twin cities, mn 5500 opportunity court minnetonka, mn ... · at the capitol, and are even making a...
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UPDATES FROM OPPORTUNITY PARTNERS
Summer/Fall 2014
Opportunities5500 Opportunity Court • Minnetonka, MN 55343
Volume 41 • Issue 3 • Summer/Fall 2014
Published in the interest of families, friends and supporters of Opportunity Partners, Inc.This newsletter is available in alternative
formats by request to the Marketing Department at 952-938-5511.
EditorJulie Peters
DesignAlden Murray
The printing of this newsletter has been generously donated.Opportunity Partners is an EEO/AA employer.
Address or name changes.Do we have your name and address incorrect? Would you prefer to be removed from this mailing list? Kindly contact us at [email protected] or call 952-912-2494. Thank you!
Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage
PAIDTwin Cities, MN
Permit No. 90100
2014 news • opportunities
In this issue:Employee of the Year: Kevin Gagner | Q & A with Ashley | Welcome Katie Nelsen, CFRE
Opportunities
It’s official
Message from the CEO
OpportunityPartnersABILITY REDEFINED
Pancakes and public policy, a sweet combination
I recently attended a pancake breakfast fundraiser
sponsored by Opportunity Partners’ self-advocacy group,
C.O.A.L. The Committee of Advocacy & Leadership is raising
money to send several members to the Self Advocates
Becoming Empowered national conference in Oklahoma City
this October.
As I enjoyed a tasty meal that morning, it struck me that this
event symbolized much more than whether I wanted juice
or coffee with my pancakes; it represented the vast menu of
choices available today for people with disabilities who want
and deserve to make their own decisions on how they live,
learn and work.
Opportunity Partners launched C.O.A.L. in 2011 to empower
people we serve to stand up for themselves and ensure their
voices are heard. C.O.A.L., now more than 50 members strong,
meets regularly to determine what issues are important to
them and how to get involved. They’ve written letters, rallied
at the Capitol, and are even making a video!
C.O.A.L. was active in the successful 5% Campaign, a
nonpartisan effort that secured a desperately needed, long
overdue 5% rate increase for Home and Community Based
Service providers like OP. No doubt that the voices of the
people we serve and their families, combined with the efforts
of our dedicated staff, impacted legislators far more than
could ever have been imagined.
In addition to our role in keeping C.O.A.L. active and
growing, I’m proud to say Opportunity Partners is engaged in
a number of other public policy initiatives, including:
●Meeting with legislators – inviting them to tour our
residences and facilities, educating them about the
services we provide, and helping them understand why
disability policy matters to us all
● Leading interpretation and implementation of new licensing standards for disability services
●Monitoring changes to center-based services through the federal Workforce Innovation & Opportunity
Act, Minnesota’s Olmstead Plan, and proposed
Employment First policy
●Developing a Family Action Network. We urgently
need more families to get involved with our advocacy
efforts. Become part of our mission to let lawmakers
know why your loved one and the issues that impact
them need to
be prioritized!
OpportunityPartnersABILITY REDEFINED
To get involved in Opportunity Partners’ advocacy efforts and learn more about our
policy priorities, please contact Alicia Munson, Public Policy & Advocacy Associate, at
952-930-7696 or [email protected].
Thanks in part to the tireless advocacy of Opportunity
Partners staff, families and people who receive services,
Governor Mark Dayton signed into law the supplemental
funding bill that includes a rate increase for Home and
Community based Services for people with disabilities
and older Minnesotans. The effort was part of a state-wide
nonpartisan effort called The 5% Campaign. Opportunity
Partners was pleased to provide 5% raises to its staff on July 1
as a result of this successful effort. Thank you to everyone who
advocated for this increase – your hard work has paid off!
5% increase becomes reality
Join us all month long for National Disability Employment Awareness Month – watch our social
media for daily updates! Like, share, tweet #NDEAM
October November
Mark your calendar
Join us on November 13 for the great Minnesota give
together! Give to the Max Day is a day for Minnesotans
to come together and raise as much money as possible for
nonprofits and schools in 24 hours, beginning midnight
on November 13 and ending midnight on November
14. Show your support by making a gift to Opportunity
Partners on November 14!
