July 1, 2020
Farewell, Armando, and new beginnings with Bill
Armando Camacho, who has led Opportunity Partners with energy and wisdom for the last six years, has transitioned to a new role leading the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation. Watch his video farewell and a brief message from Interim President & CEO Bill Schultz. Best of luck to Armando!
Facility news - Asplin has limited reopening
Our Asplin Center in Plymouth reopened to a small number of people in late June, with a focus on production work for now. Joel, in the photo, said he's glad to be working again. "I was isolated at home," he said. "I like working and saving my money."

Due to Minnesota Departments of Health and Human Services guidelines pertaining to day programs like OP, only people living on their own or with family are eligible to return at this time, and center capacity is capped at 50 people including staff. We are still unable to offer on-site services to people who live in group homes, have certain underlying medical conditions, and/or are not able to practice social distancing and tolerate face coverings. While this means more delay and uncertainty for people waiting to resume services, we hope to receive clearance to be able to ramp up the rest of our services soon. Watch the OP web site for the latest updates.

To keep Joel and others safe when returning to work, we've developed extensive infection control procedures including checking temperatures upon arrival, wearing masks and hand washing breaks. If you have questions about returning to OP services, contact services@opportunities.org or leave a message at 952-938-5511.
New partnership - opportunities ahead
This spring, Opportunity Partners assumed operations of a small disability service provider, Community Connections Partnership (CCP) . CCP has had an incredibly strong reputation for providing individualized services with dedicated staff, and we look forward to providing continuity of care for individuals served and new job opportunities at OP for their team members.

Although the pandemic has caused us to delay bringing CCP individuals into on-site day OP services, we are moving ahead with the integration. More than 50 individuals receiving community employment supports and in-home services have already transferred to OP and are receiving services from the same staff they worked with at CCP. Others who rely on more intensive in-person supports will have the opportunity to join OP programs as soon as we have capacity in our facilities and it is deemed safe to do so. 
Fun while socially distanced
With our day services closed since mid-March, our residential team members are working diligently to help folks stay safe, happy and occupied. Bill, getting ready to bait his hook, says: "I like doing fun stuff with staff. We are having fun and staying safe. We get to go fishing and play games in the back yard."

Unfortunately, the pandemic means that our residential costs have gone up as we've increased our staffing levels and stocked up on protective and cleaning supplies at home to ensure safety. We're so grateful to our caring community for your donations throughout this challenging time! OP remains committed to serve the people who count on us now and in the future. With your support, we know anything is possible!
Peterson elected to ARRM Board
Congratulations to OP's Joe Peterson, Director of Community Living, for being elected to the Board of Directors of disability trade association ARRM (Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota). Joe is responsible for OP's community living programs including our hoMEbase apartment program and Semi-Independent Living Skills. He has more than a decade of experience in the disability sector, with skills in nonprofits, coaching, team building and management. He has a bachelor's degree in social work from Saint John's University. Learn more about ARRM .