Annual Report 2022

Message from the CEO and Board Chair

Each one of us has hopes, dreams and desires, no matter our abilities. Our world is an open canvas of learning, achieving and succeeding – but we need each other to inspire IDEAS.

Opportunity Enterprises inspires IDEAS that bring about change.

Inclusivity bonds our clients and communities. Diversity celebrates different backgrounds and abilities. Equity gives clients the tools to thrive. Accessibility breaks barriers.

It is OE’s mission to offer individuals with disabilities as many opportunities as possible to maximize their self-sufficiency and enrich their quality of life. While this is our mission, it takes many people to fulfill it. OE can do what it does because of an amazing community of caring people. The quality of the programs and services we provide is possible because of our dedicated Board of Directors who provide diligent oversight, 360 staff members who always place the needs of our clients first, and individuals like you who thoughtfully give resources and time in support of OE.

At Opportunity Enterprises, we firmly believe in the Power of One – the idea that it only takes one person to make a difference. One person’s loving care of an individual with disabilities, one person’s gift of time or treasure to make our mission possible, and one person’s advocacy for a more inclusive community. These small acts lead to big IDEAS that transform. The Power of One. The Power of YOU. Your support of Opportunity Enterprises inspires IDEAS for EVERYONE!

Thank you.

Neil Samahon, President and CEOJohn Freyek, Board Chair

Together, we broke ground!

On May 25, 2022 – what started as a blustery and rainy day turned to sunshine and smiles as shovels hit the ground signifying the ceremonial ground breaking of the Opportunity Enterprises new Lakeside Respite Center. This exciting effort is coming to fruition thanks to campaign co-chairs, Marc and Tracy Ruiz, the forward-thinking of the steering committee, and so many generous individuals and corporations who care about people with disabilities and their families. The center will house peace, laughter and acceptance by opening its doors in Summer 2023. Berglund Construction is helping to build the center’s large, accessible kitchen, multiple living rooms, wings designed for children and adults, and 21 beds for overnight visits. Also included will be a fully accessible treehouse in the woods of the back of the building. Lt. Governor, Suzanne Crouch, made a special visit to help OE celebrate this $6.7 million effort where individuals with disabilities can enjoy activities and companionship while offering caregivers a much-deserved break. At the groundbreaking, President and CEO of OE, Neil Samahon, succinctly stated, “I see our future, and this future looks very bright indeed!”

“What you are doing is just one more step in the journey to provide quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. And that, my friends, is the greatest gift you can give…”

Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch

Served 272 men and women in four educational day programs Monday - Friday totaling 263,192 hours of service. Provided 38,051 hours of respite as relief to primary caregivers.

Impact Report

Provided 49,123 trips through OE’s on-demand transportation.

Securely shredded and recycled 1,257 tons of paper through OE’s SecureShred division, and received 3,899 visits or electronics for proper destruction.

Placed 62 individuals in jobs within the community and we are celebrating a 100% retention rate! The average wage upon hiring was $10.85.

Served 861 students in 16 schools throughout Lake, Porter and LaPorte Counties by providing transition services to students to best prepare them for life after graduation.

Provided 42,032 hours of paid employment for individuals with disabilities through OE’s Social Enterprises (Clean Team, OutSource Solutions, SecureShred, and Simply Amazing Market).

EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Year in Review

Success Inspired by You!

This past year, two of OE’s five Day Programs were merged into one. Trend and Quest became Thrive providing clients with a larger Day Program area, re-connection of friends that were in two separate programs, and an entirely new curriculum that now includes a library, physical recreation and construction.

FIRST HOUR CLUB FUNDS POSSIBILITIES

OE’s employee family is amazing! They dedicate their time and talent working alongside the men and women we serve in their learning and growth. OE’s employee team also gave of their treasure through an Employee Giving Campaign. Many employees joined the campaign’s First Hour Club donating the first hour of their pay monthly –giving over $10,000 back to the very programs and services they help implement.

CARF ACCREDITED!

An in-depth review of our services underwent an on-site survey process provided through the Commission on Accreditation of Facilities (CARF). Accreditation by this international organization signals a service provider’s commitment to continually improving services, encouraging feedback, and serving the community. CARF three-year accreditation represents the highest accreditation an organization can receive. Our recent accreditation demonstrates adhering to high standards in order to provide the best possible care so people, like you, can trust the services OE provides.

PARTNERSHIP PROVIDES ARTISTIC PROMISE

Over the last year, OE and Art Barn School of Art solidified their partnership with the support of generous sponsors who believe all individuals can express themselves through art. Interested in helping the process of creative expression from our clients, Art Barn’s classes culminated in two art exhibits where clients had the opportunity to showcase and sell their work to art enthusiasts.

RECOGNIZING ALL ABILITIES

OE’s President and CEO, Neil Samahon, was invited to speak at the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. (ISRI) conference held in April. Samahon spoke to an international audience of scrap industry leaders about employing people with disabilities to unlock the potential of work abilities. His presentation highlighted that many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are known to be dependable, engaged, motivated, have outstanding attendance rates, and are highly attentive to their quality of work. Through Samahon’s presentation, conference attendees learned that individuals with disabilities are often undervalued and underutilized, yet are an untapped employee pool that can help quell the growing workforce crisis.

Serving YOU while creating Social Impact

Nationally, fewer than one in five individuals with disabilities is employed. Together we can change that! Consider these inspiring statistics. Companies who hire those with disabilities report:

Up to 30% less turnover in staff • 28% higher revenue • 200% higher net income Improved productivity • Enhanced reputation

OE’s social enterprises were created to support our mission, but they have transformed into productive and impactful businesses which inspire inclusivity, diversity, equity and accessibility. All of this equals success for our workforce, our communities and you!

We prioritize hiring men and women of all abilities because we know, when given opportunities, every employee brings a unique set of skills and talents to their role and our regional workforce.

Simply Amazing Market

Changing Lives One

Kernel at a Time: Our first market opened in 2007 as a small fudge kitchen inside OE. Today, our employees still handcraft fudge, classic and gourmet popcorns, and glazed nuts. Diversifying into providing gift sets, corporate gifts, and online purchasing is allowing OE to continue growing job opportunities in our communities. Your purchase of handcrafted treats creates jobs for men and women with disabilities – and places smiles on more faces than we can count! simplyamazingmarket.com

SecureShred SecureShred is operated by well-trained, conscientious team members who love their job responsibilities and are excited to serve you. You can trust the SecureShred team to handle your document shredding and electronics recycling because we hold ourselves to the highest standard of confidentiality and professionalism. SecureShred created rigorous protocols and became

e-Stewards and NAID certified to give you confidence and ensure your absolute privacy while also promoting environmental responsibility. For a complete list of accepted and unaccepted electronic devices for recycling, visit secureshred.org

Clean Team

It is an amazing feeling to walk into a business establishment that is wellkept, and is clean! Chances are that some businesses you frequent are kept looking their best because of OE’s Clean Team. Last year, Clean Team renewed its focus by providing vocational training to individuals of all abilities through OE’s Vocational Training and Empowerment Center (VTEC) which prepared trainees for successful positions as ISSA credentialed custodial professionals. Clean Team renewed contracts with many local businesses –supporting our efforts in contributing to this workforce industry with professional and meticulous working individuals.

OutSource Solutions

OutSource Solutions focuses on fulfilling assembly needs of companies through the talents of our diverse team who works to assemble equipment with much attention to detail and quality control. As companies are experiencing difficulties in finding employees to take care of such production needs, OE is thankful for industry leaders such as Dynatect, Smith’s Medical, Dwyer and Urschel Laboratories for their diverse and equitable business practices that provides accessibility to meaningful work for many. Our OutSource team hold high standards for themselves and look forward to surpassing their daily personal goals!

OE continues to strive for excellence, contributing toward a diverse and inclusive regional workforce through our additional vocational services. Our Vocational Training and Empowerment Center (VTEC) and JobSource helps companies and businesses add to their inclusive and diverse workforce through job placement and retention.

1st Source Bank

AAA Valley Fire Equipment Inc.

Aberdeen Manor

Abram, Pennetta

Abrell, Daniel and Karin

Accurate Auto Glass

Addis, Kathy

Adik, Stephen and Viki

Alberson, Mary Ann

Albert, Trent and Mary

Albrecht, Nancy

Alcorn, Drew and Nicole

Alex, Jim and Michelle

Alexander Chemical Corporation

All Square Roofing

Allard, Peter

Allegius Federal Credit Union

Allie, Sam and Jennifer

Allyn, Matt

Aloia, Jean

Alonzo, Mike

AM Stabilizers Corporation

American Legion Auxiliary No 94

AmRhein, Michelle

AmRhein, Rick and Sue

AMS Planning & Research Corp.

Anderson, Barth and Barbara Parke

Anderson, Katie

Anderson, Paul and Carol

Anderson, Peter and Stephanie

Andrews, Scott and Rebecca Adduci

Anselm, Karen

Anthony, J.E. and Kelly

Anton, Mike and Nancy

Appel, Thomas and Paula

Arctic Engineering

Ardagh Metal Packaging

Armstrong, Kim and David

Arnold, Andy and Sue

Art Barn School of Art

Artz, Tricia

Arwood, Jennifer

Aurelio, Mike and Michelle

Averill, Ronald

Bachuchin, Michael and Maria

Baer, Ronald

Baird, J. Michael and Jeanne

Baisden, Carol

Balicki, John

Balicki-Spiekhout, Darcy

Balon, Jeffrey and Katie

Bamesberger, Fred and Leslie Nuss

Bamesberger, Larry and Susan

Baniewicz, Stephen and Carmela

Barancyk, Janice

Barick, Jaime

Barnard, Jodi

Barnes, Eddie

Barone, Russell and Ann

Barrios, Otto and Lisa

Bartelt, Clarissa

Barton, Jeff

Bateman, Stephan

Beauvais, Dale

Beedle, Rusty and Patricia

Beilfuss, Robert and Melissa

Belcher, Kenny

Bemcor, Inc.

Benda, Doug and Amy

Bengston & Co., LTD.

Benjamin F. Edwards & Co./ Cliff Bryan

Honor Roll

Donors Helping OE Put People First!

