OPPORTUNITY NETWORKS INC
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Mission Statement
Opportunity Networks is a non-profit organization serving adult residents living with acquired and developmental disabilities from Amherst and Greater Nashua/Souhegan Valley area. This past year, we provided employment and day programming for 149 individuals in 21 towns. We aim to create partnerships that are beneficial to both the individual and the community. We hope to bring out the strengths and best qualities of each person so that they can be involved in their community in a meaningful way.
About This Cause
Our Program. Opportunity Networks offers day programming and employment services to adults with disabilities. We currently have facilities in Amherst and Nashua, NH. One focus of our day program is creating activities for small groups in community settings which enhance life skills and provide new experiences. A sampling of the activities include: cooking, photography, news crew, wood working, yoga, dance, gardening, book club, textile arts, musical creations, drumming, bowling, swimming and basketball. Our program has a strong emphasis on health and wellness. Offerings are varied and constantly changing in order to expose individuals to new experiences that promote the development of social skills, following directions, and their general health and well-being. Our staff members and Health and Wellness coordinators work together to assess the individual’s interests and achievements in order to build challenging programs resulting in a sense of accomplishment. Our weekly schedule includes time at the YMCA in Merrimack and Nashua, the Nashua Sports Academy in Nashua and the Dance Company in Amherst. Supported employment involves all aspects that Opportunity Networks strives for: social connection, participating in the community, being productive, making a contribution, and establishing autonomy. Our Job Development team uses a person-centered approach to job development. Our team gets to know each individual to determine interests, goals, and strengths, along with creating any possible accommodations that may be required to make the individual successful. We identify interests and match those interests with a skill set that translates into the workforce. We encourage participants to be active members in their community. Many volunteer at SHARE, The Elm's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, the Tolle Street Mission, the Nashua Humane Society, Meals on Wheels, The Huntington at Nashua and the Boys & Girls Clubs in Milford and Nashua. One out of sixty-eight children in the United States have been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Individuals with a diagnosis of ASD have a unique and complex constellation of needs. Autism is a spectrum disorder, and the full range of its functional abilities and limitations must be considered when planning services and support for all individuals. The needs of the individuals with a diagnosis of ASD and their family are quite different when compared to the needs of other individuals that we provide service. Many individuals with a diagnosis of Autism need support in acquiring age-appropriate social skills, a reduction of maladaptive behaviors, and an increase of communication in participating within their communities. At Opportunity Networks, we feel responsible for establishing an infrastructure within our organization necessary to offer the highest quality of support and programming to individuals living with Autism and their families. Great care is taken when creating a program for an individual and we work closely with high schools l as we continue to develop best practices and services for students transitioning from high school to adult services. We expect to support additional students in the near future, as the trends indicate the number of individual with Autism will continue to rise. Working with a Speech and Language Pathologist certified in Clinical Competence from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA), we run social groups and individual consultations for individuals and families to assist in the acquisition of communication skills. Using a variety of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, individuals in our speech and language groups have the ability to apply what they are learning in community settings. In the area of our Vocational Rehabilitation (V.R.) employment services, the focus is to find employment opportunities and help develop and implement functional skills. This will lead to increased independence and natural supports for our participants. Our V.R. managers assist in preparing individuals to find jobs that match their skill level and abilities, while also offering an avenue to develop new skills. Our V.R. managers also continue to offer support once an individual has a job to help make the individual successful. As with most people, jobs are important and help define who they are as a person. The core of our program is to provide supervision, guidance and meaningful daily activities to adults with disabilities. The majority of our annual budget goes to employing qualified personnel, maintaining our facilities, transportation, insurance, and other items required by state regulations governing the health, safety and welfare of the population we serve. Our primary funding comes through a combination of state and federal Medicaid dollars. While we pride ourselves on being frugal with our available resources, we must also seek additional funding from local municipalities such as the towns of Amherst, Derry, Hollis, Merrimack, Milford and Nashua, and private grants. Opportunity Networks also sponsors annual fundraising events on our own. This funding allows us to enhancement of our client-based programs and to get our name out into the community. This year we will be hosting our 27Th Annual Souhegan Valley Golf Classic charity auction and dinner at the Amherst Country Club and our 23rd Annual $10,000 Raffle Extravaganza at the River Casino in Milford. Individuals living with disabilities face many challenges in life including labels, stigmatism and devaluation. By offering opportunities to connect with their communities and peers, we hope to add fulfillment to their lives. We are seeking funds that will allow us to continue developing and supporting programs for individuals and the families were serve. Throughout the history of Opportunity Networks, we have depended on the generous support of the communities we serve. Your support will help us acquire the extra tools and benefits we need to allow each individual to reach their fullest potential. Thank you for your consideration.