NOVEMBER
132014
UPDATES FROM OPPORTUNITY PARTNERS
Summer/Fall 2014
Opportunities5500 Opportunity Court • Minnetonka, MN 55343
Volume 41 • Issue 3 • Summer/Fall 2014
Published in the interest of families, friends and supporters of Opportunity Partners, Inc.This newsletter is available in alternative
formats by request to the Marketing Department at 952-938-5511.
EditorJulie Peters
DesignAlden Murray
The printing of this newsletter has been generously donated.Opportunity Partners is an EEO/AA employer.
Address or name changes.Do we have your name and address incorrect? Would you prefer to be removed from this mailing list? Kindly contact us at [email protected] or call 952-912-2494. Thank you!
Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage
PAIDTwin Cities, MN
Permit No. 90100
2014 news • opportunities
In this issue:Employee of the Year: Kevin Gagner | Q & A with Ashley | Welcome Katie Nelsen, CFRE
Opportunities
It’s official
Message from the CEO
OpportunityPartnersABILITY REDEFINED
Pancakes and public policy, a sweet combination
I recently attended a pancake breakfast fundraiser
sponsored by Opportunity Partners’ self-advocacy group,
C.O.A.L. The Committee of Advocacy & Leadership is raising
money to send several members to the Self Advocates
Becoming Empowered national conference in Oklahoma City
this October.
As I enjoyed a tasty meal that morning, it struck me that this
event symbolized much more than whether I wanted juice
or coffee with my pancakes; it represented the vast menu of
choices available today for people with disabilities who want
and deserve to make their own decisions on how they live,
learn and work.
Opportunity Partners launched C.O.A.L. in 2011 to empower
people we serve to stand up for themselves and ensure their
voices are heard. C.O.A.L., now more than 50 members strong,
meets regularly to determine what issues are important to
them and how to get involved. They’ve written letters, rallied
at the Capitol, and are even making a video!
C.O.A.L. was active in the successful 5% Campaign, a
nonpartisan effort that secured a desperately needed, long
overdue 5% rate increase for Home and Community Based
Service providers like OP. No doubt that the voices of the
people we serve and their families, combined with the efforts
of our dedicated staff, impacted legislators far more than
could ever have been imagined.
In addition to our role in keeping C.O.A.L. active and
growing, I’m proud to say Opportunity Partners is engaged in
a number of other public policy initiatives, including:
●Meeting with legislators – inviting them to tour our
residences and facilities, educating them about the
services we provide, and helping them understand why
disability policy matters to us all
● Leading interpretation and implementation of new licensing standards for disability services
●Monitoring changes to center-based services through the federal Workforce Innovation & Opportunity
Act, Minnesota’s Olmstead Plan, and proposed
Employment First policy
●Developing a Family Action Network. We urgently
need more families to get involved with our advocacy
efforts. Become part of our mission to let lawmakers
know why your loved one and the issues that impact
them need to
be prioritized!
OpportunityPartnersABILITY REDEFINED
To get involved in Opportunity Partners’ advocacy efforts and learn more about our
policy priorities, please contact Alicia Munson, Public Policy & Advocacy Associate, at
952-930-7696 or [email protected].
Thanks in part to the tireless advocacy of Opportunity
Partners staff, families and people who receive services,
Governor Mark Dayton signed into law the supplemental
funding bill that includes a rate increase for Home and
Community based Services for people with disabilities
and older Minnesotans. The effort was part of a state-wide
nonpartisan effort called The 5% Campaign. Opportunity
Partners was pleased to provide 5% raises to its staff on July 1
as a result of this successful effort. Thank you to everyone who
advocated for this increase – your hard work has paid off!
5% increase becomes reality
Join us all month long for National Disability Employment Awareness Month – watch our social
media for daily updates! Like, share, tweet #NDEAM
October November
Mark your calendar
Join us on November 13 for the great Minnesota give
together! Give to the Max Day is a day for Minnesotans
to come together and raise as much money as possible for
nonprofits and schools in 24 hours, beginning midnight
on November 13 and ending midnight on November
14. Show your support by making a gift to Opportunity
Partners on November 14!
