At the end of April, For All Families Oregon (FAFO) gathered at the Salem Convention Center for Care Summit 2026 and the energy was undeniable. Over three days, more than 65 parents, providers, caregivers, and advocates came together to connect, learn, and lead. In community, we continued to build our shared movement and build power. (Jump to photo gallery.)
This year’s theme for Care Summit was“Rooted in Care,” and that foundation was visible in every conversation, workshop, and shared meal. Participants dove into critical care issues affecting Oregon families, developed essential advocacy skills, and left inspired to become leaders in our collective movement for caregiving justice.
Special Guests & Shared Vision
We were honored to welcome Libra Ford of the Women’s Foundation of Oregon whose insights on caregiving and community organizing resonated deeply with attendees. She focused on an integral part of our work that is often overlooked, and that is caring for ourselves. The saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” holds a lot of truth.
We were also joined by Tina Kotek, Oregon Governor. She gave a few words and highlighted the importance of investing in caregivers and the care infrastructure that holds our communities together — and we couldn’t agree more. (Watch the Governor’s message here.)
Having elected leadership show up and listen to caregivers’ lived experiences sent a powerful message: care work is essential work, and caregivers deserve support, respect, and resources.
What Made This Summit Special
- Accessibility First: The summit was completely free of charge. Meals, travel stipends, and childcare assistance were offered to ensure everyone could participate.
- Bilingual Programming: All content was offered in English and Spanish (¡Únete a la cumbre del cuidado!), reflecting our commitment to serving Oregon’s diverse caregiving community.
- Community Led: This wasn’t a top-down conference. Every session was shaped by caregivers, for caregivers.
- Action-Oriented: Participants didn’t just learn—they built networks, drafted advocacy plans, and committed to ongoing collective action.
Thank You to Everyone Who Made This Possible
To every single person who attended: thank you. You showed up because you believe care matters. You shared your stories, your challenges, and your visions for a future where no caregiver is left behind.
To our staff and board members who organized, facilitated, and held space: thank you. Your dedication made this gathering possible.
To our partners, speakers, and supporters: thank you. You amplified the voices of caregivers and helped us build something bigger than any one of us could alone.
What’s Next?
The Care Summit may have ended on Sunday, but our work continues. Here’s how to stay involved:
- Sign up for our email list to receive updates on advocacy opportunities, training sessions, and future events.
- Contribute to future policy—we’ve launched an important new survey to gather direct feedback from Oregon families. Take the survey today.
- Share your story with FAFO—your experience as a caregiver is powerful fuel for change.
- Follow us on social media for real-time updates and ways to take action. Find us on Instagram here.
Together, We Rise
As we move forward from Care Summit 2026, we carry with us the connections made, the skills learned, and the shared commitment to a brighter future for all caregivers and the people they support.
This is just the beginning.
Photographer: FLI Media