Berkshire-Hathaway HomeServices

Berner, Bruce

Bernhardt, Dawn

Bessette, Suzanne Bessette

Biancotti, James

Bias, Leslie and Eugenia

Bigelow, Judith

Biggs, Jim and Carol

Bissonnette, Jeremiah and Jennifer

Blackman, Ivan and Tammy

Blanton, Gregory

Blough, Connie

Blount, Robin

Blue, David

Blythe, Ross and Phyllis

BMO Harris Bank

Bober, Mike and Andrea Colson

BoBo, Karolyn

Boczkowski, Ted and Pat

Bodensteiner, Ivan and Pat

Boggs, Al and Ella Karris

Bohling, Mary

Bohlmann, Melvin

Bombacino, Julie

Bondor, Alex and Lisa Dittrich

Borovich, Deana

Borto, Suzanne

Bouman, Luke

Bradley & Associates, CPA

Bradshaw, Jami

Brady, Eva

Braun, Aaron

Breford, Aaron

Brendza, David and Mary Kay

Brennan, Jason

Bridgewaters, Garland and Kristie

Brinkley, Mark and Tina

Brobeck, Emily

Brophy, Kevin

Brosseau, Michael and Bonnie

Brown, Timothy and Lori Herbst

Brown, Robin

Brugos, John

Brugos, John and Jo

Bruinius, Charles and Rosina

Bruinius, Leonard and Patricia

Bruinius, William and Martha

Bryan, Clifford and Laura

Bucher Technologies, Inc.

Buerger, Ben and Dottie

Bugajski, Richard and Shelley

Buitendorp, Seth and Rebecca

Bukata, Pablo and Christine

Bulthuis, Kathleen

Burke Costanza & Carberry LLP

Burnell, Larry and Peggy

Burns, Courtney

Butler, Kent

Campion, Robert

Candela, Peter and Rosann

Cannon, Kenneth

Cantwell, Karen

Carstar Liss Auto Body

Casbon, Chad and Beth

Casbon, Scott and Janet

Casler, Catherine

CATSI, Inc.

Cayia, Robert and Trish Forstner-Cayia

Cender, Karl

Centier Bank

Centofanti, Frank

Charlson, Victor and Julie

Chase

Cherrett, Norm and Alicia Chester, Inc.

Chesterton Moose Lodge #1623

Cheuk, Amy and Derek Chinn, Elizabeth Choate, Lonis and Mary Cicillian, Justin Ciesielski, Paul and E. Carol Claesgens, M.A. and Joe Clapp, Dale and Lynn Clark, Jill

Claxton, Larry and Pamela Clemans, Donald Coady, James and Donna Cobble, Dean and Maggie Coffman, George and Darlyne Coffman, Walter Colby, Susan Cole, Lisa Collins, Dave and Dawn Colon, Zavier and Angel Colville, Erin and Scott Colvin, Anthony and Martha Commercial Resource Group

Condon, Kris Conlon, Denise Cook, Nancy Coolman, Bob and Sandy Cooper, Tori Coppinger, Timothy Corey, Elaine Corkwell, Lesa Corso, Sandra

Cortes, Katie Cortez, Dana Cox, Lynette

Crawford, Linda Crnarich, Agnes Crowley, Nancy Crozier, Dawn Crum, Bonnie CS Elements Travel LLC Czapla, Karen

Czerwiec, Neil

Dabu, Guille and Christine

Dakich, Thomas and Roberta

Dalton, Steve and Julie

Daly, Jon

Danko, Mike and Lisa

Dapkus, Nicholas

Darr, Dana

Darrol, Robert and Brenda

Davis, George and Marsha

Davis, Amy

Davison, Charles

Davison, Duane Frieda

Deckard, Bruce and Ann

Dedelow, Douglas and Susan

Deem, Bernie and Marcia

Delta Dental Foundation

Delta Theta Tau - Alpha Rho

Delta Theta Tau - Gamma

Alumni Chapter

Delta Theta Tau - Tau Alumni Chapter

Delwood Supply Co.

DeMartinis, Ellen

Derderian, Russell and Karen

Dernulc, Daniel

Deutch, Owen and Rona Talcott

Dewitt, Zach

DeWulf, Luella

Dickey, William

DiFrisco, Matthew

Dig The Dunes LLC

Dillon, Matthew and Gary Reilly

Discovery Charter School

Dixon, Gary and Mary Jo

Dixon, Gerald

Dixon, Leonard and Jo Anne

Dolhover, Mary

Donat, Leah

Donovan, Michael

Doran, Julie and James

Dornan, Beth

Douglas, Herb

Douglas, James and Cathy

Dowdle, Joan

Dowell, Jessica and Erik

Downs, LaShanta

Dujmovich,Anthony

Dull, Stephen and Cathie

Duncan, Megan

Dunn, Ben and Cassandra

Dytrych, Karl and Marge

Dzado, Kevin

Egan, Lee Ann

Eicke, Robert and Maria

Eldridge, Gene and Diane

Eletheri, Lawrence and Linda

Ellefson, Tom and Connie

Ellis, Marilyn

Enbridge Energy

Engel, Chad and Rachel

Ennis, Frank

Ennis, Heather and Joe

Ensign, Shaun and Kacie

Eschenbaum, Victoria

Estrada,Alfredo and Leticia

Etzler, Steve and Beth

Evans, Don and Kathy

Evans, Larryand Laura

Evans, Richard and Nancy

Ewen, Charles and Donna

Fajdich, Mickey and Elizabeth

Faulkner, Jim

Fedyski, Keith

Feinstein, Richard and Pamela

Feller, Joe and Jackie

Felman, Michael

Felts, Benjamin and Carol Hand

Ferguson, Huston and Leslie

Fero,Vickie

Fiacable, Lois

Fianoni, Joe

Fillippo, Dennis and Linda

Finik, William and Jennie

Finnegan, James and Marjory

Fioretti, John and Jackie

First Merchants Bank

Fisher, Mark and Melissa

FiTrain

Flannery, Brian

Fletcher, Shannon

PATRICK KANSOER

Social Enterprises

Sta of the Year - SecureShred

Patrick is an incredible individual with an outstanding work ethic. He made great professional improvements since working for SecureShred, and he continues to grow and act as a leader and role model to other staff.

Patrick arrives every morning ready for work, tackles assigned responsibilities in a positive manner, focuses on work, and completes it to the best of his ability. Patrick does well in all areas, but excels as a tote container cleaner. His innovative technique of cleaning such containers, developed by him, is impressive. He is sharing this technique benefiting other staff and SecureShred with his knowledge and skill.

Patzell, Joe and Pam

Pauley, Ava

Pavlopoulos, Thomas and Maria

Pearman, Dewey

Pearson, Jon and Mary

Peck, Bill

Pejoski, Mike

Pendleton, Bill and Megan

Penn, Donna

Peoples Bank

Perry, Dara

Pet Supplies Plus

Peter G. Horton Charitable

Remainder Annuity Trust

Peters, Wallace and Judith

Peterson, Cheryl

Petre, Lisa

Petreikis, Dan

Peuquet, Adam and Michelle

Peuquet, Drew and Alyssa

Peyton, John

Phelps, Jack and Donna

Pierce, Helene

Pierce, Sarah

Pikula, Megan

Pines Village Retirement Communities

Pishkur, Frank

Place, Stephen

Planer, Jim and Kathy

Polarek, Robert and Cheryl

Poncher, John and Gwen

Poparad, Paul and Mary Ann

Portage Car Wash

Porter County Community Foundation

Porter-Starke Services

Post, Charles and Diane Bustos

Post, Ruth

Precision Control Systems

Prendergast, Michael

Price, Allan and Carla

Principe, Kyle

Pucks for Autism

Puffer, Hal and Patricia

Puffer, Rebecca

Pullins, Frank

Pulse Technology

Puntillo & Crane Orthodontics, P.C.

Purcell, Robert

Quackenbush, Jeff and Alison

Quiroga, Oscar

Qunell, Andy and Dana

R and J Gumz Farm Inc.

Radford, Christopher and Heidi

Raffin, Al and Patty

Ramirez, Raymond and Jamie

Ramirez, Sylvestor and Kate

Rasmussen, Sam and Christine

Rattay, Bob and Harlene

Ray, Jonathon

Rea, Tom and Lori

Regnitz, Barb

Reichler, Joanne

Reineke, Janice and Eugene

Reiselt, Peter and Cathy

Reisinger Enterprises Inc.

Reisinger Family

Reynolds, Tom

Rhoda, Bob and Vicki

Ribordy, Scott and Nadine

Ricciardi, Len and Sarah

Rice, Laurie and Thomas

Rice, Sandra

Richards, Rex

Richardson, Carol

Richardson, Rockey and Theresa

Rietschel, Christy

Rippe, Dennis and Barb

Ritter, Victor and Christy

Ritzi, Mark and Annette

Roach, Michael

Roberts, Johnathan

Robinson, Carl

Robinson, Tamara

Rodenbarger, Jerry and Linda

Rondinelli, Rick and DeAnna

Rooney-Davis, Judy

Rosario, Kristofer

Roseberry, Matt and Julie McKean

Roti, David

Rowe, Mike

Rubino, Amy

Rudd, Carol and John

Ruiz, Fred and Verna

Ruiz, Marc and Tracy

Runnion, Chris and Christine

Ryba, Randy and Janice

Sacksteder, Stephen and Deb

Salan, Ashley

Salan, Dave and Jamie

Salan, Michael and Kristen

Salazar, Miguel and Candace

Salyer, Jan

Samahon, Neil

Samocki, Denise

Sams, Bill and Kathy

Sams, Tom and Betty

Sanchez, Manuel and Norma

Sanders, Bill and Libby

Sanders, Billy and Valerie

Sargent & Lundy LLC

Schager, Julianne

Schimming, Richard and Judith

Schreiner, Paul and Nancy

Schroeder, Cindy Schroeder

Schroeder, Dean and Connie

Schroeder, Kent

Schultz, Jeffrey

Schuster, Daniel

Schweizer, Ralph and Martha

Scott, Anthony and Rebecca

Scott, Gary and Melanie

Scott, Jerry and Michelle

Secondino, Theresa

Seguin, Colleen

Serletic, Richard and Miranda

Service League of NWI

ServiceMaster Restoration by Tekton

Shaffer, Linda

Shannon C. Lee and Associates, P.C.

