Newsletter Newsletter Newsletter Summer 2020 Dear Friends, Over the last fifty-three years, Opportunities, Inc. has weathered numerous obstacles. We have a history of successfully and creatively meeting these challenges to provide for the needs of our community. During this unprecedented time of COVID-19, I have been in awe of how our staff has responded to the trials brought on by the virus. Our Intermediate Care Facility and Community Living staff, along with Human Resources and other support staff have worked tirelessly, going above and beyond to maintain staffing continuity for our clients to continue receiving the best care in a challenging environment. When the CDC initially released guidelines to combat the virus, Opportunities, Inc. immediately adopted the measures, increasing infection control practices and procedures, including sheltering in place, screening all staff upon entry into a residential facility, wearing masks, and frequent and proper handwashing for the staff and residents. Opportunities, Inc. children’s services embraced telehealth options to continue pediatric therapy sessions. Well-check services, either by phone or in the home, were conducted to ensure client needs were being met for overall health and well-being, such as their nutritional status, medication regimen, and any emerging health issues, while unable to attend our day treatment programs where these activities are part of the daily onsite services provided. While there is no doubt that COVID-19 has disrupted our routine and care for our most at-risk citizens, we will maintain our vigilance and tradition of rising to the challenge. As we welcome clients and staff back to campus, we are transitioning to a new normal. However, our need for your ongoing support has not wavered, but is now more critical than ever. To see how you can help, visit our COVID relief page at https://www.oppinc.org/covid-relief/. Your financial gift will allow us to provide essential services to the most vulnerable citizens in our community. With great appreciation, Sherry Young Executive Director What ’ s inside Golf T ournament PAGE 2 Operation Warm PAGE 4 Clara T urns 100! PAGE 7 Night to Shine PAGE 9 Memorials, Honorariums & Donations PAGE 10
Transcript
NewsletterNewsletterNewsletterSummer 2020
Dear Friends,Over the last fifty-three years, Opportunities, Inc. has weathered numerous obstacles.
We have a history of successfully and creatively meeting these challenges to provide for the needs of our community. During this unprecedented time of COVID-19, I have been in awe of how our staff has responded to the trials brought on by the virus.Our Intermediate Care Facility and Community Living staff, along with Human Resources and other support staff have worked tirelessly, going above and beyond to maintain staffing continuity for our clients to continue receiving the best care in a challenging environment.When the CDC initially released guidelines to combat the virus, Opportunities, Inc. immediately adopted the measures, increasing infection control practices and procedures, including sheltering in place, screening all staff upon entry into a residential facility, wearing masks, and frequent and proper handwashing for the staff and residents. Opportunities, Inc. children’s services embraced telehealth options to continue pediatric therapy sessions. Well-check services, either by phone or in the home,
were conducted to ensure client needs were being met for overall health and well-being, such as their nutritional status, medication regimen, and any emerging health issues, while unable to attend our day treatment programs where these activities are part of the daily onsite services provided.While there is no doubt that COVID-19 has disrupted our routine and care for our most at-risk citizens, we will maintain our vigilance and tradition of rising to the challenge. As we welcome clients and staff back to campus, we are transitioning to a new normal. However, our need for your ongoing support has not wavered, but is now more critical than ever. To see how you can help, visit our COVID relief page at https://www.oppinc.org/covid-relief/. Your financial gift will allow us to provide essential services to the most vulnerable citizens in our community.With great appreciation, Sherry Young Executive Director
What’sinside Golf TournamentPAGE 2
Operation WarmPAGE 4
Clara Turns 100!PAGE 7
Night to ShinePAGE 9
Memorials, Honorariums& DonationsPAGE 10
page 2 | summer 2020
On September 9th, 2019 Opportunities, Inc. hosted the 30th annual golf invitational at the Texarkana Country Club.
The special guest speaker for the 2019 tournament was Robyn Moore. Robyn is an adult client here at Opportunities, Inc. who shared her story on how the organization has impacted her life. During the awards party, Senator Jimmy Hickey was recognized and presented with the David Pryor Award for exemplifying the spirit of commitment and support to Opportunities, Inc. To round off a successful and fun tournament, players and guests were entertained by the Sounds of Joy, a choir of Opportunities, Inc.
Platinum $15,000Patterson Dental Center
Silver $5,000Morgan Land & Cattle Co.Todd Shores McLarty Ford
Mil-Way FCUTruman Arnold Companies
Yates FoundationWholesale Electric Supply
In KindEppinette ConstructionAlexander’s Jewelers
Hightech Signs
Bronze $2,000Center Point Energy
CHRISTUS St. Michael Health SystemCommercial National BankCooper Tire & Rubber Co.DeBardeleben Foundation
DomtarFarmers Bank & Trust
Flanagan | AndrusHeritage Church
Offenhauser & Co.Texarkana/Chapelwood Funeral
HomesTexarkana Emergency Center
Corporate $1,000Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
AEP SwepcoColumbia Property Management
Daines Insurance & Financial Services, LLP
Guaranty Bank & TrustIronwood
Lance Lee, Attorney at LawRed River Lumber
Regions BankSenator Jimmy HickeySchimming Companies
State BankTDS Erectors, Inc.
Tri-State Iron & Metal Co.Vanco Systems
2019 SPONSORSOpportunities, Inc. gratefully acknowledges the following for their continued support of children and adults with developmental disabilities:
Golf Tournament
Summer 2020 | page 5
Rock Garden
Pat Abernathy
Houey Clement
Jack Bolls
Forever in our hearts
Pat was an active and dedicated charter member of the Opportunities, Inc. Foundation Board. She took great pride in the services we provide for children and adults with disabilities. Pat sponsored our annual Easter egg hunt for more than 20 years and ensured that every child and adult had a basket full of eggs and a new bunny. We loved Ms. Pat, and she will be missed.
Jack was a dear friend of Opportunities, Inc., and will be missed greatly. As one of his friends said, “Jack was the kind of person that you didn’t even have to ask to help with so many causes in Texarkana. He would just volunteer.”
Houey was a passionate supporter of Opportunities, Inc., and had two grandchildren that were part of our programs. He had a big heart, a big personality, and could always put a smile on your face. We are grateful for the many years he dedicated to supporting our organization.
Rock GardenDuring these trying times, our Adult Work Director, Katrena Goodwin, decided we needed a project that would make everyone feel good about coming to the center and learning a "new normal.” From weeding the garden to the final
placement of the newly painted rock flowers, they worked together to achieve the finished product. Now upon entry, as they wait to be checked into the building, they can look at the beautiful colors and see their accomplishment.
page 6 | summer 2020
On Tuesday, November 5th 2019, the Opportunities, Inc. Foundation Board hosted its 35th Annual “Essence of Autumn” Luncheon at the beautiful home of Mindy Williams. Guests sampled a delicious fall meal catered by up-and-coming chef, Marjorie Slimer, and were in awe of the fall arrangements provided by Benny Raney. Assisting with the luncheon were the “Angels” of Opportunities Guild. The gift of the 2019 Autumn Luncheon was underwritten by Dolly Dunklin Marting in honor of Carol Dalby, Sonja Hubbard, and Whitney Fuqua, and in loving memory of Diane Green.
Autumn Luncheon
Client’s dreamof working with
animals comes trueAs part of our Supported Employment Program, Becky has proven to be an excellent example of what the program is all about. Becky Almost a year ago, Becky began the training and personal discovery process to determine what job would be a good fit. After some time, she visited Pleasant Grove animal hospital to do a trial work period and determine if she would like it. Once she started the trial it was completely obvious that this is where she belonged. The staff at Pleasant Grove Animal Hospital were amazed by her work ethic, ability to learn new tasks and of course, her contagious positive attitude. Dr. Hendershot offered her a permanent place of employment as the Assistant Kennel Tech. Doc also gave her a spot on the kennel list where customers can purchase extra love and play time for their dogs when they are kenneled for a period of time. This special position is called "Becky Time". Becky absolutely loves her job and they love to have her there. In Doc's words "She brings joy and boosts moral by offering hugs, high fives, and expressing her love for everyone.” Here at Opportunities, Inc. we are so proud of Becky!
Summer 2020 | page 7
Rotary & Altrusa Christmas PartyOn December 12th 2019, the Wilbur Smith Rotary Club of Texarkana and Texarkana Altrusa hosted their annual Christmas party for the clients of Opportunities, Inc.
Each of our clients received a Christmas present, had the chance to interact with Santa Claus, and celebrate together in true Christmas Spirit.
