Group Homes

Independence, support, and community.

Unlock Independence: A supportive home for growth and community

Group Homes at OE provide a safe, welcoming environment where adults with disabilities can thrive. With individualized support and a focus on daily living, residents build confidence, strengthen communication, and enjoy meaningful connections – all while experiencing the comfort of home.

Who it is designed for:

Group Homes serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who benefit from 24-hour support in a residential setting. Households are made up of 6-8 residents and are located in six vibrant homes in various communities across Portage and Valparaiso in Porter County. Our compassionate staff create a nurturing atmosphere where residents receive assistance with personal care, household tasks, and social engagement – ensuring every individual feels valued and supported.

What it is designed to do:

This program emphasizes person-centered planning to help residents live as independently as possible while enjoying the stability of a home environment. Direct Support Professionals guide individuals in developing essential life skills such as cooking, cleaning, and self-care, while also encouraging participation in recreational activities and community outings. Goals often include improving communication, fostering friendships, and building confidence in daily routines. For residents who use wheelchairs or adaptive equipment, we prioritize accessibility and opportunities for movement, ensuring everyone can fully engage in home life.

Life in a Group Home is built on relationships. Direct Support Professionals don’t just provide care – they share life with residents, sitting down for dinner together, learning each person’s likes and dislikes, and building bonds that feel like family. Through celebrations, challenges, and even sick days, staff and residents walk alongside one another, creating a mutual connection filled with trust, compassion, and everyday moments that matter.

For more information about OE, download our Programs and Services Handbook.

Details

  • Personal care assistance

  • Case nurse on call 24/7

  • Individualized nursing services

  • Scheduling and assisting with medical appointments

  • Medication administration

  • Provides Transportation

  • Planning and accompanying on vacations
  • Assisting with bill paying and budgeting
  • Representative Payee Services to manage finances
  • Relationship building with long-term staff, who become trusted allies

Next Steps

If you think an OE group home might be the right fit for you or a loved one, here’s what to do next:

Contact BDS (Bureau of Developmental Services. We are in the Gary district), build an assessment packet.

Your packet will be sent out to providers for review to make sure they’re appropriate for the home.

Once your packet is reviewed and approved, OE will be in touch to schedule a tour of one of our group homes.

If all goes well, we start the process for house visits and to move in.

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There are very few people, even with the most severe disabilities, who can’t take control of their life. The problem is that people around us don’t expect us to.

Ed Roberts, Disability Rights Activist

Meet Dan

Dan’s family had concerns about his future as he navigated life with a neurological condition. Opportunity Enterprises stepped in and placed Dan in one of our group homes that provides him with unwavering care, encouragement, personalized support and community.