Sharp, Donna

Shaw, Gail

Shaw, Sam

Shelton, Larry and Sandra

Sherrington, Linda

Shipley, Britt and Linda

Shive-Hattery Inc.

Shoemaker, Bridget

Sielski, Tony and Kathy

Siewin, Taylor

Sims, Patricia

Sistovaris, Sam and Violet

Siver, Esther

Small, Laura

Smith, Jim and Joanna

Smith, Marc and Kathleen

Smith, Richard and Denise

Smith, Robert

Soffin, Eric and Jen

Sola, Mary

Soliday, Crystal

Sommers, Alan and Karen

Sopko, George and Mary

Sosbe, Jack and Joan

Southlake Automation

Sowards, Jake

Speech-Language-Hearing

Services of Valparaiso

Spellar, Tom and Anita

Spitler, Mann and Phyllis

St. Mary Medical Center

St. Teresa of Avila

Stankewicz, Aaron

Stanley, Cassandra

Stan’s Painting & Decorating Inc.

Starr, Amanda Starr, Brandy

State Employees’ Community Campaign

State Farm Insurance - Rich Manatrey

State Farm Insurance - Sam Allie Steeb, Don Steel Cities Steels, Inc.

Steele, Kevin and Laura Steele, Sally

Stefanov, Spasko

Steffen, John and Marolyn

Steffus, Nicholas and Carol

Steinwart, Scott and Lanie

Stevenson, Terry

Stigdon, Samantha

Stojic, Erin

Stone, Rachel

Strack & Van Til

Strack, Jeffrey and Shawn

Strait, Sarah

Strayer, Michael

Strazzante, Michael

Stritof, Martin

Strouss, Carol

Sulkowski, Kerri

Swearington, James and Stephanie

Swearington, Patricia

Swets, Walter and Diana

Szafasz, Larry and Jennifer

Tabachnick, Phyllis

Takacs, Pam

Tarr, Amy and Kelly

Teachers Credit Union

Tech Credit Union - Crown Point

Tegt, Brian

Telesky, Michael and Eileen

Tennant, Michael and Robin

Thanos, Victoria

The Benevity Community

Impact Fund

The Caring Place

The William H. Davis, Dorothy M. Davis and William C. Davis Foundation

Thill, Rolland and Valerie

Thomas, Olivia

Thomas, Patrick and Lisa

Thompson, Kathy

Thompson, Kayle

Thorgren Tool & Molding Co., Inc.

Thostesen, Elliot and Dawn

TMS International

Tobey, Louanna

Tokarski, James and Nicole

Tolin, Hal and Rosanne

Tomasek, Aimee

Tomich, Rick and Rebecca

Tonn and Blank Construction

TradeWinds Services

Trans Audio Mobile Music

Trapp, Dave and Kristin

Trapp, Lorraine

Traut, Kara

Trinity United Methodist Church

Trinks, Jason and Becky

Trippel, Erin

TriStar Pipe & Supply

Tri-State Disposal

Trulley, Bernard and Janice

Trusgnich, Terrence

Truskey, Deb

Tsirtsis, Marino and Dawn

Turner, Ryan

Turpin, Jim and Pam

Tutlewski, Sharon

UFS Corporation

United HealthCare Services Inc.

United Way of Northwest Indiana

UnitedHealth Group

Urschel Giving

US Federal Credit Union

Usmani, Hassan

Valparaiso Family YMCA

Valparaiso Rotary Club

Valparaiso University

Men’s Basketball Team

Valuation Services, LLC

Vander Velde, Randall and Debra

Vander Velde, Richard and Annamae

Vanderplough, Deborah

VanderRoest, Karla

Vanderwoude, Michael

Vangel, Chris and Michelle

Vanooteghem, Kirk

Vanosky, Samantha

Varner, Lou and Katie

Vas, Angie

Vaselakos, Douglas and Patricia

Vendl, Jeff and Cindy

Veselica, Greg and Nancy

Vespo, Cheryl

Vidimos, Inc.

VNA Home Health Services of Porter Co.

