What's New at Opportunities

News 4 WakeUp host Victoria Hong recently visited the pre-vocational workshop at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara's Niagara Falls facility. The segment aired on Friday, May 2, as the "Inspiration Friday" segment.

View the segment by clicking here

April

April 15, 2008
Roxane Albond-Buchner
(716) 297-6400 ext. 232 (W)
ralbondb@buffnet.net

NIAGARA FLORAL CENTER AND GREENHOUSE AT OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED OF NIAGARA HOLDS MOTHER’S DAY FLORAL SALE

The Niagara Floral Center and Greenhouse at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara is accepting Mother’s Day floral sale orders through Wednesday, April 30 featuring wrapped bouquets, violets, flowers arranged in baskets and tropical house plants in baskets ranging from $12.99 to $30. New for 2008 is a window box with mixed annuals and patio tomato planter set for $40 to be picked up later in the month (May 22/23). People with developmental disabilities who participate in the agency’s horticulture therapy program create all items.

Mother’s Day orders may be placed in person at the Niagara Floral Center and Greenhouse located at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara’s 2510 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Wheatfield site from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by phone at 504-2617 ext. 244. Pick-up locations are at the greenhouse from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, May 9 and from 8 a.m. - Noon Saturday, May 10 or at the agency’s 107 Heath Street site, Lockport from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, May 9. To download an order form, click here.

Proceeds from all sales benefit the Niagara Floral Center and Greenhouse, which offers training and horticulture therapy to 150 individuals with developmental disabilities each week. These individuals nurture the plants and create the arrangements for sale.

For more than 50 years, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara has been providing training, employment, service coordination, recreation, school to work transition, residential, health related and support services to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, from newborn to seniors, and their families.

The mission of Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, a United Way agency, is to ensure that individuals from Niagara County who are mentally retarded or intellectually, physically or functionally limited have the opportunity to reach their maximum potential, independence and integration into the community.

April 14, 2008
Tricia Furnari
(716) 297-6400 X229 (w), tfurnari@buffnet.net

COMMUNITY ART WORKSHOPS SEEK PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

The Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Foundation is hosting art workshops during April, May and June, led by professional artists, with limited openings for community participation. These workshops are made possible, in part, with funds from the Arts Niagara Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by the Tonawandas’ Council on the Arts/Carnegie Art Center. Additional funds were provided by Target, as part of their ongoing support provided to local communities throughout the country.

All workshops are open to the public and a nominal fee may be charged for supplies. Community participants must pre-register by contacting Cindy Hyde at 297-6400, ext. 235.

During the 90-minute workshops, local artists will teach basic skills in various media including painting, photography, jewelry making, cartooning and drawing to people with developmental disabilities served by Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara and interested community members. Two workshops will be held at the Dale Association in Lockport and three workshops will be held at the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center (NACC).

These art education workshops are designed to develop the artistic abilities within people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, while promoting community integration through the inclusion of the participants and volunteers from the public at each session.

The workshops, to be held at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara sites, the Dale Association and the NACC, are scheduled as follows:

Friday, April 18, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Instructor: Brea Roberts, Media: Pottery, Location: The Dale Association, 33 Ontario Street, Lockport
Tuesday, April 22, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Instructor: Florence Hengst, Media: Acrylic Painting, Location: 1555 Factory Outlet Blvd., Niagara Falls
Tuesday, April 22, 1 – 2:30 p.m., Instructor: Florence Hengst, Media: Acrylic Painting, Location: 2510 Niagara Falls Blvd., Wheatfield
Tuesday, April 23, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Instructor: Florence Hengst, Media: Acrylic Painting, Location: 107 Heath Street, Lockport
Tuesday, April 29, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Instructor: Gretchen Doty, Media: Jewelry-making, Location: 2510 Niagara Falls Blvd., Wheatfield
Tuesday, April 29, 1 – 2:30 p.m., Instructor: Gretchen Doty, Media: Jewelry-making, Location: 1555 Factory Outlet Blvd., Niagara Falls
Wednesday, April 30, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Instructor: Brea Roberts, Media: Pottery, Location: The Dale Association, 33 Ontario Street, Lockport
Tuesday, May 6, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Instructor: Mae Theodorakos, Media: Photography, Location: 1555 Factory Outlet Blvd., Niagara Falls
Tuesday, May 6, 1 – 2:30 p.m., Instructor: Ellen Merrill, Media: Art of Glazing, Location: 1555 Factory Outlet Blvd., Niagara Falls
Wednesday, May 7, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Instructor: Katy Reese, Media: Beadmaking, Location: NACC, 1201 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls
Tuesday, May 13, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Instructor: Mae Theodorakos, Media: Photography, Location: 2510 Niagara Falls Blvd., Wheatfield
Tuesday, May 13, 1 – 2:30 p.m., Instructor: Ellen Merrill, Media: Art of Glazing, Location: 2510 Niagara Falls Blvd., Wheatfield
Wednesday, May 21, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Instructor: Clayton Richards, Media: Pastels, Location: 107 Heath Street, Lockport
Friday, May 23, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Instructor: Mae Theodorakos, Media: Photography, Location: 107 Heath Street, Lockport
Wednesday, May 28, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Instructor: Katy Reese, Media: Multimedia Sculpture, Location: NACC, 1201 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls
Friday, May 30, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Instructor: Gus Posey, Media: Cartooning, Location: 107 Heath Street, Lockport
Wednesday, June 4, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Instructor: Katy Reese, Media: Copper Ceramic Jewelry, Location: NACC, 1201 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls

For more than 50 years, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara has been providing training, employment, residential, recreation, health-related and support services to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, from newborn to seniors, and their families. The mission of the Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Foundation is to provide a long-term source of financial support that ensures people with developmental disabilities have opportunities toward independence and integration within the community. For more information, visit www.opportunitiesunlimited.org.

Watch Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara on Channel 13

Tune in to a new show on Time Warner Channel 13 and learn about upcoming fundraising events, supportive services programs and floral sales at the Niagara Floral Center and Greenhouse.

Hosted by Lori Caso the format of “All that Matters” focuses on community groups and events. Two upcoming shows will feature Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara:

April 14 & 15 @ 3 pm the show will feature Roxane Albond-Buchner, Manager of Communications; Annual Golf Raffle; Essay Contest for Middle and Senior High School Students; Spring sales from the Niagara Floral Center & Greenhouse at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara and a recipe from the agency anniversary cookbook.
May 5 & 6 @ 3 pm the show will feature Roxane Albond-Buchner, Manager of Communications; Supportive Services program (Recreation and Exceptional Parenting), and a recipe from the agency anniversary cookbook.

Please tell your friends to watch the shows! The cookbook featured is available for $10 at the Niagara Falls agency location, 1555 Factory Outlet Blvd., Niagara Falls, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

April 4, 2008
Kristen Cook
297-6400 (W)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9th Annual GOLF RAFFLE TO BENEFIT INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

The Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Foundation is hosting the 9th Annual Golf Raffle on Sunday, April 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Sanborn Fire Hall, 5811 Buffalo Street in Sanborn, announced honorary chair Joseph Cecconi, Sr. The event offers golf enthusiasts the chance to win more than $20,000 in men’s and women’s golf related equipment and trips. Proceeds will benefit programs and services provided by Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara to individuals with developmental disabilities in Niagara County.

Admission includes a chance to win the main door prize featuring air travel for four on Southwest Airlines, ground transportation to Palm Desert, four nights suite lodging at Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Resort, two half-day lessons at Nick Faldo’s Golf Institute and two rounds of golf on the resort’s course, valued at more than $8,000 for the dates of June 13 to 17, 2008. The trip is valued at more than $8,000. All attendees are required to purchase an admission ticket that must be present at the event.

