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For more than 50 years, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara has been providing
rehabilitation and supportive services to people with intellectual and other developmental
disabilities and their families throughout Niagara County.
Started in June 1955, due to the efforts of a group of parents who wanted to obtain
services for their children who were mentally retarded, the Niagara County Chapter of the
Association for Retarded Children, (known today as Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara) was
incorporated as a chapter of the New York State Association for Retarded Children (known
today as NYSARC, Inc.).
The agency originally operated school programs in Niagara Falls, Lockport and North
Tonawanda. These programs provided learning and support to children with mental
retardation and developmental disabilities, basic needs that they had previously been
denied.
The agency's first sheltered workshop opened in the 1960's, followed by its first
community residence in the 1970's. In 1990, the agency's name was changed to
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara to reflect the organizational philosophy of building
opportunities for people with disabilities and ensuring that they be able to reach their
maximum potential and independence through integration into the community.
The provision of new choices in vocational programs spurred a period of growth
throughout the 1990's. Opportunities Unlimited was aggressive and sought ways to
offer innovative programs and services for consumers which focused on the 3 IP's of
Inclusion, Independence, Individualization and Productivity.
August 1998, marked the start to a new era of growth for agencies serving the disabled
throughout New York State with then Governor George Pataki's announcement of a five-year
plan aimed at eliminating the waiting list for persons needing out-of-home residential
care. The program, named New York State
CARES, plans to assist Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara with continuing its
commitment toward integration of people with disabilities and offering them an opportunity
for community living.
Today, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara annually assists more than 800 people to
reach goals and lead more independent lives. Services include on-site vocational
training; community-based job placement and employment support; school to work transition
planning; day programming; clinical services; transportation; residential choices;
supportive services such as recreation, self-advocacy and exceptional parenting programs;
and service coordination to ensure that each person receives as much support as needed to
become as independent as possible.
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara is now the largest not-for-profit agency in Niagara County, touching the lives of numerous individuals and their family members. As the agency continues to grow and offer new opportunities for people with disabilities, the vision created by the pioneering parents who tirelessly worked to ensure the best for their children, still exists today.
Was one of your resolutions for 2008 to become more active and informed about the community? If it was, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara is just the place you were looking for.
For more than 50 years, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, a United Way agency, has been providing individuals of all ages with intellectual and other developmental disabilities the skills necessary to achieve independence in their daily lives and enjoy community-based recreation, residential, employment and volunteer opportunities.
The agency depends a great deal on the support of volunteers and interns from the community to enhance the programs and services provided year-round across Niagara County. I invite you to consider one of the many volunteer opportunities available – the rewards are immeasurable.
We also offer a Speaker’s Bureau to the public in
an effort to share the expertise and experience in working with people with developmental
disabilities of our employees.
Board of Directors and Committees
Volunteer positions are available on the agency board of directors, which meets monthly and provides oversight, guidance and financial direction to the agency. Board members will serve a three-year term beginning in June 2008.
All candidates for the Board must:
Be current members of the organization and maintain their membership support
Have expressed a willingness to assume a leadership role in the organization
Become an active volunteer by attending Board meetings, committee assignments and fund-raising events
Be willing to ask for contributions and support of the
agency and Foundation.
Standing committee positions are also available and focus on personnel, finance, guardianship, nominating and the various programs offered to people with disabilities.
If you are interested, or wish to nominate someone, complete the Board of Director Application or the Committee Application available here. Please consider offering your time and talents and return your completed application by the Friday, February 22, 2008 deadline.
Volunteer & Intern Opportunities
We also offer a wide variety of other volunteer
opportunities to meet your interests and needs:
direct work with individuals with developmental disabilities
recreational activities
clerical/office work
fundraising and community events
intern opportunities in specialized areas, i.e., physical/occupational therapy, speech/language pathology, public relations as well as one-time events.
