As summer reaches its peak, July brings endless opportunities for adventure, friendship, and community connection. Across Opportunity Enterprises, individuals are making the most of the season by getting outdoors, exploring local attractions, attending community events, and spending quality time with friends old and new. This month is especially exciting as communities across the country come together to celebrate our nation's 250th birthday—a milestone that reminds us of the importance of freedom, inclusion, and belonging for all. Whether we're enjoying a summer picnic, taking part in local festivities, discovering new places, or simply soaking up the sunshine, July is the perfect time to create lasting memories and celebrate the people and communities that make life so meaningful. We hope this month's newsletter inspires you to get outside, stay active, and enjoy all the wonderful experiences summer has to offer! |
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Big news! Opportunity Enterprises, Inc. has officially entered our digital donation era and now has a Venmo!
Think of it as our virtual donation jar—a simple way to support the meaningful work of Opportunity Enterprises, Inc. and the incredible individuals we serve. Whether it's the cost of a cup of coffee or a larger gift, every donation helps create opportunities for growth, independence, and community involvement.
If you'd like to make a difference, you can donate anytime through our Venmo:
@OEIMaine
https://www.venmo.com/u/OEIMaine
Thank you for being part of our OEI family and for helping us spread kindness throughout our communities. Every little bit truly makes a big impact!
| | Rising Stars Therapeutic Farm | |
🌻 July at the Farm 🌻
Summer is in full swing, and there's no better place to enjoy the season than at the farm! July brings warm sunshine, fresh air, and plenty of opportunities to connect with friends, nature, and our community. Whether you're helping with farm projects, meeting our animal friends, exploring the sensory trail, or participating in one of our special events, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
We have an exciting lineup of activities planned this month, and we can't wait to share the fun with you! Be sure to check out the Farm Event Calendar below for all the details on upcoming events and opportunities to get involved.
📅 Don't forget to RSVP! To help us plan and ensure everyone has a great experience, please let Emily know which events you'd like to attend. You can RSVP by email or simply let her know in person the next time you see her at the farm.
Here's to a July filled with sunshine, laughter, new adventures, and wonderful memories made together. We look forward to seeing you at the farm!
| | The Cupcakery Cafe & Bake Shop | | |
Summer Hours Are Here!
As we settle into the pace of summer, we have adjusted our bakery hours. Please note our updated schedule:
MONDAY
Open by appointment for order pick-ups only
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY
7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
THURSDAY & FRIDAY
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
SATURDAY
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
SUNDAY
Closed
Thank you for your continued support! We hope you spend the season enjoying sunshine, making memories, and treating yourself to something sweet along the way.
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🥤✨ Have you tried a Cupcakery Quencher yet? ✨🥤
The possibilities are practically endless! Start with your choice of Sugar-Free Green Tea, Sugar-Free Lemonade, or Sparkling Water, then customize it with a mix of regular and sugar-free flavors. With over 1,000 flavor combinations, there's a Quencher for every craving!
Want a little extra pep? Add an energy shot for an extra kick. Looking for something smooth and indulgent? Top it off with our sweetened cold foam for a creamy, dreamy twist.
Mix it. Match it. Make it yours. Stop by and discover your new favorite sip! 🍓🍋🫐✨
| | You can now enjoy your Cupcakery favorites for call-ahead pickup or delivery right to your door through DoorDash! | | Starfish Greenhouse & Farm Stand | | |
🌻 Summer is in Full Bloom at the OEI Garden & Greenhouse!
July is a wonderful time to visit the OEI Garden & Greenhouse, where the hard work and creativity of the individuals we support are on full display. From vibrant flowers to unique handcrafted items, there's always something new to discover!
Be sure to stop by our Farm Stand, where you'll find a rotating selection of seasonal treasures, including fresh-cut flower bouquets, potted plants, arts and crafts, and other delightful weekly finds. Every purchase directly benefits the individuals we serve, supporting meaningful activities and opportunities throughout the year.
Whether you're a local resident or just passing through the beautiful town of Searsport this summer, we'd love for you to stop by, say hello, and see what's blooming. You never know what special treasures you'll find, but you're guaranteed to leave with a smile and the satisfaction of supporting a great cause.
| We keep adding goodies to the roadside farm stand! Stop by and check it out next time you're in Searsport! | | Out & About in the Community | | Loving the views at Sears Island | Feeling the soft bunny fur | Fishing on a beautiful day! | All smiles at Special Olympics Maine summer games! | Cooling off at the beach! | Can anyone guess where this giant is located? | | Look at the baby chicks!! | Learning about Native American heritage at the Jud Hartmann Gallery in Blue Hill, Maine | Happy to be outside in the sunshine! | Enjoying a day at the park | |
Animals enjoy listening to music too
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Time for lunch at Mills Market!
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Enjoying summer days by the water
| | Feeling "FROGGY" at the farm! | | |
Liza Morgan – Direct Support Professional
Fatumo Hassan – Direct Support Professional
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🌟 OEI July Star of the Month: Sheila Farrell 🌟
This month, we are proud to recognize and celebrate Sheila Farrell as our July Star of the Month!
Sheila consistently demonstrates an outstanding work ethic and a deep dedication to the individuals she supports. She continually goes above and beyond in her role to ensure that each person receives the highest quality of care, attention, and encouragement.
Her commitment to client needs is truly exceptional. Sheila often takes the initiative to provide extra support and assistance beyond expectations, making a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of those she works with. Her reliability, professionalism, and willingness to help are appreciated not only by the indivduals she supports, but also by her teammates.
One of Sheila’s greatest strengths is her kindness and compassion. She treats every individual with dignity, patience, and genuine respect, creating a warm and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and understood. Her ability to build strong, meaningful relationships is evident in the positive responses she receives from those she supports.
In addition, Sheila is always willing to lend a hand to coworkers, maintain a positive attitude, and contribute to a strong and collaborative team culture. Her dedication, empathy, and consistent effort make her an invaluable asset to OEI.
Thank you, Sheila, for all that you do—we are so grateful to have you on the team!
| | June Kindness Activity Recap: Community Giveback | |
Throughout the month of June, our focus was on giving back to the communities that give so much to us. Through our "Community Giveback" kindness activity, individuals found meaningful ways to lend a helping hand, make connections, and spread positivity wherever they went.
Participants volunteered their time to support local organizations, assisted community members with various tasks, and discovered firsthand how even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Whether it was helping a neighbor, participating in volunteer projects, or simply offering a friendly smile and conversation, everyone played a role in making our communities a little brighter.
One of the highlights of the month was our community car wash! Participants had a blast washing cars, working together as a team, and interacting with members of the community. The event was filled with laughter, teamwork, and plenty of suds, while also providing an opportunity to give back and connect with others.
The Community Giveback activity reminded us that kindness comes in many forms. By sharing our time, talents, and energy, we strengthen our communities and create meaningful experiences for everyone involved.
We are proud of all the individuals who participated and demonstrated that a spirit of generosity and service can have a lasting impact. Thank you to everyone who volunteered, supported our efforts, and helped make June a month full of kindness, connection, and community.
| | Hand-decorated "Kindness" stones placed lovingly around the community | | Click on the image above to read the Declaration of Independence | |
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