spring 2014 2014 news u.s. postage paid...
TRANSCRIPT
Red & White Ball hits a home run!
UPDATES FROM OPPORTUNITY PARTNERS
Spring 2014
Opportunities5500 Opportunity Court • Minnetonka, MN 55343
Volume 41 • Issue 2 • Spring 2014
Published in the interest of families, friends and supporters of Opportunity Partners, Inc.This newsletter is available in alternative
formats by request to the Marketing Department at 952-938-5511.
EditorJulie Peters
DesignAlden Murray
The printing of this newsletter has been generously donated.Opportunity Partners is an EEO/AA employer.
Address or name changes.Do we have your name and address incorrect? Would you prefer to be removed from this mailing list? Kindly contact us at [email protected] or call 952-912-7442. Thank you!
Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage
PAIDTwin Cities, MN
Permit No. 90100
Message from the CEO
2014 news • opportunities
In this issueQ & A with Tim | New main entrance | Celebrate Opportunity recap
Opportunities
Thank you to everyone who attended and volunteered
at Opportunity Partners’ Red & White Ball April 12 at the
Minneapolis Marriott Northwest. You made the night a huge
success! Your support will help us better serve the disability
community to live, learn and work more independently.
Jessica Wentink and her mom, Board member Julia Sorenson
Baseball-themed décor at the Red & White Ball
Volunteers Emilee Anderson and Mike Young
Jake Kukla and Opportunity Partners’ President and CEO Armando Camacho surrounded by Jake’s family. Jake was surprised with a proclamation from
the Minnesota Twins naming April 12 “Jake Kukla #1 Fan Day.”
Allan and Sandy Goldstein and Victoria and Patrick McConnell enjoy the festivities. Volunteers Sandy and Victoria
helped design the baseball-themed décor.
To learn about our upcoming events, check out
Opportunities.org.
This quote inspires me because it reminds me how
Opportunity Partners has succeeded in becoming one of
the largest and most impactful human service agencies
in Minnesota. We were founded on the belief that people
with disabilities can achieve, BUT we need the community’s
support – community partners – to successfully fulfill our
mission.
The community is the key to opening doors: companies
partner with us to hire individuals with disabilities or turn
to us for their light packaging, which employs people we
serve; people volunteer with us or provide much needed
donations; families seek our services for their loved ones. Our
community network is why we are thriving, but we must to
continue to reach new partners and expand our community.
In my former position at Neighborhood House, we saw this
firsthand. Rallying the community around our cause was not
always easy, but eventually began to spread in ways we never
thought possible.
How do we build community? Although people yearn to
be part of a community, this process doesn’t just happen. It
starts with our own staff, recognizing the essential work they
do and ensuring they feel valued. It then spreads to families,
businesses, donors and volunteers, and others who start to
understand the work we do.
How can we build community?
• Invite us! We are happy to speak at your civic group, church or business. Or give me a call
and let’s have coffee.• Take a tour! We always welcome tours at our locations where you can see our mission in action.• Tell a friend! Let your contacts know about the life-changing work we do and why it matters.We served nearly 2,000 people with disabilities last year.
Each of those individuals has a network of family, friends,
acquaintances, church or civic groups, and businesses they
frequent. Imagine the impact we could have if every one
of those 2,000 families told two or three new people how
Opportunity Partners has changed their life and why they
should get involved.
Building community takes effort, and it can only happen
one step at a time and one family at a time. But, in the words
of Helen Keller, “... together we can do so much.”
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
Why building community matters
people who make a difference • opportunities business partner focus • opportunities
Volunteer spotlight: Jill Dahl
donor focus • opportunities
Q & A with Tim Johnson
Celebrating Opportunity
Join our online community!
“On Thursdays, I volunteer
at Opportunity Partners’
hoMEbase apartments. I do a
workout with a person served
and then help cook the group
meal. After dinner is made,
I sit down to eat with the
people served and staff. What
I really like about volunteering
with Opportunity Partners is
getting to know the people
served. I get to talk with them
and learn what is going on in
their lives. I also enjoy being
able to help out the wonderful
staff! I am in school for human
services, so volunteering with
Opportunity Partners has
helped me learn more about
the field.”
Thank you to all who attended
Opportunity Partners' annual
spaghetti dinner on March 6.
The Hopkins Noontime Lions
generously brought and cooked the
meal, drawing hundreds of family
members, staff, people served and
community members! Thank you
to the Hennepin-Carver Chapter of
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for
providing matching funds.