For the potential volunteer/intern, we offer:
on-going volunteer opportunities as well as one-time events
flexible hours & schedules
complete training & orientation
locations throughout Niagara County
To view and/or print
the volunteer application...click here
Advocacy Program
Opportunities Unlimited
of Niagara is also recruiting caring individuals who are interested in becoming advocates
and enhancing the lives of people with developmental disabilities. An advocate provides
advice to help individuals with disabilities to make important, everyday decisions that
improve the quality of their lives. The agency will conduct thorough training so
every advocate becomes an educated and informed supporter to promote independence,
inclusion and productivity for individuals with disabilities.
Volunteers should be
patient, supportive and good listeners. Parents, family members and friends of individuals
with developmental disabilities, as well as staff members from other human service
agencies, are encouraged to consider an advocacy role.
Therese Mudd,
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara’s chair of the Advocacy Consultant Group, says,
“it is helpful for volunteers to have an understanding of disability issues and
concerns, but anyone with a desire to help is welcome.” This program stems from
federal regulations and state policies, which specify that advocates must be appointed to
represent individuals who have no other person in their life to assist them in attaining
their rights.
For more
information about the advocacy program please call Sally at (716) 297-6400 or complete the
volunteer application.
Speakers'
Bureau
Our employees possess a
wealth of knowledge, expertise and experience in working with people with developmental
disabilities and educating the community. We would appreciate the opportunity to
come to your business, organization, service club, church or school, to share information
on a topic of your choice.
Our presentations can
be formal, informal or round-table discussions and can accommodate small to large size
groups. Programs are offered free of charge to any organization in need of a
speaker, but a donation to the Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Foundation, Inc. is
appreciated.
To receive a Speakers' Bureau directory or for more information, call Roxane Albond-Buchner, Manger of Communications at 297-6400 or ralbondb@buffnet.net.
Connie S. Brown
Executive Director
“Working Together for a Strong Future”
As President of the Board of Directors of Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, I would like to introduce myself to you. Since my children were very small, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara has answered the needs of my sons and my family with progressive programs and services. David and Darrell, now grown men, have a secure place to be educated, work, reside and make friends.
Since 1967, I have worked in the construction business and served various terms on the
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara board of directors, standing committees and special
projects. I appreciate that people must carefully select how they are going to spend
their resources of finances and time. That said, I would offer you no better
organization than Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara in which to invest.
I want to acknowledge and welcome volunteers who have stepped forward to serve on agency and foundation boards and committees. They hail form a wide range of backgrounds and will bring valuable experiences and expertise to the table as they come together to create policies to govern how we, as a human service agency, function and to establish fund raising programs that will enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities today and in the years to come.
New directors elected to three-year terms on the agency board are: Peter Greisler, retired, Bissell Healthcare Corp.; James Kwasniak, Seneca Gaming Corporation, and Melissa Tower, Wilson Central School.
New Foundation board members are: Kyle Andrews, Harris Beach PLLC; Betsy Higgins,
Niagara Hospice; Jeffrey Mattiuzzo, Eastern Copy Products, and Victoria Polka, retired,
Niagara Falls School District.
To the following friends, please accept my gratitude for your dedication and service to
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara. Completing their service on the board of
directors are: Mario Gabrielli, Gary Pogorzelski, and Sandra Scheib. Retiring from
the Foundation board of directors are: Joseph J. Cecconi, Sr; Amy Freiermuth; James Jaroz,
and Milton L. Rogers. We look forward to seeing you at future functions.
I extend an invitation to all supporters of Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara to expand your participation with the agency at any time. We can always use the new perspectives of area business people, parents and especially, siblings of our consumers! Opportunities include: becoming a member; serving on a committee or board (apply any time); attending a special event; and/or sponsoring one of the Foundation’s fundraisers, such as the Charity Gift Wrap Booth in the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA. Gather a couple of your friends or family and call Kristen Cook, manager of special events, at 297-6400 to reserve an opportune shift and make it a holiday tradition!
