You • - Opportunity Matters, Inc.

WINTER 2015
Building Relationships
James Turner, Direct Support Staff
Over 20 years ago, I began working at what was then known as “Opportunity Manor”. I started working at Opportunity Manor while obtaining my
undergraduate degree in Social Work. I had a love for people, but had little
to no experience working direct care with clients who have special needs. I took the position to earn some extra money while going to college. I
quickly learned that the job was more than a paycheck, it is about providing
all people with the best quality of life possible and empowering individuals
to their full potentials. After graduating college, I obtained full-time work in
various social services agencies. I went on to obtain my Masters in Social Work. I currently have a full-time job as a School
Social Worker with the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District, but continue to work at Opportunity Matters. The organization has changed a lot in 20 years. One of the biggest changes is the growth – when I first started, there was
Manor 1, Manor 2, Foster 1 and Foster 2. Clients were cared for in smaller residential settings, including some apartment
settings. There were probably 28-30 clients total. Currently, there are 17 sites and the program services over 70 individuals. The number of employees has also grown significantly! It is great to witness and be part of the expansion of client services
within the St. Cloud and area communities. The late Jim Christensen former CEO of the company, was a great leader who
had an incredible vision. I wish Jim was still with us to see how the company has diversified over the years! The clients have taught me a lot over the years. I can’t say I have one or two favorite memories, but rather a culmination
of many memories that will last a lifetime. I have learned that the clients are more like us, than they are different. They
want attention and love. They want to know that you care and that they can depend on you. They like to laugh and have
fun! They all have something valuable to share with others. I am proud to say I have worked at Opportunity Matters for over 20 years! I can testify it is a great place to create opportunities and empower individuals, a great place to work part-time or establish a career, a great place to meet new people
and build relationships! I have no active plans for “retirement”, I just might be here another 20 years. • •
Working in Harmony
Christina Thiam, Program Coordinator
Linda Schlect has worked as a direct care staff for OMI for the past 20 years.
She started working for OMI when clients lived in apartments and has watched
the organization grow to its current day capacity. When the individuals moved
into the houses, Linda says “It gave them a real sense of home by being part of a
neighborhood and community.” Over the years, Linda has a lot of fond memories
in watching the individuals she cares for grow more independent. Such things as
learning how to use the city bus system independently or being able to write their
own checks out at the store were a time of pride for everyone. But it’s also the
simple things such as watching an individual strum his guitar and make-up songs
to sing or watching the ladies she cares for all sing in harmony to their favorite Ray Charles song that makes her look back
over the past 20 years with a smile. Linda has also learned from the individuals she serves, “I have learned that the people
I serve love being independent and learning new things, and they are so proud to be given opportunities to prove they can
excel.” When asked what Linda would tell someone looking to get into direct care, she replied “It’s a very rewarding field if
you truly like people and want to make a difference in helping clients achieve their goals.” • •
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our
annual Holiday Party on Friday, December 12.
Thank you for donating to Opportunity Matters’ general fund in 2014.
Your donations helped us to purchase new or replacement items and
activities for our sites and programs.
OMI Offers an Array of Services
Sam Pierskalla, Program Services Director
Opportunity Matters is an organization that provides quality supportive services to individuals with cognitive, physical and mental health disabilities in and around the St. Cloud area. Currently, the organization has 17 Adult Foster Care
Homes which provides supportive living to four individuals per home. Attached to three of the AFC homes are Crisis
Respite Units that serve one individual for a short period of time until they are able to return to there previous living
arrangement or into a new arrangement. In addition, Opportunity Matters provides In-Home Supportive Services where
staff work with individuals in their own homes and an Adult Day Service where individuals come during the day to participate in socialization, community integration, health/exercise and individual skill building. Along with these services,
Opportunity Matters collaborates with areas schools to provide Supportive Education Services to students with disabilities
who may have some challenging behaviors. Furthermore, Opportunity Matters has a Multiple Sclerosis Program where
individuals with MS meet on regular bases to enjoy social activities, educational programming, exercise and support from
one another. Newer services that OMI has been providing are Behavioral Consulting Services and a partnership with the
Veterans Administration to provide Adult Day Services to veterans. Both programs are in the process of growing.
