency on Aging and disability services covering both Marion and Polk counties. Toll-free: 866-206-4799.
3410 Cherry Ave NE, Salem, OR 97303
Phone: 503-304-3400
- The Arc Oregon — Statewide advocacy organization headquartered in Salem, promoting the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
2405 Front St NE, Suite 120, Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 503-581-2726
- Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency (MWVCAA) — Community action agency serving Marion and Polk counties since 1967, providing energy assistance, housing support, and social services.
Phone: 503-585-6232
- Disability Rights Oregon — Statewide legal advocacy for people with disabilities. or 800-452-1694. North Star Oregon coordinates with these organizations to ensure our West Salem clients receive connected, well-rounded support.
Phone: 503-243-2081
About North Star Oregon
West Salem is not just one of the communities we serve — it's where our Salem-area DSA programming is physically located. Our presence on Orchard Heights Road means we're embedded in this community, not visiting from across the river. North Star Oregon provides both in-home attendant care and Day Support Activities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Polk County, and we understand the specific reality of living in a neighborhood that's technically Salem but functionally Polk County. That local knowledge matters when navigating services, coordinating with case managers, and building a support plan that actually works.
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@northstarcaresQuestions about services in West Salem?
A real person on our team will reply within one business day — no phone trees, no intake robots.