Spaghetti success
We have completed the remodel at Opportunity Partners-Koch Campus in
Minnetonka and relocated our main entrance and receptionist station to inside
Door E1, which is just south of the former main entrance.
We are very excited about this change and believe it will result in a smoother
transition for all of the individuals we serve. Door E1 is conveniently located near
lockers, restrooms and service coordinator offices. Our new receptionist station is
staffed Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Stop by and check it out!
New main entrance now open for business
Opportunity Partners’ annual business networking event
drew 400 people to the Marriott Minneapolis West on
February 26. WCCO-TV’s Frank Vascellaro served as emcee,
and business author Sam Richter delivered an informative
keynote talk.
Congratulations to the following award winners:
King Solutions, Inc. – Laura Zemlin Employer of the Year
Mason’s Restaurant & Barre – Julie Olson Topp
Employer of Excellence
Palco Sports – Norm Coghlan Customer of the Year
Wells Fargo – Community Partner Award
Watch the videos at Opportunities.org
Thank you to our sponsors!
Recognizing businesses that support our mission
We recently sat down with Tim Johnson to talk about
his experience working at Transport Graphics and
attending Opportunity Partners-Asplin Center in Plymouth.
When did you begin working at Transport Graphics?
I began working there in October of 2013.
What are your job duties?
I prep vehicles before graphics are installed. After they are
installed, I smooth them out and remove any air bubbles. I also
empty the trash, sweep and package things for shipping.
What do you like about working there?
The people are really friendly and I like helping to design the
graphics.
What are your hobbies?
I play floor hockey and softball for Special Olympics. I also like
to draw, help with home improvement projects and do activities
outdoors.
What activities are you involved in at Asplin Center?
I work on the production floor.
Anything else about yourself you would like to share?
I am a really hard worker and have a good sense of humor!
Adam, supported by Hammer, was among the attendees.
To sponsor an event, contact Dawn at [email protected]
Volunteer with us! Contact [email protected].
Transport Graphics, a full-service fleet and vehicle graphics
company located in Rogers, is at the heart of opportunity
and success for many Opportunity Partners affiliates. Gary
and Amy Glasscock, owners of the company and parents of
a person served at Opportunity Partners-Asplin Center, saw
the development of our branded vans initiative in 2013 and
wanted to play a role.
Transport Graphics has now begun re-wrapping our fleet
of vans with a new addition – sponsorship logos. Marsh &
McLennan Companies, Opportunity Partners’ long-time
insurance brokerage firm, agreed to fund two wraps in
exchange for their logo on the vans.
A job developer at Opportunity Partners got word of the
business relationship and knew that Tim Johnson, a talented
artist and lover of cars served at Asplin Center, would be
a perfect fit working at Transport Graphics. Tim (see story
below) began working at the company in the fall of 2013.
A $10,000 grant from the UCare Foundation means 900
adults with disabilities are learning about safe boundaries
through curriculum developed by Community Options
Resources and taught by Opportunity Partners.
The training teaches individuals to embrace healthy
relationships and self-esteem to improve their overall
quality of life. Subjects addressed include bullying,
respectful assertiveness, and maintaining a positive attitude.
In addition to these social skills, Opportunity Partners
molded the curriculum for its work focus, resulting in
the “OK for Work” initiative. Every Wednesday, each class,
production line, and Supported Employment Team (SET) site
conducts a 15-minute conversation about behaviors that are
“OK for Work.”
“The culture change we have seen is very apparent in
people’s understanding and receptiveness to reminders that
they have real
jobs with real
expectations,”
said Claire
Benway of
Opportunity
Partners.
“We are
pleased to provide support to Opportunity Partners for
the groundbreaking ‘OK for Work’ model. This innovative
program provides education and skill development that
makes a very real difference in the lives of people with
disabilities who want to remain as independent as possible,”
said Ghita Worcester, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs
and Marketing, UCare.
Opportunities on the move
Megan Nelson greets visitors at the new entrance.
WCCO-TV’s Frank Vascellaro, award presenter Nicole Fitzhugh, Nick Golz of Palco Sports, and Opportunity Partners’
President & CEO Armando Camacho
‘OK for work’ curriculum takes shapeTim Johnson, who works at Transport
Graphics, with van sponsors Casey and Tom Nepper of Marsh & McLennan Agency.
Ann Rogers and Monica
Gossett of UCare recently toured
Opportunity Partners, stopping
to visit Amanda Grothe (center).
