Ten for One Membership Campaign...You can Provide for a Bright Future!

The 2010 Membership Campaign needs you!  Consider becoming a member, so that our voices on issues concerning people with developmental disabilities are heard loud and strong in Albany and Washington, D.C.  Membership also supports programs and services offered by Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara.   Best of all, joining is simple!   Employees, family and community members can join for as little as $25 a year, and receive free admission to the 2010 Annual Membership Meeting on June 30th.

My name is Mike Shaw and I am President of the Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Foundation Board.  Let me introduce you to Evelyn Lutter, our “most senior” senior citizen. 

l At age 90, Evelyn is almost “one in a million.”  When she celebrated this milestone birthday in January she became one of just two individuals with developmental disabilities in Niagara County of that age.  A “model for growing old gracefully,” according to one agency employee, Evelyn enjoyed being the center of attention at a surprise birthday party.  Even the local newspapers took notice!

l On weekdays, Evelyn joins other individuals with developmental disabilities at the Opportunities Unlimited Day Services facility, where she participates in the Senior Suites day habilitation activities.  On Tuesdays and Thursdays, this means cooking class, but other days can include arts and crafts, card-playing, singing and exercise.  “Evelyn is a sweetheart.  She is so energetic and she loves to do things for herself,” said one employee.  

These continue to be challenging times for organizations like Opportunities Unlimited that depend on state and federal tax dollars to provide individuals with disabilities the resources to live independent and meaningful lives.   Imagine what life would be like for Evelyn and her friends without these quality opportunities to experience life to the fullest of their abilities.

Please consider becoming a member today to support the great accomplishments that occur everyday across the agency and so that individuals like Evelyn can count on Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara well into the future.  Click here to read Evelyn’s entire story and fill out the membership form.  NYSARC's goal this year is to recruit ten members for each of the more than 50,000 individuals with developmental disabilities served by Opportunities and our sister agencies combined.   After you join, encourage your family members and friends to join as well!

More good news—your membership provides benefits, including a $5 coupon good toward a $25 purchase at the Niagara Floral Center and Greenhouse.  Of special note for those who join at the Opportunities for Choice level, you will receive one complimentary admission to the agency’s May 21 Awards Dinner & Gala.

Membership is available to individuals 18 years of age and older, and we welcome family members, community friends and leaders, agency employees and consumers as members.

Successes occur every day at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara – join as a member now to help us grow opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities!