We are thrilled to report  you raised over $290,000 at the 2017 Opportunity Partners gala on May 20! This was one of our most successful galas to date! Your generous contributions, sponsorships and support will continue to help us carry out our mission of advancing the quality of life for people with disabilities. Thank you to all of our attendees, sponsors, staff and volunteers - you are truly partners in our success and we are extremely grateful!

The Fund-an-Opportunity celebrated Tori's story. See her journey in the

video   that was shown at the event.

Your kindness and commitment empower Tori and so many others each and every day. Thank you again for making a difference!

Check out more photos from the gala on Facebook or on our website.

The 2017 legislative session has come to an end. While we were disappointed that a comprehensive direct care staff wage increase did not make it into the final Health and Human Services budget bill, several other disability policy positions that we had advocated for were included. More information and analysis to come. In all, we remain optimistic for the future and will not stop the fight!

Earlier this month, self-advocates met in the Department of Transportation cafeteria for Tuesday at the Capitol, co-hosted by the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities. Advocates and staff allies wrote their personal stories and delivered them to legislators - an important step for us in grassroots advocacy.

As we shared with you last fall, the federal Workforce Innovation and  Opportunity Act (W.I.O.A.) has new requirements for people with disabilities who work for organizations like Opportunity Partners. The regulation requires anyone working and paid according to their level of productivity to complete career counseling with the Metropolitan Centers for Independent Living (MCIL) no later than July and annually thereafter. Thank you to everyone who has attended a meeting so far! As we approach the deadline, it is important to know:

• Beginning in July, we will no longer be able to offer work opportunities to people who have not completed this process.
• For individuals with guardians, the guardian's signature is required on the forms MCIL completes at these meetings.
• Refusing to participate in this process will mean that you may no longer be able to work at Opportunity Partners.

Opportunity Partners believes in the value of all work and is committed to making work a possibility for everyone who desires it. If you need assistance contacting MCIL to attend a meeting or make other arrangements, please contact your OP Service Coordinator as soon as possible.

May 31, 2017 - Asplin Center Art Show

June 4, 2017 - Residential Picnic