March 2021
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month
Sam joined Opportunity Partners in 2012 after a devastating car crash two years earlier. “The accident damaged my vision and my right side is slower and harder to use,” she said. At OP’s Bren Road Service Center, which offers specialized brain injury services, Sam does light packaging in a supportive environment. Before COVID-19, she also participated in enrichment activities. “Being at OP is good because I have a job and I’m around good people,” Sam said. “My job helps me to focus properly. I like coming to OP since it helps me get out of the house and work at a job. It makes me feel great to be doing something good.” Read more of Sam's story here.
Meet today's Staff Spotlight
Meet Dawn, one of our featured OP team members! Dawn helps people who live on their own to develop greater independence. "The people I serve are strong, powerful people. It's great to see them reach their goals to be as independent and safe as possible." OP is hiring! Do you know someone looking for a job with flexible hours, great benefits and the chance to make a difference? Check out our job openings!
OP Gala - We're Going Virtual!
Mark your calendar for Thursday, May 13 at 7 pm as our annual Gala goes virtual for the first time! Registration is FREE, and everyone is invited! Emceed by KARE11 Chief Meteorologist Belinda Jensen, our most important fundraiser of the year will include mission moments, entertainment and a silent and premiere auction with Glen Fladeboe. Enhance your experience with our Gala in a Box, Gala for Two, and Gala for a Group! Registration available soon! Learn more.
Federal Action Alert - Today!
The U.S. Senate will soon be debating the latest round of COVID financial stimulus. It is important that Disability Services be supported in the final bill. Please take a few minutes to take action today and ask the Senate to fund Medicaid Disability Services.
Virtual Day at the Capitol
Join us Tuesday, March 9 for Disability Services Day at the Capitol! This is our time to share with legislators why services for individuals with disabilities are essential for people to live their best life. This is the disability community's most impactful advocacy day of the year. Virtual rally at 10 am. Learn more, including how to register for the event and schedule online meetings with your legislators.
Ready to Return to Services?
We continue to support more people at our day and employment sites after so many disruptions and changes over the last year. If you would like information about safely returning to OP services or taking part in our virtual services, call 952-930-4202 or email services@opportunities.org. We were pleased to have held a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for our group home employees/persons served, and are working to provide access to vaccines for the remainder of our direct support staff.
Spaghetti - One Year Ago!
It was a year ago this week when we had our last annual Spaghetti Dinner with our OP families, hosted by the Hopkins Noontime Lions. This delicious event has been a tradition for over 15 years! We won't give up hope for a dinner in 2021; we look forward to when we can all gather together again!