Dimitrios Zourkos embarked on a fulfilling career dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities when he moved to Portland, Oregon, from Bellingham, Washington, in 2013. His journey into this field began as a Direct Support Professional, a role that immediately ignited his passion for this vital work. It was through this hands-on experience as a caregiver that Dimitrios discovered his true calling – a commitment to dedicating his life and skills to this community.
His dedication and natural leadership abilities quickly propelled him through the ranks. From Direct Support Professional, Dimitrios advanced to Assistant Residential Manager, then Residential Manager, and subsequently, Clinical Behavior Specialist. Each step in his career ladder broadened his understanding and deepened his expertise in providing comprehensive care and support.
Alt: Dimitrios Zourkos, founder of Kefi Care Programs, smiling warmly, showcasing his dedication to compassionate disability support services.
In 2015, Dimitrios joined Parents for Alternate Support Solutions (PASS), taking on the significant challenge of Program Manager. He was entrusted with revitalizing and steering the agency towards a more positive and effective direction. His impact was immediate and transformative. Within a year, Dimitrios was promoted to Executive Director. Under his leadership, PASS experienced substantial growth in clientele, improved staff retention, and a significant enhancement of the company’s reputation within the community.
The unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic further illuminated the growing disparities between the increasing needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and the diminishing support systems available. Witnessing this critical gap firsthand motivated Dimitrios to take decisive action. Driven by his unwavering commitment, he embraced the entrepreneurial path and established his own agency, Kefi Care Programs, with the core mission of providing exceptional and personalized support to those he is deeply passionate about serving. This venture, Kefi Care Programs, represents the culmination of his years of experience and a renewed dedication to making a tangible difference.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dimitrios Zourkos is deeply invested in local governance and community enrichment. He actively participates in shaping the future of Gresham, Oregon, holding several appointed and elected positions. He currently contributes his expertise as a Board member on the Gresham Redevelopment Advisory Committee to the City Council and previously served as Vice-Chair of the Budget Committee. Furthermore, as a member of the Board of Directors for his Neighborhood Association, he addresses everyday issues that directly impact the well-being of his neighbors and strengthens his local community fabric.
Dimitrios is enthusiastic about fostering enduring relationships with community members and delivering compassionate, reliable care through Kefi Care Programs to individuals within the developmental disabilities community. He looks forward to this exciting new chapter and the positive impact Kefi Care Programs will bring.
We raise a cheer to this new beginning and the promise of exceptional care that Kefi Care Programs embodies!