Important Tools for you Business - A position was created at the agency to enhance the
consumer pre-vocational program. Tom Homme was recently hired to contact area
businesses and educate them about the assembly, packaging and inspection services we offer
in Niagara Falls and Lockport. Our consumers have a great reputation in the business
community for quality work and on-time delivery. Please call Tom at (716)
957-7027 if your business would be interested in a tour and/or a quote on a project; or if
you can help open the door to other businesses. Please join me in welcoming
Tom to the agency.
Businesses can also partner with the agency by providing individuals with developmental
disabilities the opportunity to work in the community with an agency job coach through
careers that include food service, housekeeping, secretarial, customer service and
custodial maintenance. Please call Maryann Underhill or Pervis Spencer at (716)
297-6400 for more information on how we can provide qualified applicants to help your
business.
In closing, I want to wish everyone a very healthy and happy holiday season and best wishes for a wonderful New Year. I would be remiss however if I did not ask you to consider making a gift before year end to Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, the organization that continues to give so much to people with developmental disabilities in Niagara County, including my two sons. Contributions may be sent to the Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Foundation, LPO Box 360, Niagara Falls, NY 14304-0360. Thank you in advance!
Please call me anytime to discuss your interest in the agency at 297-3600 (work) or in
the evening
297-0682 (home).
2007-2008
Board of Directors
OFFICERS
President: Donald H. Smith, Smith Brothers Construction Co.
First Vice President: Therese M. Mudd
Second Vice President: Steve Bertini, Wegmans
Treasurer: James Woodruff, Christ the King Church
Recording Secretary: Amy Freiermuth, BeauDesigns, Graphic Design & Printing
Corresponding Secretary: Marie-Therese Frieri
DIRECTORS
Peter Greisler, retired, Bissell Healthcare Corp.
Betsy Higgins, Niagara Hospice, Inc.
Jim Kwasniak, Seneca Gaming Corporation
Steve LaRock, retired, Barker Central School District
Paul Masters
Dorothy Repetski
Melissa Tower, Wilson Central School
Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara receives funding from various sources, such as:
location menu, legend: N = Niagara Falls/Western Region, L = Lockport/Eastern Region, and W = Wheatfield
1555 Factory Outlet Blvd.
(Formerly 3rd Avenue)
LPO Box 360
Niagara Falls, NY 14304-0360
(716)297-6400/FAX (716)297-7522
1555 Factory Outlet Blvd.
(Formerly 3rd Avenue)
LPO Box 360
Niagara Falls, NY 14304-0360
(716)297-6400/FAX (716)297-0931
2393 Niagara Falls Blvd.
LPO Box 360
Niagara Falls, NY 14304-0360
(716)504-2625/FAX (716)504-2623
Medicaid Service Coordination FAX (716) 504-2632
107 Heath
Lockport, NY 14094
(716)434-4050/FAX (716)434-4640
Subcontracting FAX (716)434-3932
2510 Niagara Falls Blvd.
2510 Niagara Falls
Blvd.
LPO Box 360
Niagara Falls, NY 14304-0360
(716)504-2617/FAX (716)215-0339
Central
Intake/Admissions/Service Coordination FAX (716)504-2632
Quality
Assurance FAX (716)504-2622
located
in Wheatfield, 1/2 mile west of Witmer Rd.
2393 Niagara Falls Blvd.
LPO Box 360
Niagara Falls, NY 14304-0360
(716)504-2625/FAX(716)504-2624
2393 Niagara Falls Blvd.
LPO Box 360
Niagara Falls, NY 14304-0360
(716)504-2625 xt 203/FAX 504-2623
1555 Factory Outlet Blvd.
(Formerly 3rd Avenue)
LPO Box 360
Niagara Falls, NY 14304-0360
(716)297-6400/FAX (716)297-7522
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CopyrightŪ Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara 1999
Last modified Monday, April 12, 1999