Who We Are

We believe in a world where differences are celebrated.

Our Mission

To create inclusive and equitable opportunities for people of all abilities.

Our Vision

Embracing the value that inclusion brings to a community, OE will always be a benchmark for innovative services that empower people through a person-centered approach with an unwavering focus on quality.

Our Values

Quality of Life

We believe that all people deserve opportunities to establish priorities, make decisions, and achieve satisfaction in all areas of life.

Servant Leadership

We prioritize a culture of humility, trust, and empowerment to further relationships with all stakeholders.

Self-Determination

We encourage the individuals we serve to speak for themselves by actively listening and supporting desired outcomes.

Community

We believe that a community’s success is measured by the opportunities available to each citizen.

Compassionate Care

We support staff, and those we serve, in all areas of life to equip them for success.

Innovation

We pursue innovation and embrace change to define the future and discover whole new worlds of opportunity.

Personal Growth

We accept people as they are and support and challenge each person to achieve their fullest growth and development.

Stewardship

We responsibly manage and grow the resources entrusted to us to ensure the sustainability of the work of the agency.

Employee Experience

We strive to offer an unparalleled experience by providing the training and tools needed for staff to confidently serve in an environment that fosters relationship building and personal fulfillment.

Collaboration

We seek opportunities to build mutually-beneficial relationships and collaborate to achieve shared outcomes.

How it Started

  • In 1967, Opportunity Enterprises began when the Porter County Association for Retarded Children (PCARC) was founded in Valparaiso to create a “sheltered workshop” for older students of Vale Day School.

  • In 1972, a client was hired as assistant custodian at Valparaiso High School—our first recorded job placement.

  • In 1973, our transportation system began making it easier for clients to get where they needed to go.

  • In 1979, our Adult Development Activities Program launched in the SELF (Special Education Learning Facility) building on Ransom Road.

  • In 1980, we opened our first group home for men.

  • In 1988, Project Child was created to better care for children from birth to age 5.

  • In 1990, we officially changed our name to Opportunity Enterprises.

How it’s Going

Since 1990, Opportunity Enterprises has grown to include:

  • 26 residential living opportunities that support a wide variety of needs and preferences.

  • Four thriving day programs at both our main OE location on Evans Avenue in Valparaiso, IN and our Lakeside property on the shore of Lake Eliza.

  • Three transformative mission-based businesses that provide employment opportunities and financial support for our clients.

  • Five job training and vocational skills programs to help clients prepare for successful future careers.

  • Camp Lakeside, the premier summer camp in Northwest Indiana for kids of all abilities.

  • Lakeside Respite to provide daytime support for families and caretakers in the newly built Markiewicz Center.