Red & White Ball hits a home run!
UPDATES FROM OPPORTUNITY PARTNERS
Spring 2014
Opportunities5500 Opportunity Court • Minnetonka, MN 55343
Volume 41 • Issue 2 • Spring 2014
Published in the interest of families, friends and supporters of Opportunity Partners, Inc.This newsletter is available in alternative
formats by request to the Marketing Department at 952-938-5511.
EditorJulie Peters
DesignAlden Murray
The printing of this newsletter has been generously donated.Opportunity Partners is an EEO/AA employer.
Address or name changes.Do we have your name and address incorrect? Would you prefer to be removed from this mailing list? Kindly contact us at [email protected] or call 952-912-7442. Thank you!
Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage
PAIDTwin Cities, MN
Permit No. 90100
Message from the CEO
2014 news • opportunities
In this issueQ & A with Tim | New main entrance | Celebrate Opportunity recap
Opportunities
Thank you to everyone who attended and volunteered
at Opportunity Partners’ Red & White Ball April 12 at the
Minneapolis Marriott Northwest. You made the night a huge
success! Your support will help us better serve the disability
community to live, learn and work more independently.
Jessica Wentink and her mom, Board member Julia Sorenson
Baseball-themed décor at the Red & White Ball
Volunteers Emilee Anderson and Mike Young
Jake Kukla and Opportunity Partners’ President and CEO Armando Camacho surrounded by Jake’s family. Jake was surprised with a proclamation from
the Minnesota Twins naming April 12 “Jake Kukla #1 Fan Day.”
Allan and Sandy Goldstein and Victoria and Patrick McConnell enjoy the festivities. Volunteers Sandy and Victoria
helped design the baseball-themed décor.
To learn about our upcoming events, check out
Opportunities.org.
This quote inspires me because it reminds me how
Opportunity Partners has succeeded in becoming one of
the largest and most impactful human service agencies
in Minnesota. We were founded on the belief that people
with disabilities can achieve, BUT we need the community’s
support – community partners – to successfully fulfill our
mission.
The community is the key to opening doors: companies
partner with us to hire individuals with disabilities or turn
to us for their light packaging, which employs people we
serve; people volunteer with us or provide much needed
donations; families seek our services for their loved ones. Our
community network is why we are thriving, but we must to
continue to reach new partners and expand our community.
In my former position at Neighborhood House, we saw this
firsthand. Rallying the community around our cause was not
always easy, but eventually began to spread in ways we never
thought possible.
How do we build community? Although people yearn to
be part of a community, this process doesn’t just happen. It
starts with our own staff, recognizing the essential work they
do and ensuring they feel valued. It then spreads to families,
businesses, donors and volunteers, and others who start to
understand the work we do.
How can we build community?
• Invite us! We are happy to speak at your civic group, church or business. Or give me a call
and let’s have coffee.• Take a tour! We always welcome tours at our locations where you can see our mission in action.• Tell a friend! Let your contacts know about the life-changing work we do and why it matters.We served nearly 2,000 people with disabilities last year.
Each of those individuals has a network of family, friends,
acquaintances, church or civic groups, and businesses they
frequent. Imagine the impact we could have if every one
of those 2,000 families told two or three new people how
Opportunity Partners has changed their life and why they
should get involved.
Building community takes effort, and it can only happen
one step at a time and one family at a time. But, in the words
of Helen Keller, “... together we can do so much.”
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
Why building community matters
people who make a difference • opportunities business partner focus • opportunities
Volunteer spotlight: Jill Dahl
donor focus • opportunities
Q & A with Tim Johnson
Celebrating Opportunity
Join our online community!
“On Thursdays, I volunteer
at Opportunity Partners’
hoMEbase apartments. I do a
workout with a person served
and then help cook the group
meal. After dinner is made,
I sit down to eat with the
people served and staff. What
I really like about volunteering
with Opportunity Partners is
getting to know the people
served. I get to talk with them
and learn what is going on in
their lives. I also enjoy being
able to help out the wonderful
staff! I am in school for human
services, so volunteering with
Opportunity Partners has
helped me learn more about
the field.”
Thank you to all who attended
Opportunity Partners' annual
spaghetti dinner on March 6.
The Hopkins Noontime Lions
generously brought and cooked the
meal, drawing hundreds of family
members, staff, people served and
community members! Thank you
to the Hennepin-Carver Chapter of
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for
providing matching funds.