NOVEMBER
132014
people who make a difference • opportunities staff focus • opportunities donor focus • opportunities
Staff elected to ARRM Board
Employee of the Year: Kevin Gagner
Meet the authorQ & A with Ashley
Calling all volunteers for fall yard cleanup
Katie Nelsen, CFRE, to lead Advancement team
Wells Fargo grant boosts training efforts
Gather your family, friends and co-workers and
join Opportunity Partners for a fall yard cleanup
at one of our residential homes. You can volunteer
one time or on an ongoing basis. Help us rake, bag
leaves, trim hedges and get our yards ready for the
seasons to come.
Opportunity Partners needs
volunteers like you for a variety of
other special events or classroom
and community outing assistance. Help us meet our
mission of serving people with disabilities!
Doug Annett, Opportunity Partners' Vice
President of Residential and Community
Living, has been elected to the 2014-2017
Association of Residential
Resources in Minnesota (ARRM)
Board of Directors. Joining
Opportunity Partners in 1997,
Doug began as a direct care
staff at Clara Doerr-Lindley Hall,
Opportunity Partners' first residential program. Recently, he
has helped launch our hoMEbase apartment program and
supportive technology services.
Opportunity Partners is happy to welcome Katie Nelsen, CFRE, as Chief Advancement
Officer. Katie's first day was June 30.
Katie brings 20 years of nonprofit fundraising experience to the position, most
recently as Chief Advancement Officer at the Animal Humane Society. She and her team
raised $8.7 million annually, increasing profits by 27 percent during her leadership.
Prior to joining the Animal Humane Society in 2006, Katie held roles with the Schubert
Club, Minnesota Public Radio, MacPhail Center for Music and Planned Parenthood
Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota. A Certified
Fundraising Executive (CFRE), she has held leadership
positions on the board of the Minnesota Chapter of
the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP),
and was named Outstanding Professional Fundraiser of the Year by the chapter in 2013.
Katie has participated as a faculty member for the CFRE Review Course and served on
the advisory committee for the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits to review the Principles
& Practices of Nonprofit Excellence.
Congratulations to Kevin Gagner for
being named Opportunity Partners'
Employee of the Year at the annual
employee recognition event June 27.
Formerly a Service Coordinator, Kevin
was recently promoted to Assistant
Manager at TBI Metro Services. Kevin
goes above and beyond to assist
his co-workers in any way possible
and provides exemplary care and
support to the people he serves.
When Richard Jensen Jr. graduated from Opportunity Partners’ Certified Learning Platform (CLP) in professional cleaning,
he had the skills he needed to land a job at the YWCA where he keeps the offices shining several days a week.
Thanks to a $10,000 grant from Wells Fargo Foundation Minnesota, Opportunity Partners has enhanced the program
with the purchase of specialty cleaning equipment, laptop computers, iPads and staff training, ultimately leading to more
jobs for individuals with disabilities.
One of the pieces of equipment is a Kaivac cleaning system, which offers “no touch” cleaning. “We’re extremely excited
to offer this training as so many businesses utilize these machines in their everyday cleaning
duties,” said Paul Fredendall, Manager of Opportunity Partners’ CLP and Job Development
program. “Besides auto-scrubbing, carpet extraction, and high speed burnishing, our
trainees can now add Kaivac experience to their resumes and that’s exciting.”
“It’s clear that the right equipment makes a big difference for people with
disabilities and provides dignity to their work,” said Laura Oberst, Executive Vice
President & Region Head of Commercial Banking who is the chair of Wells Fargo’s
Twin Cities Metropolitan Contributions Committee. “We are proud to help make a
difference and grateful for all that Opportunity Partners does for the community.”
Opportunity Partners’ CLP program served 72 people in 2013. The CLP program is
offered in collaboration with Dunwoody College Workforce Training & Continuing
Education. Graduates receive a jointly signed certificate from Opportunity Partners
and Dunwoody.
"Kevin is an absolute joy to work with. He has continuously
shown that he is not only willing, but happy to help out in any
way possible. His actions are particularly unique because they
extend to all, including the people we serve, staff and guests."
– co-worker
“I look forward to joining the
passionate and committed
team at Opportunity Partners
and working together to fulfill the vision of expanded community engagement to support choices for people
with disabilities.”
Learn more at Opportunities.org or contact our Volunteer Manager
Liz Burgard at 952-912-7454 or [email protected]
C
With support from Opportunity Partners and a drive to
succeed, Ashley Sullivan followed her passion and started her
own business.
Can you tell us about your business?Bow Wow Meow provides dog walking and pet services
in the Bloomington, Richfield, Edina and Hopkins areas for
animals 35 pounds or less.
How did you get started with your business?Twelve years ago, I met my friend’s beagle puppy and fell
in love. I soon began working as a boarding assistant at a pet
hospital and dental clinic. Clients of the clinic began asking
me to pet-sit for them. One day, a family friend observed
how much I loved animals and said to me, "Why don't you
start your own dog walking business?" With support from
Opportunity Partners, Bow Wow Meow became a reality.
Have you always wanted to work with animals?When I met my friend’s beagle pup, it spurred me to seek
other opportunities to be around animals. I became involved
with the Beagle Freedom Project, visited animal shelters,
and participated in a service dog training program through
Opportunity Partners. It was
enjoyable caring for the
dogs and rewarding to train
the dogs to assist persons
with disabilities.
What do you enjoy most about the work you do?
I enjoy getting to know
the animals, playing with
them and developing close friendships with the families.
What are your plans for the future?My plans for the future are to grow my business and
become more economically independent.
Do you have any hobbies or activities you like to do in your spare time?
I love to travel, go shopping, take ZUMBA classes, read,
learn about different cultures and foods, visit seniors, and
advocate for persons
with disabilities and
the elderly.
Richard Jensen Jr. and Opportunity Partners instructor David Gaarder
Jan Amis Jessup has
chronicled the story of her
daughter Lindsay, who
is served by Opportunity
Partners and Bethesda
Lutheran Communities.
Jessup’s new book,
“Will I Be On Television,”
describes the family’s
journey after Lindsay
experienced brain
damage as an infant.
“She lived…but was changed forever. Now, my daughter and I began the lonely fight against the doctors, her father, family, and those who said her brain-damaged being belonged in an institution, without any hope for a good life. Had I listened, so very many would
not have experienced Lindsay’s sparkle, her courage, her humor,
and her light.”
YOU’RE INVITED TO A RECEPTION AND BOOK SIGNING:
When: Monday, September 22Where: Bethesda Lutheran Communities,
1501 82nd St. (Cottage 4), VictoriaTime: 3-5 p.m.
There is no cost to attend; books will be for sale. Learn more at
SpecialNeedsAid.com
Book signing to be held September 22
Join our online community!
Kevin Gagner with Opportunity Partners President
& CEO Armando Camacho
To learn more about Ashley’s business, contact her at [email protected]
people who make a difference • opportunities staff focus • opportunities donor focus • opportunities
Staff elected to ARRM Board
Employee of the Year: Kevin Gagner
Meet the authorQ & A with Ashley
Calling all volunteers for fall yard cleanup
Katie Nelsen, CFRE, to lead Advancement team
Wells Fargo grant boosts training efforts
Gather your family, friends and co-workers and
join Opportunity Partners for a fall yard cleanup
at one of our residential homes. You can volunteer
one time or on an ongoing basis. Help us rake, bag
leaves, trim hedges and get our yards ready for the
seasons to come.
Opportunity Partners needs
volunteers like you for a variety of
other special events or classroom
and community outing assistance. Help us meet our
mission of serving people with disabilities!
Doug Annett, Opportunity Partners' Vice
President of Residential and Community
Living, has been elected to the 2014-2017
Association of Residential
Resources in Minnesota (ARRM)
Board of Directors. Joining
Opportunity Partners in 1997,
Doug began as a direct care
staff at Clara Doerr-Lindley Hall,
Opportunity Partners' first residential program. Recently, he
has helped launch our hoMEbase apartment program and
supportive technology services.
Opportunity Partners is happy to welcome Katie Nelsen, CFRE, as Chief Advancement
Officer. Katie's first day was June 30.
