Pillars of Potential Case for Support

Explore. Experience. Educate.

Pillars of Potential Leadership Giving Circle

A Pathway to Possibilities Opportunity Enterprises believes that individuals of all abilities deserve the chance to reach their fullest potential.

OE’s education-based day programs are specifically designed to empower individuals with disabilities with engaging and meaningful educational activities. These instructive programs equip people with disabilities with the tools they need to build confidence, gain independence, and thrive in their communities. Through tailored, hands-on learning experiences, OE helps individuals with disabilities unlock doors to personal growth and achievement.

OE’s educational programs, ranging

from art, cooking, music, and science to technology, financial training, work readiness and soft skills development, are designed to foster self-sufficiency and independence for individuals with disabilities. These diverse learning experiences are crafted to meet their unique needs, building confidence and equipping them with the tools to thrive.

Impact Story: Darryl Floyd Darryl began in OE’s educational day programming when he was 56. The last time he attended a day program was when he was a teenager. When he started with OE, he was scared of the unknown and would stand by the window watching everything. As weeks and months passed, he began sitting with his peers and eventually started participating. Soon, he developed friendships with OE staff and his peers. He began trying new activities and having fun. He started calling staff by their names and would wave them over to see the puzzle he was working on.

Today, Darryl not only is thriving in OE’s day programming, he shares a home with two housemates as part of OE’s Supported Living residential program. Darryl has totally broken out of his shell. He rides the bus to OE, participates in Recreational Therapy and loves going outdoors and taking trips to coffee shops. Darryl now advocates for himself – he picks what he wants to wear and eat, as well as what he wants to watch on TV. He’s even participating in Special Olympics. Darryl’s family was surprised and thrilled by the progress he made once he joined OE’s residential and educational day programming.

“OE has created incredible opportunities for Darryl. When he began services at OE, he transitioned from existing within his life to LIVING his life. He is in the right place at the right time with the right support. We’re so grateful to OE for cultivating a life that Darryl can thrive in.”

- Dennis, Darryl’s Brother

There is no other provider in Indiana offering such extensive, education-based programs for individuals with disabilities. OE’s unique approach goes beyond traditional services, focusing on creating a comprehensive learning experience that empowers individuals to develop the skills they need to succeed.

Uniquely OE: What Your Gift Does Your gift directly transforms the lives of adults with disabilities by: • Improving personal cognition, communication, and socialization: Equipping individuals with the tools they need to express themselves, connect with others, and engage meaningfully with the world around them.

• Encouraging personal growth and development: Supporting programs that nurture skills, confidence, and independence.

• Providing a safe and engaging educational environment: Creating spaces where adults with disabilities can learn, explore, and thrive without barriers.

• Maximizing self-sufficiency and enhancing quality of life: Helping participants gain the skills and confidence to live more independently and achieve their personal goals.

• Supporting work readiness goals and aspirations: Providing participants with career discovery and work readiness skills they may be interested in.

• Giving families hope for their loved one’s future: Offering reassurance and resources that empower families to envision brighter futures for their loved ones.

Your support ensures these opportunities remain available, creating a lasting impact for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Outcomes 263,295 hours of educational day programming to 228 individuals. Individuals participating in day programming demonstrated the following growth:

85%

84%

Met Health & Wellness Goals

80%

Met Social Skills Goals

78% Increased Life Skills

Met Communication Goals

75%

Demonstrated Self-Sufficiency

61%

Increased Safety Awareness

Life Changing Results Impact of Your Support Enhanced Independence: Participants gain essential life skills, enabling them to live more independently and confidently navigate daily challenges.

Improved Communication: Tailored programs help individuals with disabilities express themselves more effectively, fostering stronger connections with others.

Stronger Cognitive Abilities: Educational activities stimulate cognitive growth, enhancing problem-solving, memory, and critical thinking.

Greater Social Engagement: Opportunities for socialization build friendships and a sense of belonging, reducing isolation and promoting community involvement.

Empowered Families: Families gain hope and reassurance knowing their loved ones are supported, thriving, and achieving their goals.

Increased Employment Opportunities: Career readiness programs equip participants with the skills needed to secure meaningful employment and contribute to their communities.

Better Quality of Life: Comprehensive support maximizes self-sufficiency and enhances overall well-being for participants and their families.

These results are life changing and the members of Pillars of Potential ensure there are programs available to the people who need them the most.

Not Funded Through the State: OE’s Educational programs are entirely funded by donors like YOU. We do not receive state reimbursement, which gives us the freedom to create personalized, flexible programs for individuals with disabilities. This allows us to continue offering innovative solutions that make a real difference.

Join Pillars of Potential Leadership Giving Circle Pillars of Potential is a leadership giving circle that supports educational programming in OE’s four-day service programs and provides educational experiences year-round.

OE believes that adults with disabilities can actively learn and engage in meaningful programming that increases communication, socialization skills, and independence, which leads to reaching one’s fullest potential.

Endow learning for one client forever!

(held biennially)

Digital Marquee $5,000 of Gift will be invested in OE’s Endowment Fund

Underwrite a curriculum component for one year!

Support an entire class to engage in learning for one year!

Support five people to engage in learning for one year!

Opportunity Enterprises, Inc. 2801 Evans Avenue Valparaiso, IN 46383 oppent.org @oppent @opportunityenterprises OpportunityEnt Opportunity Enterprises, Inc.

Jane Kobak Associate Director of Major Giving 219.464.9621 ext. 290 jane.kobak@oppent.org oppent.org/pillars

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