Opportunity Enterprises

04/16/2026

Every day at Opportunity Enterprises, we see the talent, determination, and pride our clients bring to their work. They show up ready to contribute, eager to learn, and committed to doing their best, yet too often, their abilities are overlooked.

In a recent column for Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly , our President & CEO, Neil Samahon, shares why individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are one of the most overlooked, and valuable, talent pools in today’s workforce. These are not just statistics or labor solutions; they are people with skills, goals, and so much to offer when given the opportunity.

We invite you to read the article and hear why inclusive employment matters to our clients, to businesses, and to our community:

https://nwindianabusiness.com/opinion/viewpoint/overlooked-talent-pool-opportunity-enterprises/77488/

Together, let’s see talent for what it truly is and create workplaces where everyone belongs.❤

Neil Samahon, CEO of Opportunity Enterprises, says companies should consider hiring Individuals with an IDD because they often make the best workers.

04/15/2026

What a magical day at Career Connections! ✨🎶

We were thrilled to welcome the Heart Strings Ensemble to OE recently for a special visit filled with music, smiles, and heart 💙. This talented group of students from Munster High School treated everyone to crowd favorites like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “Stand by Me,” and “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You.” 🎻

The room was buzzing with joy, toe-tapping, and sing-alongs, and it’s safe to say a wonderful time was had by all! Thank you, Heart Strings Ensemble, for sharing your talent and brightening our day with such beautiful music. We hope to see you again soon! 🎶

04/14/2026

A HUGE shoutout and heartfelt THANK YOU! ✨🚐
Because of the incredible generosity of the John and Ann Barney Family Foundation, Opportunity Enterprises is proud to welcome a new accessible van equipped with a wheelchair lift! This amazing gift is more than transportation, it’s a gateway to greater independence, inclusion, and opportunity. 💙

With this van, the people we serve can more easily connect with the community, access meaningful activities, events, and experiences that support independence and connection.

We are deeply grateful to the Barney Family Foundation for their continued generosity and commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities. Thank YOU!❤

04/13/2026

Aktion Club 2026 Kick-Off! 🎉

Opportunity Enterprises’ Kiwanis Aktion Club is off to an amazing start for 2026! Aktion Club is a welcoming social group for adults with disabilities who want to make a meaningful difference in our community through service, leadership, and connection.

Our members proudly came together to vote and elect this year’s officers, building leadership skills, encouraging teamwork, and strengthening friendships along the way. We are excited to announce our 2026 Aktion Club Officers:

🌟 President: David Ybarra
🌟 Vice President: Christian Paul
🌟 Treasurer: Paul Harris

We also want to give a heartfelt thank you and congratulations to Marcia Baldwin and Justin Rios for their outstanding leadership and dedication last year as President and Treasurer.

Here’s to a year of service, growth, collaboration, and making a difference TOGETHER. 💙

04/12/2026

We loved welcoming some very special visitors to Opportunity Enterprises! 🌟

A huge THANK YOU to All Abilities Cub Scout Pack 913 for touring Secure Shred and Do Goodies! It was an absolute joy to have your scouts visit, ask great questions, and see our work in action. From shredding services to sweet treats, their excitement and curiosity made the day extra special.

We’re so grateful you took the time to learn about what we do and how our programs create meaningful employment and opportunities for people with disabilities. Knowing the kids loved the experience truly means the world to us!

Thank you, for spending the day with OE—we can’t wait to welcome you back again! 💙

04/11/2026

World Autism Month is a reminder to do more than recognize differences, it’s a call to listen, learn, and act. ✨

At Opportunity Enterprises, we believe inclusion grows when people are supported as they are, not asked to fit a mold. Individuals on the autism spectrum bring talents that strengthen workplaces, families, and communities when given the opportunity to succeed.

This month, we’re encouraging conversations that lead to understanding—and actions that lead to inclusion.💜

Learn more about World Autism Month and how you can be part of the movement

04/10/2026

Leadership Spotlight at Opportunity Enterprises 🎉

We’re proud to share that two OE leaders have been selected for the INARF Leadership Academy – Class of 2026!

👏 Melinda Mote, Quality Assurance Director
👏 Cassandra Dunn, Safety & Facilities Director

They are among just 30 professionals statewide chosen for this competitive program, which develops future leaders within Indiana’s intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) service system.

“Melinda and Cassandra are exceptional leaders who bring both expertise and heart to their work every day,” said Neil Samahon, OE President & CEO. “Their selection to the INARF Leadership Academy speaks to their talent and commitment to the people we serve. I am incredibly proud of them and proud of our entire OE team for continuing to grow as leaders in our industry.”

With Melinda and Cassandra’s selection, six Opportunity Enterprises team members have now been named to the INARF Leadership Academy—underscoring our commitment to leadership development and high‑quality services.

Congratulations, Melinda and Cassandra! 🌟❤

04/09/2026

A Huge Thank You to Strack & Van Til!

We are incredibly grateful to Strack & Van Til for joining us as a 2026 Strategic Partner! Their generosity and continued commitment to our mission help create meaningful opportunities for individuals of all abilities in our community.

Partnerships like this make a lasting impact and we’re honored to have their support as we move into another exciting year at Opportunity Enterprises.
Thank you, Strack & Van Til, for helping make our work possible!

04/07/2026

An evening that makes a difference ✨

Each year Opportunity Enterprises' Annual Gala brings our community together to celebrate all abilities, inclusion, and the meaningful work happening every day at OE. Proceeds from this special night support programs and services that empower individuals to thrive, grow, and reach their goals.

Hosted by Delta Theta Tau and Presented Centier Bank, Gala is a chance for you to enjoy a beautiful evening while helping to create opportunity.

Tickets are available now, and we’d love to celebrate with you.
Can’t join us in person? You can still support OE’s mission with a donation and be part of the impact that makes this work possible.

For Gala tickets or to make a donation visit:
www.OEGala.com


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04/07/2026

Thank you Qubit Cares!

We’re incredibly grateful for Qubit Cares’ generous donation and their commitment to strengthening the OE community. Your support helps us continue the work that matters most and makes a real impact for those we serve.

We truly appreciate your belief in our mission. ❤

04/06/2026

Recently our OE clients had a blast hunting for eggs, and the smiles say it all! Huge thanks to NiSource’s All Abilities Employee Resource Group who helped prep the eggs and jumped in during the hunt to make the day extra special.

From colorful eggs to even brighter moments, this was a spring celebration to remember!🌷

04/05/2026

This weekend, many are celebrating Easter, a season of renewal and hope.

At Opportunity Enterprises, we honor the diverse traditions in our community. Whether you’re celebrating or simply enjoying the season, we wish you peace, joy, and connection today.🌷