Katie brings 20 years of nonprofit fundraising experience to the position, most
recently as Chief Advancement Officer at the Animal Humane Society. She and her team
raised $8.7 million annually, increasing profits by 27 percent during her leadership.
Prior to joining the Animal Humane Society in 2006, Katie held roles with the Schubert
Club, Minnesota Public Radio, MacPhail Center for Music and Planned Parenthood
Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota. A Certified
Fundraising Executive (CFRE), she has held leadership
positions on the board of the Minnesota Chapter of
the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP),
and was named Outstanding Professional Fundraiser of the Year by the chapter in 2013.
Katie has participated as a faculty member for the CFRE Review Course and served on
the advisory committee for the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits to review the Principles
& Practices of Nonprofit Excellence.
Congratulations to Kevin Gagner for
being named Opportunity Partners'
Employee of the Year at the annual
employee recognition event June 27.
Formerly a Service Coordinator, Kevin
was recently promoted to Assistant
Manager at TBI Metro Services. Kevin
goes above and beyond to assist
his co-workers in any way possible
and provides exemplary care and
support to the people he serves.
When Richard Jensen Jr. graduated from Opportunity Partners’ Certified Learning Platform (CLP) in professional cleaning,
he had the skills he needed to land a job at the YWCA where he keeps the offices shining several days a week.
Thanks to a $10,000 grant from Wells Fargo Foundation Minnesota, Opportunity Partners has enhanced the program
with the purchase of specialty cleaning equipment, laptop computers, iPads and staff training, ultimately leading to more
jobs for individuals with disabilities.
One of the pieces of equipment is a Kaivac cleaning system, which offers “no touch” cleaning. “We’re extremely excited
to offer this training as so many businesses utilize these machines in their everyday cleaning
duties,” said Paul Fredendall, Manager of Opportunity Partners’ CLP and Job Development
program. “Besides auto-scrubbing, carpet extraction, and high speed burnishing, our
trainees can now add Kaivac experience to their resumes and that’s exciting.”
“It’s clear that the right equipment makes a big difference for people with
disabilities and provides dignity to their work,” said Laura Oberst, Executive Vice
President & Region Head of Commercial Banking who is the chair of Wells Fargo’s
Twin Cities Metropolitan Contributions Committee. “We are proud to help make a
difference and grateful for all that Opportunity Partners does for the community.”
Opportunity Partners’ CLP program served 72 people in 2013. The CLP program is
offered in collaboration with Dunwoody College Workforce Training & Continuing
Education. Graduates receive a jointly signed certificate from Opportunity Partners
and Dunwoody.
"Kevin is an absolute joy to work with. He has continuously
shown that he is not only willing, but happy to help out in any
way possible. His actions are particularly unique because they
extend to all, including the people we serve, staff and guests."
– co-worker
“I look forward to joining the
passionate and committed
team at Opportunity Partners
and working together to fulfill the vision of expanded community engagement to support choices for people
with disabilities.”
Learn more at Opportunities.org or contact our Volunteer Manager
Liz Burgard at 952-912-7454 or [email protected]
C
With support from Opportunity Partners and a drive to
succeed, Ashley Sullivan followed her passion and started her
own business.
Can you tell us about your business?Bow Wow Meow provides dog walking and pet services
in the Bloomington, Richfield, Edina and Hopkins areas for
animals 35 pounds or less.
How did you get started with your business?Twelve years ago, I met my friend’s beagle puppy and fell
in love. I soon began working as a boarding assistant at a pet
hospital and dental clinic. Clients of the clinic began asking
me to pet-sit for them. One day, a family friend observed
how much I loved animals and said to me, "Why don't you
start your own dog walking business?" With support from
Opportunity Partners, Bow Wow Meow became a reality.
Have you always wanted to work with animals?When I met my friend’s beagle pup, it spurred me to seek
other opportunities to be around animals. I became involved
with the Beagle Freedom Project, visited animal shelters,
and participated in a service dog training program through
Opportunity Partners. It was
enjoyable caring for the
dogs and rewarding to train
the dogs to assist persons
with disabilities.
