July 2021
College dream to come true
Jennie, 34, has dreamed of attending college “forever,” she said. Seeing her brother go away to college and study engineering made her wish for a similar experience. “I’ve just thought about it but never applied,” she said.

But with encouragement from OP staff and others, Jennie took the first step and applied at Minneapolis Community & Technical College. She was thrilled to learn that she was accepted and will enroll in Fall 2021. She plans to study Human Services and someday help other people with disabilities – especially hidden disabilities like hers. Jennie would also like to do legislative advocacy for disability rights, and be a voice for people who feel they don’t have one. “I believe I can inspire others not to judge people who don’t look like they have a disability.”

Jennie has a rare, misunderstood neurological disorder that affects one in a million people. Her disorder encompasses several distinct features which can include lack of muscle tone and coordination, stiffening of extremities, fast eye movements, developmental delays and seizures. “I’ve learned to deal with it in the best way I know how,” she said, adding that she’s connected with people around the world who share the condition.

Jennie has gained experience over the years as a valuable member of the OP team working at Greater Twin Cities United Way. OP staff recognized Jennie's potential from the start and encouraged her to pursue her dreams. Congratulations, Jennie! We can’t wait to see what you do next!
OP by his side throughout COVID
For Gary, 63, OP provided just the right amount of support to keep him working successfully during the pandemic. As a greeter at a Twin Cities Walmart, Gary was an essential worker entrusted with expanded job duties during COVID-19, checking that customers wore facial coverings and keeping track of numbers entering for capacity limits.

Gary was a welcome face at the store throughout the uncertainties of the pandemic. “A lot of regulars were glad to see him,” said OP Employment Specialist Kara Kowski. Gary, who experienced partial paralysis following a heart attack and stroke in his 20s, is grateful for OP for helping him find the job nearly a decade ago and providing ongoing job coaching. “OP staff have done a good job through the years of helping me,” he said. “I enjoy the people at my job and it gets me out of the house.”
OP billboards catch eyes
Watch for OP billboards up now around the Twin Cities! The boards, which draw attention to our job openings, feature some OP stars, past and present (like Sayde, Amber and Abrianna, shown here)! Currently, the billboards are in Bloomington along 494 east of Lyndale, and across from Ridgedale Mall in Minnetonka along 394 west of 169. Both face west. Locations will change monthly over the next six months. If you or someone you know is interested in job opportunities, please see opportunities.org/career.
Raining work at OP sites
We are starting the second half of the year with good news and good work! With the beloved Minnesota State Fair returning this summer, OP has once again been asked to help the Blue Barn, assembling food boats with branded tissue wrap. OP teams have also started kitting 223,000 Target tote bags for college-bound students, filled with sample-size products and a coupon booklet. To put this amount in perspective, US Bank Stadium seats 73,000 - so more than three times a packed game! We are grateful to be doing important work with so many local businesses. Hire OP for your next job! Note: This photo was taken prior to the pandemic.
Mark your calendar!
OP's Success Celebration, the annual awards ceremony for people we serve, has been set for Sunday, September 12 from 1-3 pm at the Hyland Hills Chalet in Bloomington. Watch for more details in the coming weeks!