Von Tobel, Paul and Candace

VRQ LLC

Vucich, Laci

Wadle, Robert and Anne

Wallace, Julie

Walsh, John and Kathleen

Walsh, Kerry and Mary Beth

Walter, John

Walter, Patrick and Letty

Walters, David and Sara

Walters, Simon and Ruth

Waters, James and Leslee

Weber, Kyle and Kelly

Wehner, John and Lucille

Weimer, Lorelei

Weinberg, Charles and Carolyn

Wermuth, Mary

Werno, Ashley and Ryan

White, Craig

Whitehouse, Derek

Whitmore, Glenda

Wiese, Doug and Gayle

Wiese, Paula

Wiesjahn, Trey and Megan

Wildermuth Family Foundation

Willer, William and Rosemary Weeks

Williams, Elizabeth

Williams, Lida

Williamson, Donna

Wilson, Robert

Wisch, Tom and Jane Callies

Witt, Don and Ashleigh

Wolak, Keith and Griselda

Wolf, Jeff and Deb

Woolever, Zach

Workman, David and Dawn

Worthington Steel

Wotherspoon, Jessica

Woycik, Lorrie

Wulf, Amy

Wulf, Cindy

Yast, Joseph and Helen Krowicky

Yetnikoff, Michael

Young, Liz

Young, Mark

Young, Mike

Yurko, Larry and Amy

Zajac, Michael and Susan

Zeck, Stephen and Cheryl Griffee-Zeck

Zelechoski, Steven and Amanda

Zelkowitz, Marvin and Kathleen

Zimmerman, Alan

Zubyk, Karin

SAMANTHA BROBECK

Daily Living Skills Client of the Year

When Sam, as she is affectionately called, first came to Opportunity Enterprises’ Daily Living Skills program, she had difficulty entering and exiting the bus that transports her to and from this day program. Transitioning from one program area to another proved to be a monumental obstacle for Sam. Staff, recognizing Sam’s challenges, now prepare her prior to a transition giving her time to process change. She also follows a routine schedule, helping her tremendously. Staff work with Sam on verbal cues and repeating such cues. Today, Sam has many favorite words that she is using to create simple sentences for communication. Samantha knows many names of her peers and staff, engages in activities and works on writing her name!

e Key to our Growth is Your Generosity

Grant and Foundation Honor Roll

John

Dollar General Literacy Foundation

Franciscan Health Foundation

Indiana Arts Commission

Indiana Department of Environmental Management

John W. Anderson Foundation

Porter County Community Foundation

Porter County Government

South Shore Arts

United Way of Northwest Indiana

Anderson, Stephanie

Arwood, Jennifer

Barancyk, Janice

Barone, Ann

Bateman, Stephen

Cicillian, Michelle

Colville, Erin

Coppinger, Timothy

Cox, Lynnette

Crozier, Kathlena

Downs, Lashanta

Engel, Rachel

First Hour Club Honor Roll

OE Employees Supporting Endless Hours of Service Monthly

Ensign, Kacie

Fajdich, Jr., Michael

Fisher, Mark

Fletcher, Shannon

Geary, Amanda

Glorioso, Robert

Green-Drain, Dorothy

Hathaway, Phillip

Hogan, Jennifer

Hogan, Joseph

Johnson, Robert Johnson, Teresa

Kobak, Jane

Kostrzeba, Jeremy

Lenckos, Walter

Martin, Alison

McCammon, Tiffany

McKean, Julie

Metts, Elizabeth

Moon-Telschow, Barbara

Parks, Kathleen

Pati, Suja

Pierce, Sarah Puffer, Rebecca

Enriching Lives Monthly

Donors Making a Difference in Lives Monthly

Radford, Heidi

Ramirez, Kate

Richardson, Rockey

Roberts, Jonathan

Samahon, Neil

Scott, Anthony

Scott, Rebecca

Sowards, Jacob

Tokarski, Nicole

Torres-Kraus, Doreen

Artz, Tricia

Balicki-Spiekhout, Darcy

Beilfuss, Robert and Melissa

Blue, David

Cortez, Dana

DeMartinis, Ellen

Dornan, Beth

Dull, Stephen and Cathie

Ellis, Marilyn

Fillippo, Dennis and Linda

Jascoviak, Jerry and Becky

Kelly, Susan

Lines, Randy and Kendra

Martin, Susan

Meier, Bobby

Michalak, Gerald

Michalak, Dorothy

Mirochna, Michael

Looking toward the Future:

An inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace with accessibility to all equal success for Northwest Indiana and beyond. OE is working to build additional services that not only support our mission, but add to the positive economic impact of our region. New OE divisions include:

·Vocational Training and Empowerment Center: Custom 12-week training courses to prepare people of all abilities for a career in specialized fields.

· Corporate Inclusivity Consulting: Solutions in helping businesses prepare to diversify their workforce effectively and successfully.

Moulton, John and Lori

NECA

Olguin-Flores, Doreen

Prendergast, Michael

Remijan, David and Shirley

Usmani, Hassan

Woycik, Lorrie

LINDA LONG

Renewed Horizons

Client of the Year

Linda keeps a positive attitude demonstrating much kindness in the face of many challenges. Suffering vision impairment that became more pronounced this past year, she continues to engage in art projects and always with a smile. Her attention to detail and ability to focus on tasks is amazing. With adaptive equipment, Linda works independently on various artistic projects accomplishing her goals. OE’s Direct Support Professionals aid Linda in growing her self-sufficiency, helping Linda learn and practice skills engaging her with the surrounding world. Most of all, Linda’s smile and laugh brighten any room and her positive spirit is contagious.

Camp Lakeside

All Abilities. All Ages. All Year Long.

Beginning as a collaborative partnership with Porter County Parks two years ago, an inclusive camp was introduced into our communities. The recent summer, OE took a step further by implementing its own summer youth camp for school-aged children of ALL abilities. On June 6, 2022 – Camp Lakeside opened its program as Northwest Indiana’s only camp specially designed for kids of all abilities and ages. Over 100 campers participated in all or some of Camp Lakeside’s eight-week summer sensation. Bold adventures, new friendships, and an appreciation for individuality was infused in having FUN on 158 acres near Lake Eliza.