What do you enjoy most about the work you do?
I enjoy getting to know
the animals, playing with
them and developing close friendships with the families.
What are your plans for the future?My plans for the future are to grow my business and
become more economically independent.
Do you have any hobbies or activities you like to do in your spare time?
I love to travel, go shopping, take ZUMBA classes, read,
learn about different cultures and foods, visit seniors, and
advocate for persons
with disabilities and
the elderly.
Richard Jensen Jr. and Opportunity Partners instructor David Gaarder
Jan Amis Jessup has
chronicled the story of her
daughter Lindsay, who
is served by Opportunity
Partners and Bethesda
Lutheran Communities.
Jessup’s new book,
“Will I Be On Television,”
describes the family’s
journey after Lindsay
experienced brain
damage as an infant.
“She lived…but was changed forever. Now, my daughter and I began the lonely fight against the doctors, her father, family, and those who said her brain-damaged being belonged in an institution, without any hope for a good life. Had I listened, so very many would
not have experienced Lindsay’s sparkle, her courage, her humor,
and her light.”
YOU’RE INVITED TO A RECEPTION AND BOOK SIGNING:
When: Monday, September 22Where: Bethesda Lutheran Communities,
1501 82nd St. (Cottage 4), VictoriaTime: 3-5 p.m.
There is no cost to attend; books will be for sale. Learn more at
SpecialNeedsAid.com
Book signing to be held September 22
Join our online community!
Kevin Gagner with Opportunity Partners President
& CEO Armando Camacho
To learn more about Ashley’s business, contact her at [email protected]
people who make a difference • opportunities staff focus • opportunities donor focus • opportunities
Staff elected to ARRM Board
Employee of the Year: Kevin Gagner
Meet the authorQ & A with Ashley
Calling all volunteers for fall yard cleanup
Katie Nelsen, CFRE, to lead Advancement team
Wells Fargo grant boosts training efforts
Gather your family, friends and co-workers and
join Opportunity Partners for a fall yard cleanup
at one of our residential homes. You can volunteer
one time or on an ongoing basis. Help us rake, bag
leaves, trim hedges and get our yards ready for the
seasons to come.
Opportunity Partners needs
volunteers like you for a variety of
other special events or classroom
and community outing assistance. Help us meet our
mission of serving people with disabilities!
Doug Annett, Opportunity Partners' Vice
President of Residential and Community
Living, has been elected to the 2014-2017
Association of Residential
Resources in Minnesota (ARRM)
Board of Directors. Joining
Opportunity Partners in 1997,
Doug began as a direct care
staff at Clara Doerr-Lindley Hall,
Opportunity Partners' first residential program. Recently, he
has helped launch our hoMEbase apartment program and
supportive technology services.
Opportunity Partners is happy to welcome Katie Nelsen, CFRE, as Chief Advancement
Officer. Katie's first day was June 30.
Katie brings 20 years of nonprofit fundraising experience to the position, most
recently as Chief Advancement Officer at the Animal Humane Society. She and her team
raised $8.7 million annually, increasing profits by 27 percent during her leadership.
Prior to joining the Animal Humane Society in 2006, Katie held roles with the Schubert
Club, Minnesota Public Radio, MacPhail Center for Music and Planned Parenthood
Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota. A Certified
Fundraising Executive (CFRE), she has held leadership
positions on the board of the Minnesota Chapter of
the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP),
and was named Outstanding Professional Fundraiser of the Year by the chapter in 2013.
Katie has participated as a faculty member for the CFRE Review Course and served on
the advisory committee for the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits to review the Principles
& Practices of Nonprofit Excellence.
Congratulations to Kevin Gagner for
being named Opportunity Partners'
Employee of the Year at the annual
employee recognition event June 27.
Formerly a Service Coordinator, Kevin
was recently promoted to Assistant
Manager at TBI Metro Services. Kevin
goes above and beyond to assist
his co-workers in any way possible
and provides exemplary care and
support to the people he serves.
When Richard Jensen Jr. graduated from Opportunity Partners’ Certified Learning Platform (CLP) in professional cleaning,
he had the skills he needed to land a job at the YWCA where he keeps the offices shining several days a week.
