November 2020
Groundbreaking to replace group home lost in fire
We are thrilled to begin the rebuilding of our former Ensign residence, which was destroyed by fire in June 2019. This exciting development is thanks to our partnership with Denali Custom Homes of Wayzata and a team of their subcontractors, who are generously donating a portion of supplies and labor. A groundbreaking was held October 13, and we expect the house to be rebuilt in about six months.

Adventor Trye, an OP direct support professional who was working at the residence in June 2019, joined us for the groundbreaking. Adventor discovered the fire, and helped a person served escape safely. At that time, friends like you stepped up and donated more than $49,000 to help with the displacement. We are so grateful for our caring community! The photo of the groundbreaking shows OP's Kate Wilinski, Bill Schultz, Adventor and Denali Custom Home's David Bieker. See the media stories including the New Hope Sun Post, WCCO 4 and CCX Media.
Celebrating employment success!
We celebrated October's National Disability Employment Awareness Month by sharing stories throughout the month! Thank you to Uponor for providing meaningful work to employees in an inclusive setting since 2012. Many individuals, including Kassie in this photo, have gained experience and independence at Uponor. OP has helped the company realize cost savings by creating a process to repackage pipe from its recoiling operation. Uponor is then able to sell those coils, increasing profit and decreasing wasted materials. Together, we are better!
You can Give to the Max!
Minnesota's largest day of giving is coming up on November 19. Thanks to a generous Opportunity Partners family, your donation will be matched - up to $10,000! You can schedule your gift beginning on November 1. Your generous support will help ensure we can continue to provide services and support to people with disabilities in our community for years to come. Thank you!
Recognizing Lunds & Byerlys
Lunds & Byerlys was recognized October 26 by the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation & Rehabilitation (MOHR) as an Outstanding Employer of People with Disabilities, after being nominated by Opportunity Partners. Over the years, OP has placed numerous people into key positions at Lunds & Byerlys across the Twin Cities. David, shown bagging groceries, recently celebrated 15 years of employment there! We are so grateful for community partners like Lunds & Byerlys. Representatives from MOHR, Opportunity Partners and Lunds & Byerlys celebrate the award at the 50th & France store in the photo below. We are stronger together!