Our Stories
Your generosity makes an impact.
Thank you so much for being a part of the OE family.
Here’s how your time and generosity are changing lives, in the words of our community members, their families, and our staff:
Our son is served by OE. I have always been impressed by the level of dedication and commitment to serve their clients.
I love the work we do and the programs/services we provide. When working for OE, it’s a welcoming culture and we treat each other like family.
My family member has received services through OE for 50 years! I love the scope and breadth of services.”
The services OE provides to the community go above and beyond other providers.
The care every single employee shows toward my child – OE just seems to be a step above.
Each client is considered part of the ‘OE Family.’ Staff are thoroughly trained in handling specific needs of every person served. Opportunities are provided to each client to help them reach their maximum potential. Expectations are set and followed, respect is given at all times for each person served. OE employees truly care about and for their clients.
From our Daily Living Skills family:
My husband Tim and I have a 32 year old son named Joey. Joey was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at birth and is non-verbal and wheelchair bound. When Joey was in high school, at the age of 21, we started looking at different places for him to go for a day program. After touring six locations, Opportunity Enterprises, at its Lakeside property was the only place that really caught our eye. It was bright, cheerful and right on Lake Eliza with a beautiful view. We enjoyed it so much that we’ve been driving all the way from Whiting to Valparaiso. Staff are always friendly, helpful and have Joey laughing all the time. They’re amazing and always have plenty of educational activities and art projects to keep him busy and included. Now that Joey has been attending the Lakeside location for over 10 years, we know more than ever that Opportunity Enterprises was the right choice.
“Papa.” To hear your grown daughter begin to verbalize words you never thought she’d say brings us unimaginable joy! We drive over two hours each day to make sure Jenny is able to participate in OE’s programs. It is because of the encouragement and regular goal setting that Jenny was able to accomplish something none of us thought possible. The best part of today is that I no longer have to push Jenny through the door walking behind her. Instead, I can walk shoulder to shoulder through a door with my Jenny. We thank OE for making this happen.
From our Career Connections family:
What do I love about OE? To be honest, everything!! When we first were touring educational day programs, and we toured a lot, OE was the only facility that I went home with a smile and confidence that not only my daughter would be taken care of, but she would be challenged. She has gone through many changes mentally and physically, and staff take this in stride. Everyone at OE is friendly. They listen to our needs and are very accommodating. Not only do all staff know who Ally is and acknowledge her when they see her, but they’ve taken time to get to know me also – and both are very important. I feel extremely comfortable bringing Ally to OE every day. It’s such a great feeling to be able to bring her to a place where she’s comfortable, engaged in activities and is safe and loved. We love OE!!
Pam, F., Parent of an OE client
From our Enriching Possibilities family:
We visited available day programs in our area and when my daughter was ready to age out of our school system. Unfortunately, there were not many choices. There was only one place that checked off all of our boxes, and that was Opportunity Enterprises. My daughter started in the Career Connections program, but that didn’t prove to be a good fit. We then visited OE’s Lakeside facility. We met with staff from the Enriching Possibilities day program and we instantly knew that this is where our daughter belongs. The building is beautiful and the educational programs are designed to keep the clients engaged and entertained. Most importantly to us, OE staff are amazing! They are kind, compassionate and so knowledgeable. They accommodate each client’s individual needs with kindness and respect.
Amy R., Parent of an OE Client
From our Renewed Horizons family:
Moving Derek to OE’s Lakeside facility was one of the most exciting decisions we’ve made. After 21 years OE’s largest day program at their main building, he is thriving in the Renewed Horizons day program. Though we were a little anxious about the move, after two days he said, ‘Mom, I think I’m in love with Lakeside. I just love it here.’ We are so happy to hear that from him. He’s going to have a great summer!
Melanie, Parent of an OE client
From our Respite family:
Being involved in assisting individuals with learning valuable skills that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives is extremely special to me, and exactly why I love my role at OE. Knowing that I am actively having a positive impact on so many motivates me to constantly better myself at work and in my personal life.
My husband and I are at the age where we no longer have anyone to watch Luke, so it can be challenging to go out to dinner or do longer type errands. Our daughter is away to college and my parents are elderly and can’t watch Luke with his needs. We don’t know what we would do if we didn’t have OE’s respite house. Before then, we would have carryout dinners, divide and concur and do errands separately and that isn’t fun. Thank you all so much for allowing Luke to be at the respite house. It’s been so great for our family. Staff just get Luke, understands his medical needs and can handle his sense of humor. Most importantly, staff know how to have fun and makes his time at respite so fulfilling each visit.
I always found my own people – friends or family – who would train to be respite providers and then come to our home and work with Payton while I took care of what I needed outside the house.” This worked for a while, but it was difficult to sustain as Payton was nearing graduation. People who were working with Payton were moving on and our service provider was becoming difficult to work with. I was particularly concerned about how isolating in-home respite care was and I knew I had to make a big decision. I told Payton’s case worker I wanted to explore Opportunity Enterprises. The call informing Jennifer that Payton had officially been enrolled in OE’s respite service came at a pivotal time. Payton recently went through a difficult experience at school and I kept thinking, ‘Should we do this?’ She had just gone through something difficult. Part of me felt like she needed more time before going to OE. When I told OE about this Payton’s recent experience, they didn’t shy away. They could have said that Payton wasn’t ready and that they couldn’t accommodate her needs at that time. But they said, ‘We can work with her.’ Today, Payton is living it up. From watching movies to using the sensory room, Payton loves everything about going to respite. She’s gone on outings to the pumpkin patch and apple orchard. She even does overnight stays now and encourages her friends also to spend the night at OE’s new Markiewicz Center. But Payton’s favorite thing to do? Cooking with OE direct support professional Raven. She is a phenomenal cook. OE staff members are incredible.”