Tickets are available for $40 and include admission, dinner and soft drinks, plus a chance to win the grand prize and one of 10 major prizes some of which include Callaway X-20 Irons steel shaft, Bridgestone Golf – full set of clubs and golf bag, Ladies Topflite – full set of clubs and golf bag, Taylor Made Burner driver and Adams Golf – full set of clubs and golf bag. Both men’s and women’s prizes are featured along with left-handed clubs.

The evening also includes a cash bar, more than 80 additional side raffle prizes as well as a 50/50 drawing.

There are only 500 admission tickets available and they may be purchased in advance from the Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Foundation by calling (716) 297-6400, ext. 282. Tickets will also be available on a first come first serve basis at the door.

The mission of the Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Foundation is to provide a long-term source of financial support that ensures people with developmental disabilities have opportunities toward independence and integration within the community.

REWARDING CAREERS START HERE -- OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED OF NIAGARA TO HOLD OPEN INTERVIEWS
On April 7, 8 & 11 Across Niagara County

Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara will hold open interviews to educate potential employees about available job opportunities working with individuals with developmental disabilities at locations throughout Niagara County. The agency offers an opportunity for rewarding work, flexible hours and schedules, competitive salaries, room for advancement and growth, as well as benefits for full and part-time employees.

Interviews will be held at three agency sites. In Lockport, interviews will be held at 107 Heath Street, off of route 31, on Monday, April 7 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. In Wheatfield, the interviews will be held at 2510 Niagara Falls Blvd., between Witmer and Sy Roads on Tuesday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. In Niagara Falls, the interviews will be held at 1555 Factory Outlet Blvd., between Niagara Falls Blvd. and Military Road, on Friday, April 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Employees will be available to answer questions and conduct on-site interviews. Applicants are encouraged to bring a resume and a completed job application that is available here.

Positions are ideal for caring people looking to make a difference in the lives of others, current college students majoring in human services, those interested in a health related field and retirees. Shifts are available 24-hours a day. Internships for college students and part-time positions are also available.

Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara is an equal opportunity employer/affirmative action agency with more than 500 employees working in communities throughout Niagara County including Niagara Falls, Wheatfield, Lockport, North Tonawanda and Ransomville. The direct care workforce is represented by the New York State United Teachers Union, ARCEU Local #4265.

For more information about the open interview day or job opportunities within the agency, contact the recruiter at 504-2625 ext. 203, or click here to review the most up to date job listings and obtain an application.

For more than 50 years, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara has been providing training, employment, service coordination, residential, recreation, health related and support services to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, from newborn to seniors, and their families. The mission of Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, a United Way agency, is to ensure that individuals from Niagara County who are mentally retarded or intellectually, physically or functionally limited have the opportunity to reach their maximum potential, independence and integration into the community.

February 15, 2008
Roxane Albond-Buchner, Manager of Communications
(716) 297-6400 X232 ralbondb@buffnet.net

NIAGARA FLORAL CENTER AND GREENHOUSE AT OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED OF NIAGARA HOLDS EASTER FLORAL SALE

The Niagara Floral Center and Greenhouse at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara is accepting Easter floral sale orders through Monday, March 3 featuring traditional Easter favorites of lilies and mums as well as fresh flowers and planters created by people with developmental disabilities who participate in the agency’s horticulture therapy program. Prices range from $10.99 to $30, with discounts on large orders.

Easter orders may be placed in person at the Niagara Floral Center and Greenhouse located at 2510 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Wheatfield from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, by phone at 504-2617 ext. 244 or by mailing the order form found here. Pick-up locations are at the greenhouse from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, March 14 and from 8 a.m. to Noon Saturday, March 15, or at the agency’s 107 Heath Street site, Lockport from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, March 14.

Proceeds from all sales benefit the Niagara Floral Center and Greenhouse, which offers training and horticulture therapy to people with developmental disabilities. These individuals nurture the plants and create the arrangements for sale.

For more than 50 years, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara has been providing training, employment, residential, recreation, service coordination, health related and support services to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, from newborn to seniors, and their families. The mission of Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, a United Way agency, is to ensure that individuals from Niagara County who are mentally retarded or intellectually, physically or functionally limited have the opportunity to reach their maximum potential, independence and integration into the community.