Spaghetti success
We have completed the remodel at Opportunity Partners-Koch Campus in
Minnetonka and relocated our main entrance and receptionist station to inside
Door E1, which is just south of the former main entrance.
We are very excited about this change and believe it will result in a smoother
transition for all of the individuals we serve. Door E1 is conveniently located near
lockers, restrooms and service coordinator offices. Our new receptionist station is
staffed Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Stop by and check it out!
New main entrance now open for business
Opportunity Partners’ annual business networking event
drew 400 people to the Marriott Minneapolis West on
February 26. WCCO-TV’s Frank Vascellaro served as emcee,
and business author Sam Richter delivered an informative
keynote talk.
Congratulations to the following award winners:
King Solutions, Inc. – Laura Zemlin Employer of the Year
Mason’s Restaurant & Barre – Julie Olson Topp
Employer of Excellence
Palco Sports – Norm Coghlan Customer of the Year
Wells Fargo – Community Partner Award
Watch the videos at Opportunities.org
Thank you to our sponsors!
Recognizing businesses that support our mission
We recently sat down with Tim Johnson to talk about
his experience working at Transport Graphics and
attending Opportunity Partners-Asplin Center in Plymouth.
When did you begin working at Transport Graphics?
I began working there in October of 2013.
What are your job duties?
I prep vehicles before graphics are installed. After they are
installed, I smooth them out and remove any air bubbles. I also
empty the trash, sweep and package things for shipping.
What do you like about working there?
The people are really friendly and I like helping to design the
graphics.
What are your hobbies?
I play floor hockey and softball for Special Olympics. I also like
to draw, help with home improvement projects and do activities
outdoors.
What activities are you involved in at Asplin Center?
I work on the production floor.
Anything else about yourself you would like to share?
I am a really hard worker and have a good sense of humor!
Adam, supported by Hammer, was among the attendees.
To sponsor an event, contact Dawn at [email protected]
Volunteer with us! Contact [email protected].
Transport Graphics, a full-service fleet and vehicle graphics
company located in Rogers, is at the heart of opportunity
and success for many Opportunity Partners affiliates. Gary
and Amy Glasscock, owners of the company and parents of
a person served at Opportunity Partners-Asplin Center, saw
the development of our branded vans initiative in 2013 and
wanted to play a role.
Transport Graphics has now begun re-wrapping our fleet
of vans with a new addition – sponsorship logos. Marsh &
McLennan Companies, Opportunity Partners’ long-time
insurance brokerage firm, agreed to fund two wraps in
exchange for their logo on the vans.
A job developer at Opportunity Partners got word of the
business relationship and knew that Tim Johnson, a talented
artist and lover of cars served at Asplin Center, would be
a perfect fit working at Transport Graphics. Tim (see story
below) began working at the company in the fall of 2013.
A $10,000 grant from the UCare Foundation means 900
adults with disabilities are learning about safe boundaries
through curriculum developed by Community Options
Resources and taught by Opportunity Partners.
The training teaches individuals to embrace healthy
relationships and self-esteem to improve their overall
quality of life. Subjects addressed include bullying,
respectful assertiveness, and maintaining a positive attitude.
In addition to these social skills, Opportunity Partners
molded the curriculum for its work focus, resulting in
the “OK for Work” initiative. Every Wednesday, each class,
production line, and Supported Employment Team (SET) site
conducts a 15-minute conversation about behaviors that are
“OK for Work.”
“The culture change we have seen is very apparent in
people’s understanding and receptiveness to reminders that
they have real
jobs with real
expectations,”
said Claire
Benway of
Opportunity
Partners.
“We are
pleased to provide support to Opportunity Partners for
the groundbreaking ‘OK for Work’ model. This innovative
program provides education and skill development that
makes a very real difference in the lives of people with
disabilities who want to remain as independent as possible,”
said Ghita Worcester, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs
and Marketing, UCare.
Opportunities on the move
Megan Nelson greets visitors at the new entrance.
WCCO-TV’s Frank Vascellaro, award presenter Nicole Fitzhugh, Nick Golz of Palco Sports, and Opportunity Partners’
President & CEO Armando Camacho
‘OK for work’ curriculum takes shapeTim Johnson, who works at Transport
Graphics, with van sponsors Casey and Tom Nepper of Marsh & McLennan Agency.