Thanks to a $10,000 grant from Wells Fargo Foundation Minnesota, Opportunity Partners has enhanced the program
with the purchase of specialty cleaning equipment, laptop computers, iPads and staff training, ultimately leading to more
jobs for individuals with disabilities.
One of the pieces of equipment is a Kaivac cleaning system, which offers “no touch” cleaning. “We’re extremely excited
to offer this training as so many businesses utilize these machines in their everyday cleaning
duties,” said Paul Fredendall, Manager of Opportunity Partners’ CLP and Job Development
program. “Besides auto-scrubbing, carpet extraction, and high speed burnishing, our
trainees can now add Kaivac experience to their resumes and that’s exciting.”
“It’s clear that the right equipment makes a big difference for people with
disabilities and provides dignity to their work,” said Laura Oberst, Executive Vice
President & Region Head of Commercial Banking who is the chair of Wells Fargo’s
Twin Cities Metropolitan Contributions Committee. “We are proud to help make a
difference and grateful for all that Opportunity Partners does for the community.”
Opportunity Partners’ CLP program served 72 people in 2013. The CLP program is
offered in collaboration with Dunwoody College Workforce Training & Continuing
Education. Graduates receive a jointly signed certificate from Opportunity Partners
and Dunwoody.
"Kevin is an absolute joy to work with. He has continuously
shown that he is not only willing, but happy to help out in any
way possible. His actions are particularly unique because they
extend to all, including the people we serve, staff and guests."
– co-worker
“I look forward to joining the
passionate and committed
team at Opportunity Partners
and working together to fulfill the vision of expanded community engagement to support choices for people
with disabilities.”
Learn more at Opportunities.org or contact our Volunteer Manager
Liz Burgard at 952-912-7454 or [email protected]
C
With support from Opportunity Partners and a drive to
succeed, Ashley Sullivan followed her passion and started her
own business.
Can you tell us about your business?Bow Wow Meow provides dog walking and pet services
in the Bloomington, Richfield, Edina and Hopkins areas for
animals 35 pounds or less.
How did you get started with your business?Twelve years ago, I met my friend’s beagle puppy and fell
in love. I soon began working as a boarding assistant at a pet
hospital and dental clinic. Clients of the clinic began asking
me to pet-sit for them. One day, a family friend observed
how much I loved animals and said to me, "Why don't you
start your own dog walking business?" With support from
Opportunity Partners, Bow Wow Meow became a reality.
Have you always wanted to work with animals?When I met my friend’s beagle pup, it spurred me to seek
other opportunities to be around animals. I became involved
with the Beagle Freedom Project, visited animal shelters,
and participated in a service dog training program through
Opportunity Partners. It was
enjoyable caring for the
dogs and rewarding to train
the dogs to assist persons
with disabilities.
What do you enjoy most about the work you do?
I enjoy getting to know
the animals, playing with
them and developing close friendships with the families.
What are your plans for the future?My plans for the future are to grow my business and
become more economically independent.
Do you have any hobbies or activities you like to do in your spare time?
I love to travel, go shopping, take ZUMBA classes, read,
learn about different cultures and foods, visit seniors, and
advocate for persons
with disabilities and
the elderly.
Richard Jensen Jr. and Opportunity Partners instructor David Gaarder
Jan Amis Jessup has
chronicled the story of her
daughter Lindsay, who
is served by Opportunity
Partners and Bethesda
Lutheran Communities.
Jessup’s new book,
“Will I Be On Television,”
describes the family’s
journey after Lindsay
experienced brain
damage as an infant.
“She lived…but was changed forever. Now, my daughter and I began the lonely fight against the doctors, her father, family, and those who said her brain-damaged being belonged in an institution, without any hope for a good life. Had I listened, so very many would
not have experienced Lindsay’s sparkle, her courage, her humor,
and her light.”
YOU’RE INVITED TO A RECEPTION AND BOOK SIGNING:
When: Monday, September 22Where: Bethesda Lutheran Communities,
1501 82nd St. (Cottage 4), VictoriaTime: 3-5 p.m.
