August 2019
We hope you enjoy this month's inspirational stories showcasing A Promise of We , and the vital role you play. With your help, we can further our mission of advancing the quality of life for people with disabilities. Together, we are better!
Getting ready for the fair
We're excited! Are you?

Ask any of our team members, and they'll tell you, they love the Minnesota State Fair! We're excited to play a role in the Great Minnesota Get-Together by helping Blue Plate Restaurant Company. We assembled 70,000 food boats with paper liners for delicious food at The Blue Barn!

More than 60 workers with disabilities teamed up for this job, including additional duties like packing the containers into boxes, sealing and palletizing them. This helps the State Fair workers save time, as The Blue Barn is a busy, popular venue. Thanks to the Blue Plate Restaurant Company for their annual partnership! Owner Stephanie Shimp added, "We're so thankful for the work of Opportunity Partners and how they help us prepare for the fair each year ... we could not do it without them!" You can hire us too!
Community rallies after Ensign Residence fire
Hamel Lions step forward

Everything helps, and we still have a long way to go! Our caring community continues to rally around Jim Bjorneby, Ken Carlson and Ken Mundale, who lost their home and all their possessions when OP's Ensign Residence burned on June 12.

The Hamel Lions Club recently donated $1,500 to the Ensign fire fund, and we are so grateful for their generosity! With your support, you can help us reach our goal for the Ensign house fire fund. Thanks to the heartwarming generosity of an OP family, your gift will be matched - up to $50,000.

As we continue to work toward a new home, we know there will be significant gaps in uncovered costs. Your support is critical. YOU can make a difference with a special gift today. Help Jim, Ken and Ken feel like they are home once again.

Celebrating our amazing team
We recently celebrated milestone anniversaries of 39 of our wonderful OP staff members. With an astounding combined 365 years of service to the mission of OP, we applaud their commitment of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and even 30 years! Read why they love OP in this month's blog post.
You help us make an impact
With your support, we can make an impact, provide choice, lead with our hearts and create valuable partnerships! Our Report to the Community showcases success stories and milestones from 2018, and how you helped us support nearly 1,500 people with disabilities throughout our community. With your help, anything is possible as we work together to advance the quality of life for people with disabilities. Read the report online.
Join us - celebrate success
Join us at the 2019 Success Celebration to honor the achievements of people we support in the categories of Impact, Choice, Heart, Partnership and Spirit! The event is Sunday, September 15 from 3-7 pm at the Hyland Hills Chalet in Bloomington. Tickets are $8 and includes games, dance and a Famous Dave's buffet (vegetarian and vegan options available). Register now.
Do you have a Promise of We story to share?