Ann Rogers and Monica
Gossett of UCare recently toured
Opportunity Partners, stopping
to visit Amanda Grothe (center).
people who make a difference • opportunities business partner focus • opportunities
Volunteer spotlight: Jill Dahl
donor focus • opportunities
Q & A with Tim Johnson
Celebrating Opportunity
Join our online community!
“On Thursdays, I volunteer
at Opportunity Partners’
hoMEbase apartments. I do a
workout with a person served
and then help cook the group
meal. After dinner is made,
I sit down to eat with the
people served and staff. What
I really like about volunteering
with Opportunity Partners is
getting to know the people
served. I get to talk with them
and learn what is going on in
their lives. I also enjoy being
able to help out the wonderful
staff! I am in school for human
services, so volunteering with
Opportunity Partners has
helped me learn more about
the field.”
Thank you to all who attended
Opportunity Partners' annual
spaghetti dinner on March 6.
The Hopkins Noontime Lions
generously brought and cooked the
meal, drawing hundreds of family
members, staff, people served and
community members! Thank you
to the Hennepin-Carver Chapter of
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for
providing matching funds.
Spaghetti success
We have completed the remodel at Opportunity Partners-Koch Campus in
Minnetonka and relocated our main entrance and receptionist station to inside
Door E1, which is just south of the former main entrance.
We are very excited about this change and believe it will result in a smoother
transition for all of the individuals we serve. Door E1 is conveniently located near
lockers, restrooms and service coordinator offices. Our new receptionist station is
staffed Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Stop by and check it out!
New main entrance now open for business
Opportunity Partners’ annual business networking event
drew 400 people to the Marriott Minneapolis West on
February 26. WCCO-TV’s Frank Vascellaro served as emcee,
and business author Sam Richter delivered an informative
keynote talk.
Congratulations to the following award winners:
King Solutions, Inc. – Laura Zemlin Employer of the Year
Mason’s Restaurant & Barre – Julie Olson Topp
Employer of Excellence
Palco Sports – Norm Coghlan Customer of the Year
Wells Fargo – Community Partner Award
Watch the videos at Opportunities.org
Thank you to our sponsors!
Recognizing businesses that support our mission
We recently sat down with Tim Johnson to talk about
his experience working at Transport Graphics and
attending Opportunity Partners-Asplin Center in Plymouth.
When did you begin working at Transport Graphics?
I began working there in October of 2013.
What are your job duties?
I prep vehicles before graphics are installed. After they are
installed, I smooth them out and remove any air bubbles. I also
empty the trash, sweep and package things for shipping.
What do you like about working there?
The people are really friendly and I like helping to design the
graphics.
What are your hobbies?
I play floor hockey and softball for Special Olympics. I also like
to draw, help with home improvement projects and do activities
outdoors.
What activities are you involved in at Asplin Center?
I work on the production floor.
Anything else about yourself you would like to share?
I am a really hard worker and have a good sense of humor!
Adam, supported by Hammer, was among the attendees.
To sponsor an event, contact Dawn at [email protected]
Volunteer with us! Contact [email protected].
Transport Graphics, a full-service fleet and vehicle graphics
company located in Rogers, is at the heart of opportunity
and success for many Opportunity Partners affiliates. Gary
and Amy Glasscock, owners of the company and parents of
a person served at Opportunity Partners-Asplin Center, saw
the development of our branded vans initiative in 2013 and
wanted to play a role.
Transport Graphics has now begun re-wrapping our fleet
of vans with a new addition – sponsorship logos. Marsh &
McLennan Companies, Opportunity Partners’ long-time
insurance brokerage firm, agreed to fund two wraps in
exchange for their logo on the vans.
A job developer at Opportunity Partners got word of the
business relationship and knew that Tim Johnson, a talented
artist and lover of cars served at Asplin Center, would be
a perfect fit working at Transport Graphics. Tim (see story
below) began working at the company in the fall of 2013.
A $10,000 grant from the UCare Foundation means 900
adults with disabilities are learning about safe boundaries
through curriculum developed by Community Options
Resources and taught by Opportunity Partners.
The training teaches individuals to embrace healthy
relationships and self-esteem to improve their overall
quality of life. Subjects addressed include bullying,
respectful assertiveness, and maintaining a positive attitude.
In addition to these social skills, Opportunity Partners
molded the curriculum for its work focus, resulting in
the “OK for Work” initiative. Every Wednesday, each class,
production line, and Supported Employment Team (SET) site
conducts a 15-minute conversation about behaviors that are
“OK for Work.”
