Opportunity Works . . .

Opportunity Works . . .
and Touches Lives Throughout Our Community
By Kathleen Downey

Rachel Matthews and Lisa Sutton of Opportunity Works

Opportunities present themselves in many forms. A new job or career change, an educational or artistic program, a travel experience, or maybe a community initiative that lends a helping hand: each presents the possibility—or opportunity—to broaden perspectives and enrich lives. For each person whose life is enriched by such an opportunity, he or she can, in turn, pass on to others the life lessons learned or blessings bestowed, and thereby bring opportunity full circle. Because opportunity works.

Where the Extraordinary Happens

Opportunity Works is a 24,000-square-foot facility tucked into a corner of Newburyport’s Lord Timothy Dexter Industrial Green. Within this ordinary-looking building, extraordinary things happen every day as human potential is both cultivated and celebrated. Founded in 1974, Opportunity Works is a private, not-for-profit corporation that provides services to individuals with disabilities and offers support to their families. Through its various individual-tailored programs, the organization fosters a culture of dignity and respect with a firm resolve to “eliminate the barriers affecting people with disabilities through community advocacy and education.” Approximately 130 individuals from throughout the Merrimack Valley region are enrolled here in a wide range of support programs that nurture ability and self-confidence. Another 50 individuals are enrolled at Opportunity Works’ satellite location in Haverhill.

I visited Opportunity Works in Newburyport on a bright and frigid morning in late January. Neither the snowbanks piled high against the building at 10 Opportunity Way, nor a bite in the air, deterred those individuals bundled against the cold from arriving. Wearing smiles on rosy-cheeked faces, they entered the building one by one and in small groups, offering cheerful greetings to staff members who welcomed each individual by name.

Lisa Sutton, Director of Development, has graciously invited me to the facility so that I may observe opportunity in action and learn about the organization’s impact and contribution to community. My tour guide is Rachel Matthews, a personable executive assistant who tells me that she came to Opportunity Works five months ago because she wanted “to make a difference.” By the time I leave here today, I will discover that the staff, the individuals served by Opportunity Works, and community citizens work in partnership with one another to make a profound difference in human lives (and sometimes, in the lives of nonhumans!).

Facility-Based Employment

My first stop is the production facility. The long, wide room is bustling with activity. Many of the individuals whom I encountered upon entering the facility are here, busy at various stations and focused on their work. Opportunity Works contracts with area companies to provide a variety of services which include packaging, assembly, sorting, quality control inspection, mailing services, and packaging/fulfillment. Through this facility-based employment, individuals develop occupational and interpersonal skills and a solid work ethic. Each individual receives a weekly paycheck for the job performed.

One individual whom I have the pleasure of meeting and chatting with is Steven Hoover. The young man is intent on assembling the hundreds of cardboard jewelry boxes before him when Matthews politely interrupts him to introduce me. Hoover, who resides in Amesbury, offers me a wide smile as he shakes my hand. “I own this joint,” he tells me, arcing his arm and motioning to the expanse of the room. It only takes me a moment to figure out that Hoover is the production facility’s comedian. With distinct mischief in his eyes, he confesses, “I tend to cause trouble.” He gauges my reaction and laughs from his heart. Becoming more serious, Hoover tells me, “I like my job, and I like the people here.” He’s been coming to Opportunity Works long enough to be an “old pro,” he says. Hoover admits that he has the most fun flirting. So when I ask if I may photograph him, I’m not terribly shocked when he instructs me, “Be sure to send my photo to Hunk Magazine!”

Community-Based Day Support

The Community-Based Day Support (CBDS) program room is my next stop. Through the CBDS program, individuals are empowered to pursue a wide selection of activities that are personally meaningful to them. Individuals participate in classes in nutrition, cooking, computers, and fitness. Cultural pursuits include visits to local theaters or participation in literary salons. Individuals may also volunteer for community causes that are close to their heart. One group volunteered for the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society, caring for a colony of feral cats. Another group helped to plant a garden at the Bresnahan Elementary School. This year, the same gardening group hopes to sell the vegetables and flowers that they’ve nurtured and grown, from a roadside farm stand.

A life-skills session is underway when I enter the community room. Led by Opportunity Works staffer Erin Robinson, the individuals seated around the table are learning how to identify various pieces of currency. In addition to encouraging individuals to pursue their interests, the CBDS program teaches individuals everyday skills and introduces them to current events in order to develop their independence, world awareness, and self-assuredness. One young, self-assured woman leaves her group to say Hello to me.