Contact: Kristen Cook
(w) 297-6400 x 282

2008 DAILY DRAWING CALENDAR FEATURES 365 CHANCES TO WIN OVER $20,000 IN PRIZES

The Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Foundation has 2008 Daily Drawing calendars available for $25 each. There are 365 chances to win more than $20,000 in prizes while supporting people with developmental disabilities in Niagara County.

The calendar kicks off on March 1st with $250 prizes awarded on days that coincide with Foundation special activities and fundraisers. Prizes of $50 will be awarded the other 353 days of year.

Winners are determined by matching a randomly drawn number to the four-digit ticket number. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Foundation at 297-6400, ext. 282 or by visiting www.opportunitiesunlimited.org.

Watch Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara on Channel 13

Tune in to a new show on Time Warner Channel 13 and learn about upcoming fundraising events.

Hosted by Lori Caso the format of “All that Matters” focuses on community groups and events. Uupcoming shows will feature Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara:

March 3 & 4 @ 3 pm the show will feature Kristen Cook, Manager of Events; the upcoming Basket O'Plenty Auction; and a recipe from the agency anniversary cookbook.

For more than 50 years, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara has been providing training, employment, residential, recreation, service coordination, health-related and support services to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, from newborn to seniors, and their families. The mission of Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, a United Way agency, is to ensure that individuals from Niagara County who are mentally retarded or intellectually, physically or functionally limited have the opportunity to reach their maximum potential, independence and integration into the community.

February 8, 2008
Roxane Albond-Buchner, manager of communications
(716) 297-6400 ext. 232 (W) ralbondb@buffnet.net

OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED OF NIAGARA ANNOUNCES Essay Contest for Niagara County Students In grades six through 12 Sponsored by Niagara county’S credit union

Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara is conducting an essay contest for Niagara County students in grades six through 12, titled “A Hero Is. . .”

Entrants are asked to write an essay of 150-200 words about one of the following: a person with a developmental disability who may or may not be well known, but is/was an important part of New York State or local history or a person who is/was an advocate for the advancement of individuals with developmental disabilities in New York State.

In developing the essay, the agency’s website is an effective resource and includes links to government agencies and others affiliated with the developmental disabilities field. Limit essay to 1 person and explain why chosen, when and where did person live, what motivated them and obstacles faced/overcome; include bibliography.

Essays are due by May 5, 2008, to Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, Attn: Essay Contest, 1555 Factory Outlet Blvd., LPO Box 360, Niagara Falls, NY 14304-0360 and should include student’s name, school, grade level, principal’s name, student’s home address and telephone number.

There will be first and second place winners for both the middle school and senior high school levels. All winners will receive savings bonds courtesy of Niagara County’s Credit Union.

A developmental disability is a mental, physical or emotional condition that affects the normal development of an individual. Those conditions include: autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, mental retardation and neurological impairments. People with developmental disabilities have varying needs and abilities. While people who have developmental disabilities face more challenges than most, given the proper support and opportunities, they can enjoy full, active lives and be important members of their communities.

January 22, 2008
Kristen Cook
(w) 297-6400

8th ANNUAL SUPER BOWL BINGO FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT THE OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED OF NIAGARA FOUNDATION

The Elks Lodge #41, located at 6791 North Canal Road, is sponsoring the 8th Annual Super Bowl Bingo Event with all proceeds benefiting individuals with developmental disabilities in Niagara County served by Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara. The event takes place on Super Bowl Sunday, February 3, 2008 at 1 p.m. Doors will open at 11:00 a.m. Seating is limited so attendees are encouraged to arrive early.

The event is open to the public and will feature an all paper bingo, 50-60-70, and red, white and blue share the wealth. The event guarantees $2,075 in prizes with $2,675 offered. There will be a $1,000 progressive jackpot with $400 consolation as well as a $700 jackpot. There will also be a progressive share the wealth jackpot.

Since 1955, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara has been providing training, employment, residential, health related and support services to people with mental retardation or developmental disabilities, from newborn to seniors, and their families.