“The culture change we have seen is very apparent in
people’s understanding and receptiveness to reminders that
they have real
jobs with real
expectations,”
said Claire
Benway of
Opportunity
Partners.
“We are
pleased to provide support to Opportunity Partners for
the groundbreaking ‘OK for Work’ model. This innovative
program provides education and skill development that
makes a very real difference in the lives of people with
disabilities who want to remain as independent as possible,”
said Ghita Worcester, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs
and Marketing, UCare.
Opportunities on the move
Megan Nelson greets visitors at the new entrance.
WCCO-TV’s Frank Vascellaro, award presenter Nicole Fitzhugh, Nick Golz of Palco Sports, and Opportunity Partners’
President & CEO Armando Camacho
‘OK for work’ curriculum takes shapeTim Johnson, who works at Transport
Graphics, with van sponsors Casey and Tom Nepper of Marsh & McLennan Agency.
Ann Rogers and Monica
Gossett of UCare recently toured
Opportunity Partners, stopping
to visit Amanda Grothe (center).
Red & White Ball hits a home run!
UPDATES FROM OPPORTUNITY PARTNERS
Spring 2014
Opportunities5500 Opportunity Court • Minnetonka, MN 55343
Volume 41 • Issue 2 • Spring 2014
Published in the interest of families, friends and supporters of Opportunity Partners, Inc.This newsletter is available in alternative
formats by request to the Marketing Department at 952-938-5511.
EditorJulie Peters
DesignAlden Murray
The printing of this newsletter has been generously donated.Opportunity Partners is an EEO/AA employer.
Address or name changes.Do we have your name and address incorrect? Would you prefer to be removed from this mailing list? Kindly contact us at [email protected] or call 952-912-7442. Thank you!
Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage
PAIDTwin Cities, MN
Permit No. 90100
Message from the CEO
2014 news • opportunities
In this issueQ & A with Tim | New main entrance | Celebrate Opportunity recap
Opportunities
Thank you to everyone who attended and volunteered
at Opportunity Partners’ Red & White Ball April 12 at the
Minneapolis Marriott Northwest. You made the night a huge
success! Your support will help us better serve the disability
community to live, learn and work more independently.
Jessica Wentink and her mom, Board member Julia Sorenson
Baseball-themed décor at the Red & White Ball
Volunteers Emilee Anderson and Mike Young
Jake Kukla and Opportunity Partners’ President and CEO Armando Camacho surrounded by Jake’s family. Jake was surprised with a proclamation from
the Minnesota Twins naming April 12 “Jake Kukla #1 Fan Day.”
Allan and Sandy Goldstein and Victoria and Patrick McConnell enjoy the festivities. Volunteers Sandy and Victoria
helped design the baseball-themed décor.
To learn about our upcoming events, check out
Opportunities.org.
This quote inspires me because it reminds me how
Opportunity Partners has succeeded in becoming one of
the largest and most impactful human service agencies
in Minnesota. We were founded on the belief that people
with disabilities can achieve, BUT we need the community’s
support – community partners – to successfully fulfill our
mission.
The community is the key to opening doors: companies
partner with us to hire individuals with disabilities or turn
to us for their light packaging, which employs people we
serve; people volunteer with us or provide much needed
donations; families seek our services for their loved ones. Our
community network is why we are thriving, but we must to
continue to reach new partners and expand our community.
In my former position at Neighborhood House, we saw this
firsthand. Rallying the community around our cause was not
always easy, but eventually began to spread in ways we never
thought possible.
How do we build community? Although people yearn to
be part of a community, this process doesn’t just happen. It
starts with our own staff, recognizing the essential work they
do and ensuring they feel valued. It then spreads to families,
businesses, donors and volunteers, and others who start to
understand the work we do.
How can we build community?
• Invite us! We are happy to speak at your civic group, church or business. Or give me a call
and let’s have coffee.• Take a tour! We always welcome tours at our locations where you can see our mission in action.• Tell a friend! Let your contacts know about the life-changing work we do and why it matters.We served nearly 2,000 people with disabilities last year.
Each of those individuals has a network of family, friends,
acquaintances, church or civic groups, and businesses they
frequent. Imagine the impact we could have if every one
of those 2,000 families told two or three new people how
Opportunity Partners has changed their life and why they
should get involved.
Building community takes effort, and it can only happen
one step at a time and one family at a time. But, in the words
of Helen Keller, “... together we can do so much.”
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
Why building community matters