Karen De Santis’s smile is authentic and pure. Her blue eyes sparkle and light up her face. It’s not often that I’ve been in the presence of someone who exudes such happiness and warmth. “I’m Italian!” she proudly shares, after spelling her last name for me. De Santis shares further that she loves rock and roll music and is a huge fan of Bon Jovi. She’s also an accomplished artist. “I like to paint on canvass,” she says. De Santis participates in the OpArt Program, an Opportunity Works collaborative program with the Newburyport Art Association (NAA). Under the guidance of NAA artists, participants learn to express their artist souls. Their artwork has been displayed (and available for purchase) at various locations in town, including a past exhibit at Plum Island Coffee Roasters. Opportunity Works artists also design and create Christmas cards. (Before I leave today, I am given one of these lovely and whimsical cards; my card depicts a smiling polar bear interacting with a penguin, also smiling, that is the creation of Maggie Lee, recipient of Opportunity Works “Artist of the Year Award.”)

Day Habilitation

Continuing my tour, Matthews leads me down a colorful corridor that is the facility’s Day Habilitation wing. Each doorway is brightly painted in cheerful colors, coded to indicate the need-level (physical, mental, and emotional) of the individuals inside each room.

Laughter and friendly shouting is coming from the Green Room. I walk in during a lively Bingo game. Brittany McGrew, the Opportunity Works staff member who is conducting the Bingo game, explains that activities are designed to incorporate learning with fun. Dan Eaton is one player who clearly knows how to play the game andhave lots of fun. I get the sense that he is a bit of a mischief maker, too. This lucky Bingo winner is making the rounds, advising his peers on their own Bingo cards. I have been having a conversation with Patricia Yemma, who tells me that singing and dancing are two of her favorite pastimes, when Dan joins us—using his charm to hone in on a photo opportunity.

Before I leave the Day Habilitation wing, I stop into the Yellow Room. The individuals here receive specialized care to accommodate their severe disabilities. An interdisciplinary team that includes nurses and occupational, physical, and speech therapists works with individuals one-on-one to help them “thrive and grow.” I speak with Nancy Jordan, a nurse who explains that Opportunity Works’ overarching goal to empower individuals is fully practiced in this room. Small “table-top” goals—hands-on activities—are designed to connect individuals with tactile sensations. And there are also dance and sensory relaxation exercises. A large lamp with colorful orbs, reminiscent of a Lava Lamp, sits in the center of the room and plays music.

Community-Based Employment

I have the good fortune to still be at the facility when Sutton arrives, fresh from a Chamber of Commerce meeting. She cordially greets me and escorts me to meet some of Opportunity Works job coaches. These staff members support the individuals who work at part- or full-time jobs in the Newburyport community through the organization’s Community-Based Employment program. Coaches help with job placement, training, and provide ongoing assistance, as needed, to ensure the success of each Opportunity Works individual. One coach tells me, “Our job is to put ability before disability.”

Sutton echoes this focus on ability and stresses the contributions of the employment program’s workforce individuals. “The morale of people in the business community soars when they’ve had the opportunity to work aside of our individuals,” she says proudly. Some of the businesses where Opportunity Works’ individuals currently hold jobs include Shaw’s, McDonald’s, the Governor’s Academy, and The Carry Out Café. “Our workers bring smiles to faces,” says Sutton.

Validating Human Lives

The most important message that Sutton would like to bring to the business community is one of validation. She says, “Give us the opportunity, and we will work to meet your needs.”

*****

Be sure to visit Opportunity Works’ annual auction and primary fundraiser!

27^th Annual Lend-A-Hand
Live, Televised
Cable TV Auction

In Partnership with Comcast
Premier Sponsors:

Institution for Savings
The Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank

Preview Night
Thursday, February 24
5:00 to 8:30 pm
R. A. Nock Middle School
70 Low Street, Newburyort

LIVE AUCTION Day
Saturday, February 26
12 noon to 9:00 p.m.
View on your local public access TV channels
and online @ www.portmedia.oprg

Count down with the WNBP Radio 1450 AM Auction Countdown Clock
Auction Info Auction Items Auction Flyer
978-462-6144 978-462-6144
www.opportunityworks.net

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Kathleen Downey is the features editor at Newburyport-Today, she can be reached for comment at kathleen@newburyport-today.com