There is no cost to attend; books will be for sale. Learn more at
SpecialNeedsAid.com
Book signing to be held September 22
Join our online community!
Kevin Gagner with Opportunity Partners President
& CEO Armando Camacho
To learn more about Ashley’s business, contact her at [email protected]
UPDATES FROM OPPORTUNITY PARTNERS
Summer/Fall 2014
Opportunities5500 Opportunity Court • Minnetonka, MN 55343
Volume 41 • Issue 3 • Summer/Fall 2014
Published in the interest of families, friends and supporters of Opportunity Partners, Inc.This newsletter is available in alternative
formats by request to the Marketing Department at 952-938-5511.
EditorJulie Peters
DesignAlden Murray
The printing of this newsletter has been generously donated.Opportunity Partners is an EEO/AA employer.
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2014 news • opportunities
In this issue:Employee of the Year: Kevin Gagner | Q & A with Ashley | Welcome Katie Nelsen, CFRE
Opportunities
It’s official
Message from the CEO
OpportunityPartnersABILITY REDEFINED
Pancakes and public policy, a sweet combination
I recently attended a pancake breakfast fundraiser
sponsored by Opportunity Partners’ self-advocacy group,
C.O.A.L. The Committee of Advocacy & Leadership is raising
money to send several members to the Self Advocates
Becoming Empowered national conference in Oklahoma City
this October.
As I enjoyed a tasty meal that morning, it struck me that this
event symbolized much more than whether I wanted juice
or coffee with my pancakes; it represented the vast menu of
choices available today for people with disabilities who want
and deserve to make their own decisions on how they live,
learn and work.
Opportunity Partners launched C.O.A.L. in 2011 to empower
people we serve to stand up for themselves and ensure their
voices are heard. C.O.A.L., now more than 50 members strong,
meets regularly to determine what issues are important to
them and how to get involved. They’ve written letters, rallied
at the Capitol, and are even making a video!
C.O.A.L. was active in the successful 5% Campaign, a
nonpartisan effort that secured a desperately needed, long
overdue 5% rate increase for Home and Community Based
Service providers like OP. No doubt that the voices of the
people we serve and their families, combined with the efforts
of our dedicated staff, impacted legislators far more than
could ever have been imagined.
In addition to our role in keeping C.O.A.L. active and
growing, I’m proud to say Opportunity Partners is engaged in
a number of other public policy initiatives, including:
●Meeting with legislators – inviting them to tour our
residences and facilities, educating them about the
services we provide, and helping them understand why
disability policy matters to us all
● Leading interpretation and implementation of new licensing standards for disability services
●Monitoring changes to center-based services through the federal Workforce Innovation & Opportunity
Act, Minnesota’s Olmstead Plan, and proposed
Employment First policy
●Developing a Family Action Network. We urgently
need more families to get involved with our advocacy
efforts. Become part of our mission to let lawmakers
know why your loved one and the issues that impact
them need to
be prioritized!
OpportunityPartnersABILITY REDEFINED
To get involved in Opportunity Partners’ advocacy efforts and learn more about our
policy priorities, please contact Alicia Munson, Public Policy & Advocacy Associate, at
952-930-7696 or [email protected].
Thanks in part to the tireless advocacy of Opportunity
Partners staff, families and people who receive services,
Governor Mark Dayton signed into law the supplemental
funding bill that includes a rate increase for Home and
Community based Services for people with disabilities
and older Minnesotans. The effort was part of a state-wide
nonpartisan effort called The 5% Campaign. Opportunity
Partners was pleased to provide 5% raises to its staff on July 1
as a result of this successful effort. Thank you to everyone who
advocated for this increase – your hard work has paid off!
5% increase becomes reality
Join us all month long for National Disability Employment Awareness Month – watch our social
media for daily updates! Like, share, tweet #NDEAM
October November
Mark your calendar
Join us on November 13 for the great Minnesota give
together! Give to the Max Day is a day for Minnesotans
to come together and raise as much money as possible for
nonprofits and schools in 24 hours, beginning midnight
on November 13 and ending midnight on November
14. Show your support by making a gift to Opportunity
Partners on November 14!
NOVEMBER
132014