For 2015, OMI’s focus is to continue to maintain the AFC homes, crisis respite units, Supportive Education Services
and MS program while growing our in- home support services, adult day services and behavioral consulting. New objectives being looked at for 2015 will be to create and offer educational trainings and seminars on disability topics as well
as looking for new options for supportive housing which is being driven by person centered planning initiated from the
federal government and the State of Minnesota. With the new changes, providers are faced with many new adventures and
challenges. Opportunity Matters is ready for these adventures and challenges and will continue to strive to meet the needs
and personal goals of those with disabilities. • •
Giving Back to Our Community
Brenda Eggerth, Volunteer & Communications Manager
In 2014, Opportunity Matters advanced its presence
in our local community by establishing a Community
Involvement initiative for the employees of OMI. All
full-time employees were asked to complete a minimum
of two hours of volunteer work in the community from a
list of chosen organizations. The organizations chosen for
2014 were; the Tri County Humane Society, Habitat for
Humanity, Country Manor Senior Campus, the American Red Cross, School District #742, Sartell Chamber of
Commerce, and the Boys & Girls Club.
Together, the employees of OMI volunteered over 90
hours to these organizations. In addition, Opportunity
Matters employees continued with their involvement in
the Adopt-A-Highway program and volunteering for the Multiple Sclerosis walk
held each year in May. • •
Annual Spooky Event
OMI’s Halloween Party Committee
The OMI Halloween Party was very successful this
year! It was a three hour festive and exciting event
that everyone enjoyed. The individuals of OMI went
all out on their costumes; we even had the Duck
Dynasty family attend! This year the committee
served sloppy joes and chips for dinner. When the
individuals were not eating they could play a variety of games. BINGO was a big hit; everyone in attendance played and
there were numerous winners. Along with games there was cookie decorating station and a station where individuals could
make bags to take their goodies home in. The best part of the night is the memories that were made and documented in all
the great pictures that were taken thanks to our volunteers! • •
2014 Twisted Twilight Planning
Committee
Felix & Fingers Dueling Pianos
An Entertaining Time
Twisted Twilight Committee
A BIG thank you to everyone who stepped out and supported Opportunity
Matters on October 24th by attending our Twisted Twilight “Terror in Granite
City” at the Regency Plaza in St Cloud. The event proved to be an entertaining evening that raised over $7,000 for the Jim Christensen Endowment Fund.
Attendees were treated to a scrumptious meal provided by Custom Catering, a
presentation by Bridget Mohs mother to a recipient of the JC Endowment fund,
a dueling piano show by Felix & Fingers and chances to win a variety of great
prizes. Congratulations to our costume contest winners; Tammy Johnson (best
individual costume) and Pam & Hollis Rickbeil (best group costume).
Best Costume Winner
Plans are already underway for our 2015 event. Mark your calendar to join us
for Twisted Twilight 2015 on Friday, October 23 at the beautiful Regency Plaza.
••
Group Costume Winners
Board Members Demonstrate Commitment
Regan Stommes, CEO
Opportunity Matters has been fortunate to have long standing board members and at the end of 2014 we are wishing
farewell to three of them that have given 24 years of combined service to OMI! While we are sad to see them move on to
other experiences in their lives, we are excited for the energy and new input from three new board members who’ve joined
this past year. Opportunity Matters Inc. has grown in the past 9 years with the oversight of the Board Directors. We are
proud of our commitment to serving individuals in Central MN and focusing on their needs even through the changes in
funding and regulations.
The Board of Directors at OMI is a governance board. The board governs lawfully with an emphasis on outward vision,
encouragement of diversity of viewpoints, strategic leadership support and guidance to the CEO, future and proactive
planning and development.
Thank you and farewell to:
• Ann Cofell, St. Cloud Area Legal Aid
• Pam Rickbeil, MnSCU
• Nick Brandt, Retired Investment Counselor
“It has been my honor to serve on the board of Opportunity Matters. The people that are served by this organization are some
of the most vulnerable in our community. Being on the board, means that I have had the chance to play a part in ensuring that
they receive the home and the services that they deserve.”… Ann Cofell
Welcome:
• John Skalla, DeZurik Company - Vice President of Municipal Sales
• Anita Stoering, Wolters Kluwer Finanical Services Alliance Manager
• Courtney Vorrell, Rum River Special Education Cooperative Behavior Analyst
“I wanted to become more involved in the community with an organization that was doing meaningful work. The opportunity to join the board of OMI was an excellent way to accomplish this. My experience thus far has been extremely positive as I
continue to learn about all the ways at OMI is enhancing individual lives.”… Courtney Vorrell
We are always interested in hearing from people that might be interested in serving on the Board. Feel free to contact
Regan Stommes at 320.240.1900. • •
A Familiar Face
Brenda Eggerth, Volunteer & Communications Manager
If you attend any of Opportunity Matters’ events you are guaranteed to see the
familiar face of one of our dedicated volunteers, Fran Murtley. Fran has been
volunteering with Opportunity Matters since 2009 and enjoys helping out at all the
different events the organization hosts. “The individuals the organization serves
are just wonderful people” Fran says “I greatly enjoy helping out at the events and
watching the great interaction between the individuals and the staff.”