Camp Lakeside Donors

Fred Bamesberger & Leslie Nuss

Brave Heart Foundation

Discovery Charter School

Gelsosomo’s-Crown Point

Jewel-Osco (Albertson Companies Foundation)

Legacy Sign Group

Dale & Bonnie Manuel

Sara Marlow

NISEC

Pucks for Autism

Teachers Credit Union Foundation

Uniquely Nico, Inc.

A Summer of Adventures

Archery • Music • Gardening

Nature Activities • Games Galore

Life Skills Development

STEM Projects

Waterfront Activities

Pillars of Potential Major Giving Circle

Donors Ensuring Education and Learning Opportunities are Accessible to Everyone

Peter G. Horton Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust

BMO

Harris Bank

Chad & Beth Casbon

William and Jennie Finik

Enbridge

Friends of OE

Kotys Wealth Professionals LLC

Peoples Bank

Scott & Dr. Lanie Steinwart

Annual Sponsors

In-Kind Gifts

Gifts of Resources in Support of Our Mission

Aberdeen Manor

Albanese

Albert’s Diamond Jewelers

Alex, Jim and Michelle

Anonymous

Arnold, Andy and Sue

Artwork for a Cause

Barone, Russell and Ann

Barsh, Steve

Bella Photography

Biggby Coffee

Blue Chip Casino

Bugajski, Richard and Shelley

Calinski, Shelly

Casbon, Chad and Beth

Cook, Julius

CS Elements Travel LLC

Delta Sigma Pi

Diversified Marketing Strategies, Inc

Eagle Aircraft

Express Employment Professionals

Family Express Corporate Office

Gary SouthShore Railcats

Gelsosomo’s Pizzeria

Green, Sandra

Harley Davidson of Valparaiso

HealthLinc - Valparaiso

Healy, Tim and Molly

Hoosier Window Washer

Horses Landscaping & Garden Center

Hot Shop Valpo

IN Coast

In Touch Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Indiana Beverage

John Cicco’s Menswear

Journeyman Distillery

Kankakee Valley REMC

Lach, Greg

Legacy Sign Group

Leverich Painting & Decorating, LLC

Lopez, Terry

Michalak, Dorothy

Muro, Cory and Blair

Niewinski, John and Barbara

Ohm Yoga Studio

Ozinga

POLYJOHN

Presbyterian Resale Shop

Quackenbush, Jeff and Alison

Qunell, Andy and Dana

Red Cup Cafe and Deli

Ruff Luxury Inn

Ruiz, Marc and Tracy

Rusthead

Sand Creek Country Club

Sangha Center for Wellness

Sauers Buick-Pontiac, Inc.

Serenity Salon & Spa

Shive-Hattery Inc.

Simko Signs

Simms, Greg and Pamela

Smith, Marc and Kathleen

Smith, Michelle

Spaulding, Bob and Carol

St. Andrews Products

State Farm Insurance - Sam Allie

Steele, Al

Stiscak, Tyler

Strack & Van Til

Stritof, Martin

Tech Credit Union - Crown Point

The Grossbauer Group

The Times Media Company

Thorgren Tool & Molding Co., Inc.

Tilden Enterprises

Valley Pharmacy

Valparaiso Country Club

Valpo Neighbors, LLC

Vanis Salon & Day Spa

Vargo, Darryl and Peggy

Walsh, John and Kathleen

Honorarium Gifts

Gifts Received Honoring the Following Individuals

Baird, Jeanne M.

Balicki, Ryan

Bamesberger, Harry Bamesberger, Fred and Leslie Nuss

Blackman, Austin

Blandford, Wayne

Castillo, Jesica

Chumbley, Danielle

Deem, Bernie and Marcia

Florkiewicz, Ryan

Fuller, Clayton

Glassford, Kamron

Grant, Linda

Greene, Krystal

Jonah

Kalemba, Kevin Krivas, Ph.D., Natalie Liesenfelt, Joy

Ligocki, Sherri

Machac, Linda

McCoy, Mr. and Mrs. James

Miller, Ryan

Nannenga, Marge and Terry

Osmon, Bill

Pramuk, Mike

Rios, Justin

Ruiz, Ethan

Ruiz, Tracy

Sanchez, Sal

Taylor, Claudia

Vargo, Kayla

Vargo, Tyler

Wadle, Dr. and Mrs. Robert

Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wilson Family

Memorial Gifts

Gifts Received Memorializing the Following Loved-Ones

Alvarez, Rosa

Balon, Ty

Bathliner, Theresa

Beilfuss, Vickie

Cannon, Dennis

Choate, Julie

Coffman, Denise

Cottinger, Charlotte

Ferguson, Nicole

Fox, Jennifer

Galasso, Andrea

Himmel, Brian

Johns, Ralph

Kelly, Elizabeth

Knauff, Myron, Miriam and Mary

Kobak, Fred and Sue

Konopasek, Jeffrey

Lach, Claudette “Pinky”

