MyWhy: Lori Decker

Our “MyWhy” series highlights stories from our PPL employees, sharing the personal motivations behind their commitment to helping others access in-home care through self-direction. Hear directly from the individuals who bring our mission to life, and be sure to check back regularly as new stories are released.

In your own words, what is your “why” for working at PPL? (What brought you here, or what keeps you here?) 

I came to PPL last year after working as a DSP (Direct Support Worker), PSW (Personal Support Worker), and HCW (Health Care Worker) in Oregon for about two years. Before that, I spent eight years as a Case Manager with Visiting Angels, supporting elderly and disabled individuals as a Caregiver. My path into this work is personal. Both my parents passed away, and that experience shaped how strongly I believe in in-home care.

 I eventually bought a home in Sutherlin, Oregon, and was commuting weekly to Newberg for about 10 months. I knew I needed something closer to home. While waiting for my Home Care Provider number through the state, I joined an agency and began working in the IDD community as a DSP. It was new territory for me, and honestly, I was a little nervous at first.  

Then I met Brandi, my first client. She changed everything. I eventually had four clients and earned my Personal Support Provider number.  When I found PPL, it gave me a way to support all my clients, including Brandi, in a way that felt right.   

Today, Brandi is like family. Seeing her gain independence, living in her own home at the age of 49, staying stable, holding a job for two years—that’s my “why.” That’s what keeps me here.  

Can you tell us more about your journey into caregiving and the IDD community?  

It wasn’t a straight path. I started in caregiving out of necessity and personal experience, but over time it became something deeper. When I transitioned into the IDD community, it felt unfamiliar and a little intimidating. But once I got into it, I realized how impactful the work really is.  

Being hands-on, building relationships, and seeing real progress changes you. It’s not just a job. It’s people’s lives. 

You mentioned Brandi. What does that relationship mean to you? 

Brandi has brought so much joy into my life. She’s more than a client. She’s family. Watching her grow has been incredible. She’s become independent, she has her own home, she’s working, and she’s stable.  

Some of the moments that stand out aren’t huge milestones, but they’re deeply personal. She dressed up as Patrick Mahomes for Halloween and Dolly Parton for her birthday—things she had talked about for years. Being part of making those moments happen meant everything.  

She’s now started training to work in an office environment, which has always been a dream of hers. Seeing that kind of progress is why I do this work. 

Was there a specific moment or experience that made this work truly meaningful for you? 

It really comes back to my parents and Brandi. Losing my parents shaped how I see care and support. And then working with Brandi showed me what’s possible when someone has the right support.  

There’s also a reality to this work—moving into hands-on care required some personal tradeoffs. But I believe you have to start somewhere, and I stayed committed. I even volunteered with Special Olympics to stay connected to the community.  

When PPL hired me, it felt like validation. Like this path I chose mattered. 

What makes PPL different for you compared to your previous experiences? 

Support. That’s the biggest difference. With PPL, I feel like I can truly support my clients the way they deserve, without the limitations I felt in agency settings. 

It’s allowed me to continue working with people like Brandi and help them build real independence. That flexibility and alignment with what matters most is what stands out. 

How did you first hear about PPL and decide to apply? 

PPL was actually paying my paycheck when I was working as a PSW. That’s how I first became aware of the company. Once I understood more about how they operated, it made sense to apply and be part of it more directly. 

What does this work mean to you now? 

At the end of the day, this work is about dignity. It’s about helping someone build a life that feels like their own. On their terms, in their homes, with real independence. 

I’ve seen what it looks like when people don’t have that support. And I’ve seen what’s possible when they do.