Mainely OEI

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APRIL NEWSLETTER 2026

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Spring Renewal


As spring begins to bloom around us, we’re reminded of what renewal really means — growth, possibility, and fresh beginnings.

At Opportunity Enterprises, our heart has always been centered on empowering adults with disabilities to live meaningful, independent lives in the communities they call home. Every day, we witness resilience, creativity, and strength in the individuals we support — and that’s something worth celebrating.

April is an especially exciting time for us—April 17th is Founder’s Day, celebrating OEI’s 18th birthday! 🎉 We celebrate all week long with a Spirit Week from April 13–17 and wrap it up with a BBQ at each OEI location.

This season of Easter and Earth Day invites us to reflect not only on renewal, but on inclusion, accessibility, and caring for the world and one another. We remain committed to creating opportunities where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Thank you for being part of a community that believes in diverse abilities, shared purpose, and brighter futures for all.

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Rising Stars Therapeutic Farm

Spring is springing at the farm!

🌱🐓🐐

The snow is gone, the mud is proudly making its annual appearance, and the animals are loving the longer days, warmer sunshine, and fresh spring air. Around here, muddy boots are just a sure sign that winter has finally packing its bags and headed out!

With a new season comes new opportunities to gather, learn, and enjoy time together at the farm. Be sure to check out the April Farm Activity Calendar below for all the fun events coming up this month.

If something catches your eye, you can RSVP by emailing Emily at ewillett@oeime.org or simply let her know the next time you see her at the farm. We’d love to have you join us for another wonderful season filled with fresh air, friendly faces, and plenty of farm fun! 🌷🐐🐓


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Farm friends 🥰

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The Cupcakery Cafe & Bake Shop


Spring has officially arrived at The Cupcakery! 🌸🧁

With longer days, warmer sunshine, and that fresh hint of spring in the air, the bakery is buzzing with excitement. Last month we rolled out our seasonal favorites — Maple Bacon, Blueberry Pancake, Honey Lavender, and Leprechaun Shake — and they’re already stealing the spotlight.

Behind the scenes, we’re also starting to gear up for wedding season, spring celebrations, and Easter gatherings, which means lots of beautiful custom cakes and sweet treats heading out the door.

Whether you’re stopping in for your morning coffee and cupcake fix or planning something special, we’re so grateful to be part of the Lewiston/Auburn community and to share a little sweetness along the way.

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DIY Easter Cookie Kits

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Chocolate covered Oreos

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Starfish Greenhouse & Farm Stand


Did you know?

Spring ephemeral wildflowers are plants that appear very early in the spring, bloom quickly, and then disappear (go dormant) by early summer.

They take advantage of a short window of time before the trees fully leaf out in forests. During this brief period, sunlight can reach the forest floor, allowing these plants to grow, flower, and reproduce before the shade returns.

Key Characteristics

🌱 Early bloomers – Often appear as soon as the snow melts

☀️ Sunlight lovers – Use the early spring sun before tree canopies fill in

⏳ Short life cycle – Flower and seed within a few weeks

🌿 Disappear by summer – The leaves die back, but the plant survives underground in bulbs or roots until next spring

Common Examples

Some well-known spring ephemerals include:

  • Trillium
  • Bloodroot
  • Dutchman’s Breeches
  • Spring Beauty
  • Hepatica
  • Mayapple

These flowers are especially important because they provide early nectar and pollen for bees and pollinators when few other plants are blooming.

In short:

They’re the woodland’s first little burst of color after winter.

🌸🌱

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Out & About in the Community

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Donating birthday cake kits to a local food pantry

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Nothing beats a fun overnight trip—hotel stay, shopping, dinner out, a relaxing massage, and wrapping it all up with a few games of bingo!

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Eatin' Good in the Neighborhood

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Another great day at the farm!


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A fresh haircut and style — the perfect way to jump into spring!



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Postcard collecting

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Getting up close to some amazing animals!

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Spotting the Bootmobile on the road!

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Socializing the cats at the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society

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Who's ready for some step aerobics?!

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Volunteering our time at the Region 9 School of Applied Technology

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"Horsing around" 😁

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Checking out some cool local art!

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Running into a former teacher out in the community is always such a pleasant surprise!

Welcome New Team Members

Hawo Hussein - Direct Support Professional

Pindi Mpanda - Direct Support Professional

Eunice Mpetemba - Direct Support Professional

Hafsa Adow - Direct Support Professional

Fabricio Cristovao - Direct Support Professional

Basra Abadir - Direct Support Professional

Denize Lemos - Direct Support Professional

Saleiano Ribeiro - Direct Support Professional

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Star of the Month

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🌟 Star of the Month: Antonia 🌟

Although Antonia has only been with us for a few short months, she has made a lasting impression from the very beginning. From day one, she has shown a genuine interest in getting to know the individuals she supports and takes great pride in doing her job well.

Antonia’s flexibility and willingness to step in wherever needed truly make a difference in the day-to-day operations of the home. She consistently goes above and beyond to meet the needs of both the individuals and her team, always with a positive attitude and a caring heart.

It’s no surprise that she is adored by both the individuals she supports and her fellow staff. Antonia’s kindness, compassion, and dedication shine through in everything she does.

We are so grateful to have Antonia as part of the OEI team and look forward to all the wonderful things ahead for her!

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Kindness Activity

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Green Tomorrow

As we celebrate Earth Day, our commitment to environmental awareness and sustainable practices is reflected in our daily operations. By choosing eco-friendly products and services, individuals can contribute to a greener future. This collective effort fosters a community that values the importance of preserving our planet.

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March Recap:

Thank you to everyone who participated in our March Kindness Activity — Caring for Kids! 💛

Last month, we focused on supporting children in the classroom by sponsoring classrooms and youth centers with snacks, school supplies, and other essential items to help them thrive throughout the year.

Many of you also hosted drives for children’s books, art supplies, and creative materials that encourage learning and self-expression — and that kind of support truly makes a lasting impact.

Thank you for joining us in spreading kindness, supporting young minds, and making a difference where it matters most.

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Volunteering at River Valley Christian Academy. and teaching the kids a new game

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Helping out in the after-school program at Dirigo Elementary School

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