From the Spring Fling dance to the annual Twisted Twilight fundraiser, Fran is
full of spunk running around snapping photos. She also frequently helps out in administration by answering phones
and greeting guests. She is always willing to pitch in and help wherever she can. “Just don’t put me on a computer”, Fran
laughs “I can’t operate those things.” In the past few years, she has gotten her grandson Mitchell involved with the organization. “It is good for people to volunteer and he is happy to help.” Fran is an active volunteer through the area’s RSVP
(Retired Senior Volunteer Program) and serves as an RSVP board member.
Thank you to Fran, Mitchell and all of our dedicated volunteers. You truly make a difference to Opportunity Matters’
and the individuals we serve. • •
A Beneficial Partnership
Mike Schmitz, Maintenance Manager
In 2012, Ryan Williams was the first Boy Scout to partner with Opportunity Matters to fulfill his leadership requirements to earn his Eagle Scout badge. Ryan worked with OMI staff and community volunteers to lead the completion of
the beautiful gazebo in OMI’s backyard.
This past fall, Kyle Cielinkski followed in Ryan’s footsteps
and completed his leadership requirements with Opportunity Matters. Kyle listened to suggestions offered by OMI as
to what site they believed would be a good fit and offered a
few projects that would challenge Kyle and his team. Kyle
took the lead in coordinating, planning, fundraising and
gathering all volunteers needed to complete the projects.
After all his efforts were completed, Kyle and crew had;
poured a new sidewalk for Crisis (RII), improved water
drainage by installing rain gutters alongside the Roosevelt
II house to help reduce erosion, reset landscaping blocks
and laid new mulch.
We would like to thank Kyle and everyone who assisted
him for their hard work and dedication to a job well done!
If you know a Boy Scout who would like to work with
Opportunity Matters to complete their leadership requirements please have them contact Regan Stommes. • •
Donations/Grants
We are grateful to the many individuals, families,
businesses and foundations whose contributions are vital to
the success of Opportunity Matters Inc. The following list
reflects gifts received from October, 2014 to December, 2014.
500+
Tony & Joyce Tillemans Fund
John & Anita Stoering
Teodes K. Christensen
300+
Kurt & Sarah Erickson
100+
Mike’s Trim Carpentry
Douglas & Judith Moe
Ann Cofell
Bob Ringstrom - Strata of MN LLC
Dana Laudenbach
Anonymous
Donations
Emma Small
In-Kind
Lynn Jaques
Carlson Cleaners
Mike & Linda Allen
Flagship Insurance
Mike’s Trim Carpentry
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
SARTELL, MN
PERMIT NO. 280
701 23rd Street S
Sartell, MN 56377
www.opportunitymatters.org
Board Members
President
Bob Rueter, Boy Scouts of America
President Elect:
Gary Sabby, T & S Agency, LLC
Secretary
Ann Cofell, St. Cloud Area Legal Services
Treasurer:
John Herges, Falcon National Bank
Directors:
Nick Brandt, Retired Investment Counselor
Pam Rickbeil, MnSCU
John Skalla, DeZURIK
Anita Stoering, Wolters Kluwer
• Thank You •
Minnesota Twins (ticket donation)
Coborns Sauk Rapids (hosting Brat Sale)
St Johns Boys Choir (ticket donation)
Jim Beck (presenting at Annual Training for Staff)
Twisted Twilight Sponsors:
NetGain Technologies
Falcon National Bank
Bremer Bank
GNP
DeZurik
360 Chiropractic
MCI
Clifton Larson Allen
CDI
HBH Consultants
Strack
North Central
Mike’s Dirt Work
M & H Appliance
Crown Press
Buttweiler Environmental
Custom Catering by Short Stop
First Fuel Bank
MN Computer Systems
Nelson’s Sanitation & Rental
St Cloud Sprinkler Company