McLane, Mary

McMannes, Laurie

Melcher, Elizabeth

Miller, Bill

Minick, Robert

Newell, Lindsey

Norton, Michael

Osmon, Tom and Barbara

Parks, Roger

Pauley, David S. and Richard

Pavisich, Georgianna

Peifer, Vivian

Pelton, Nick

Post, Zachary

Sanders, Bill

Shelton, Matthew

Slining, Jim and Betty

Wallace, Garry

Wallace, Michael

Walter, Elaine

Walter, James “Jamie”

Wiese, Joel

Zuttermeister, Kim

Anonymous

Baird, J. Michael and Jeanne

Boggs, Al

Boyden, William and Susan

Buinicki and Proulx Buinicki, Martin and Andrea

*Campion, Bob and Betty

Candela, Peter and Rosann

Collins, Todd

DeMartinis, Ellen

Denzine, Doris

Ensign, Shaun and Kacie

Estate of *Nancy K. Johnson

Evans, Larry and Laura

Fleming, Clifford and Joyce

Forszt, Mike

Gaff, Martin and Sally

Roots of Promise Circle

Donors Ensuring OE’s Future by Leaving A Legacy

Gillispie, Charley and Del

Hallowell, Dolores “Dee”

*Heinold, Marie

*Hess, Fred and Marge

*Hess, Elmer and Bea

Hess, Frederick and Julia

*Himmel, Karl

*Hutchins, Wilbur

*Jenner, Jacqueline

Johnson, Bill and Karen

*Johnson, John O.

Karris, Ella

Kasza, Ron and Amy

Keegan, Larry and Carolyn

*Knauff, Myron C. and Miriam

Lansdowne, Charles and Karen

Loudermilk, *Lee and Michele

*Mabe, Leta

Malayter, Dr. James and Ali

*Mis, Valentine and Mary

Mitchell, Gary and Paula

*Osmon, Tom and Barbara

Parks, Kathleen

Poffenbarger, Robert & Nancy

*Polarek, Lawrence

Polarek, *Chuck and Lillie

Prendergast, Michael

Racine, Jeanie

Rasmussen, Sam and Christine

Regnitz, Tim and Barb

Remijan, David and Shirley

Rommelmann, Paul and Jeanette

Scannell, Tim and Nancy

Sheetz, Mike and Brenda

Shelton, Larry and Sandra

Snyder, Harley and Jan

Sosbe, Jack and Joan

Steinwart, Scott and Dr. Lanie

Stewart Tirschman, Penny

Stritof, Martin and *Deanna

Stritof, Martin

Thill, Rolland and Valerie

Tilling, Gary and Kathi

Warwick Family

*Welter, William J. and Donna

Wiese, Doug and Gayle

Woycik, *Barney and Lorrie

Woycik, Lorrie

*While no longer with us, these individuals are generously giving in perpetuity. These individuals are investing in the future by donating to OE’s endowment fund.

MATT LEUCK-MYERS Residential Client of the Year

All of us have goals that inspire us to do our best. Matt, Residential Client of the Year, is no different. He had an incredible desire to achieve two personal goals! With the support of his Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional and staff member, Matt achieved his goal – including purchasing his own new car of choice. Achieving his objectives is another step in Matt’s journey of becoming more independent and self-sufficient. Matt is a true example of how determination, quality work, and a supportive team can accomplish big goals.

INSPIRING Leadership:

Board of Directors – Fiscal Year 2022

July 2021 to June 2022

Name Title Position

John Freyek Market President, Board Chair Lake County, Horizon Bank

Dr. Natalie KrivasEducator, Valparaiso Community Board Vice Chair Schools and Valparaiso University

Kathleen SmithChief Financial Officer, Treasurer Porter Township School Corporation

Patrick Lyp City Attorney, City of Valparaiso Secretary

Nicole Alcorn Senior Vice President & Chief Member Board Member Experience Officer, Teachers Credit Union

Jim Alex Territory Business Manager, Board Member Alkermes Pharmaceuticals

Beth Casbon President, Komyatte & Casbon, P.C. Board Member

Alfredo EstradaPartner, Burke Costanza & Carberry, LLP Board Member

Rod Gayda CEO, R.A.N. Enterprises Corporation and Board Member Gayda Properties, Inc.

Michelle GonzalezCPA, Accounting Manager, Board Member Laciak Accountancy Group, P.C.

Erin Hawkins Director of Social Emotional Learning, Board Member Valparaiso Community Schools

Shannon Lee President, Shannon C. Lee & Associates, P.C.Board Member

Mary Liggett State Safety Management System Board Member Lead Coordinator – IN, NIPSCO

Marc Ruiz Private Wealth Manager/Investment Advisor, Oak Partners Past Board Chair

Christopher RunnionSenior Vice President, CATSI, Inc. Board Member

Stephanie SwearingtonProject Director - Early Serious Mental Illness, Board Member Porter Starke Services

Neil Samahon President and CEO

Julie McKean Senior Director of Facilities, Safety and Compliance

Stephanie Anderson Chief Human Resources Officer

Erin Robbins Executive Assistant to CEO

Kacie Ensign Chief Development and Communications Officer

Valerie Thill Chief Program Officer

Mark Fisher Chief Financial Officer