January 18, 2008
Susan Beich
(716) 297-6400 (W)

OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED OF NIAGARA SEEKS BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, the largest not-for-profit agency in Niagara County providing programs and services to people with developmental disabilities and their families, is seeking nominations for individuals to serve on its board of directors and standing committees, announced Amy Freiermuth and Dana Panattoni, chairpersons of the agency’s Nominating Committee.

Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara has been providing individuals with developmental disabilities -- from newborn to seniors -- the skills necessary to achieve independence in their daily lives and enjoy community-based recreation (youth and adult), residential, employment and volunteer opportunities since 1955. The agency also provides progressive health-related and support services including service coordination, education, job training (in-house and off-site), school-to-work transition, exceptional parenting, geriatric assessments, in-home services, horticulture therapy and respite across Niagara County.

Volunteer positions are available on the 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. Committee positions are also available and focus on personnel, finance, guardianship and the various programs offered to people with disabilities.

To receive an application, click here or call 297-6400, ext. 227. Applications are due by Friday, February 22, 2008.

The mission of Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, a United Way agency, is to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities from Niagara County have the opportunity to reach their maximum potential, independence and integration into the community.

January 4, 2008
Roxane Albond-Buchner
(716) 297-6400 ext. 261 (W)
ralbondb@buffnet.net

NIAGARA FLORAL CENTER AND GREENHOUSE AT OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED OF NIAGARA HOLDS VALENTINE’S DAY FLORAL SALE

The Niagara Floral Center and Greenhouse at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara is holding a Valentine’s Day Floral Sale through January 25 featuring fresh flowers and planters created by people with developmental disabilities who participate in the agency’s horticulture therapy program.

A “Bundle of Love” features assorted fresh flowers in a basket and is available for $25. Wrapped mixed cut flowers trimmed with Valentine’s colors are $12, a dozen boxed red and white carnations are $15 and a “Lasting Beauty” planter featuring greens, Valentine trim and fresh flowers is $20.

All orders are due Friday, January 25 and may be placed in person at the Niagara Floral Center and Greenhouse located at 2510 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Wheatfield from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by phone at 504-2617 ext. 244. Pick-up locations are at the greenhouse from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 13 and Thursday, February 14 or at the agency’s 107 Heath Street site, Lockport from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, February 14. To download an order form, click here.

For more than 50 years, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara has been providing training, employment, residential, health related and support services to people with mental retardation or developmental disabilities, from newborn to seniors, and their families. The mission of Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, a United Way agency, is to ensure that individuals from Niagara County who are mentally retarded or intellectually, physically or functionally limited have the opportunity to reach their maximum potential, independence and integration into the community.

January 10, 2008
Roxane Albond-Buchner
(716) 297-6400 (W)
ralbondb@buffnet.net

REALTYUSA.COM PRESENTS HATS AND MITTENS TO OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED OF NIAGARA CONSUMERS

Gina Basile (center), who participates in Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara’s residential and day habilitation programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, displays one of more than 50 hats and mittens contributed by the North Tonawanda/Wheatfield employees of RealtyUSA.com to Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara. Louise Van Wart (left) and Sue Matheis (right), both realtors associated with RealtyUSA.com, presented these contributions at one of the Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara’s residential holiday parties. The hats and mittens were then distributed to agency consumers and their families who are in need of some special holiday warmth. RealtyUSA.com has continued this holiday tradition for 11 consecutive years.

For more information on how your company or organization can support individuals with developmental disabilities at any time of year, visit the Foundation section of the web. For information on how to enroll your family member with Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, please call 504-2617, ext. 230 or email lflaugher@intotem.net.

For more than 50 years, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara has been providing training, employment, residential, health-related and support services to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, from newborn to seniors, and their families. The mission of Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, a United Way agency, is to ensure that individuals from Niagara County who are mentally retarded or intellectually, physically or functionally limited have the opportunity to reach their maximum potential, independence and integration into the community.

2007 PRESS RELEASES

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