AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection, and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to your selected charity! Shop today and select OEI!

Good news! 

AmazonSmile customers can now support Opportunity Enterprises in the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones!

OEI ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DINNER AND TALENT SHOW 2022

Thanksgiving is our favorite time of the year by far! Each year we hold a free Thanksgiving meal and talent show for consumers, their families/support staff, and other members of the community. After 2 years of packaging meals, we were excited to be back in person with everyone! The meal was held at East Auburn Baptist Church on 11/16 followed up by a Talent Show. Everyone was encouraged to participate in the talent show with acts, such as singing, dancing, skits, comedy, magic, art, etc. and it did not disappoint!

We also took this opportunity to take holiday photos again, as people arrived at the event. We even printed them off onsite so folks could take their photos home with them. At the meal, we displayed our Giving Tree for each area. Gifts on these trees are to provide individuals with gifts for the holidays who would otherwise not receive any. Typically we ask for food donations for the meal but this year, everything has already been donated. Instead, we asked individuals to pick a tag from our Giving Tree or make a monetary donation at the event for The Giving Trees. The trees are now displayed at each OEI office location. If anyone is interested in taking a tag and/or making a donation, feel free to call us at 207-376-4911 or stop by during weekly business hours.

RISING STARS THERAPEUTIC FARM

On December 2nd, we will be holding Christmas At The Farm 2022!

There is still time to get your tickets:

Stay tuned for photo updates in next month's newsletter!

THE CUPCAKERY CAFE & BAKE SHOP

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Nothing says "Holidays" like the smell of gingerbread and other heavenly confections floating in the air. Our holiday baking crew is busy baking up a winter storm for you all! We have begun taking pre-orders and are happy to fill our baking calendar with even more. All holiday orders are due by close of business on Monday 12/19. We will do our best to accommodate orders after that, but we make no promises, so we urge early ordering for the best results.

STARFISH GREENHOUSE

In 2022 the greenhouse and outdoor gardens once again produced an abundance of flowering plants, produce, and items that are used in craft projects. With last year's grant, the participants were able to build more raised beds outdoors and add accessibility features to the outdoor gardens such as graveled pathways. Proceeds from their efforts go directly back to programs and activities that the participants plan themselves. Some of the produce and products are shared with community members to meet needs or thank them for their service. They grew pumpkins to sell again this fall and will be starting to make holiday crafts from items they have gathered in the coming weeks. Several of our participants enjoy spending time in the greenhouse as a way to strengthen friendships and gain skills. The program is looking for support so that it can continue to grow. With the funds they raise this year they plan to purchase seeds, seedlings, and other farming supplies in the spring as well as replace some worn tools. They are also beginning the process of exploring a radiant heating system for the greenhouse to make it accessible year-round.

This campaign began on Nov. 15, 2022, at 12:00 PM EST and will end on Dec. 15, 2022, at 12:00 PM EST

Reminder!

We are still collecting bottle donations. All money raised will help us reach our goal of matching grant money to benefit the Searsport greenhouse and gardens!

OUT & ABOUT IN THE COMMUNITY

A few happy members of the SO bowling team

Riding lessons @ Rising Stars Therapeutic Farm!

Oh, just a little Carnival Cruise to the Bahamas :)

@ The Drown Family Farm

Helping out at the Veteran's breakfast held at Dirigo Elementary School

Did you know?

Buffalo LOVE to eat pumpkins!

First snow of the season!

A tour of Conant Acres in Canton, Maine

WELCOME TEAM MEMBERS

Kristin Richard- Direct Support Professional

Mohammed Mohammed- Direct Support Professional

Samantha Samsel- Direct Support Professional

Heather Erskine- Community Case Manager (Per Diem)

EMPLOYEE HIGHLIGHT

Melissa has been a part of the OEI family for just over 9 years! In that time she has risen from the ranks of a Case Manager to the Director of the entire department. Melissa’s duties involve supervising Case Managers throughout the state. On top of this, she is a very busy mom who enjoys playing softball in an adult league. To say Melissa is a multi-tasker does not do her justice. She is capable of managing several tasks simultaneously and well. Melissa has a laugh that can be heard throughout the entire Auburn office building, no matter which corner of the building someone is in. Her laugh literally shakes the cinder blocks. Melissa doesn’t give up, no matter how difficult the situation is. She is an asset to the agency and a valued member of the OEI family! Congrats on your 9^th anniversary, Melissa!

KINDNESS ACTIVITY

November Kindness Recap:

In November, OEI focused on military veteran appreciation within our communities to thank them for their sacrifice and service.

Happy Holidays from everyone at OEI. We hope your holidays will be filled with joy and laughter through the New Year!