Clara Allen is a residential client at Opportunities Inc. Who turned 100 this year! She was born on May 24, 1920 in New Hamburg, MO and was raised by her parents. She had a sister and two brothers. At the age of six, her family moved from Missouri to Texarkana where her daddy worked at Dickey Clay. They returned to Missouri for a few years, but settled in Texarkana. when Clara was 16, and she has been in Texarkana since. A friend of Clara’s introduced her to Freddy at the age of 18. After dating about one year, Clara and Freddy married. Clara gave
birth to four children, though she only raised two, she buried two in infancy. Freddy died in 1977, after 38 years of marriage. Clara was only 57 at the time of Freddy’s death, but she never remarried.Clara had only a 7th grade education, and after Freddy’s death, Clara took a job working at the snack counter in the hospital. When that closed, she went to work in the kitchen, and later retired from the “pickle plant.”Clara has nine grandchildren and “too many great-grandchildren to keep up.”When asked why she thought she had lived so long, Clara attributes that to God’s grace and adds “I guess God just does not need me yet.”
Clara Turns 100!
page 8 | summer 2020
Scouts with disabilities court of honor
Scouts partner with Animal League
On Tuesday, February 11th 2020, Opportunities, Inc. Scouts with Disabilities Troops 6101 held their first Court of Honor at Opportunities, Inc. in conjunction with the Caddo Area Council, BSA. The event recognized the achievements of the troops 20 members. The members of Troops 6101 advanced in rank to “Scout,” the first rank in the Boy Scouts of America. The Scouts received their official Scout shirts and a framed Scout rank badge to commemorate the occasion. We are so proud of our all-male and all-female Boy Scouts of America Troop’s 6101. Thank you Caddo Area Council for investing your time and energy into our clients at Opportunities, Inc.
Scout Troop 6101 collected much needed supplies for the cats and dogs at Texarkana Animal League. They donated 30 blankets, cat food, litter and dog food.
Summer 2020 | page 9
Brewery Benefit
On October 6th, 2019 Pecan Point opened its doors for an Opportunities, Inc. exclusive event. Hosted by the Opportunities, Inc. Angel Guild, attendees enjoyed 10 craft beer and food pairings hand-selected for peak enjoyment of our guests. Ticket proceeds went to support the mission of Opportunities, Inc. which is to empower children and adults with developmental disabilities to live full lives in our community.
Night to shineOn February 9th 2020, over 500 churches worldwide came together to host the Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine, an unforgettable prom night experience for individuals with disabilities, ages 14 and older. Texarkana’s event was held at the Texarkana Arkansas Holiday Inn Convention Center with approximately 1,200 people in attendance. The night consisted of a red carpet entrance, photo ops, games, prizes, dancing, and live entertainment. Over 400 guests of honor received their own crowns of royalty.
page 10 | summer 2020
Memorials
Alma Louise Carrington Mr. James Rae Farris Mary Armstrong Dorothy I. Trammell Cleta Myrel Thomas Aaron Michael FisherBaby Girl Green Steven Jay Brooks Sherry Denise KobusGeorge Teague Dugan, Jr. Mark Emanuel Dickert Edith Odell WaltonJack Starling Christopher William Hall Daxtan Mac Pierce Syble Lee Reed Michael Donovan Green James Lee Garrett, Sr. Sybil Goodson David L. Smith Larry Wayne Williams Betty Ply Leroy Newsome, Jr. Robert Braxton Buls Brooks Rodger Stanley, Sr. Shirley Ann Sexton Darla Kay Reeves Michael Tuan Bui William Henry Martin, Jr. Darrell Lee Clements Reva Laverne Askins Rebecca Lynn Pierce Whitney Ann Dean Kevin Dakota Pickens Joseph Lee Bennett, Sr. Belinda Denise WardCharlotte Munsell George Raymond Hoover
Derrick Allen Freeman Clara Zoe Taylor Thelma Gertrue Weaver Jerry HenedersonNathan Newman Ruby Zacha Otha May, Jr. Yvonne Lee Huff Tao Ann Campbell Joan Orie WilsonBenjamin L. Fleming Spencer Louise Walling George David GabertHenry Whitmarsh Holman, Jr. Helen Williamson Eva Mae BarberGeorge Edgar Goode Iris Kathleen Blaylock William Howard HortonFoye Pipes Doris Alethea DePue Dr. Norris Crockett Knight, Jr. William Ray Lanier Dr. Troy Wilson Jr. Melba HughesDovie Maybell Parker Elliot Rose Noah Misty Lee SmithCharles Colquitt, III Clyde Emory Myers, Jr. Robert Earl WhitworthMichelle Sewell Deborah Evelyn Sapp Lacy Victoria Diann PooleLilly Ann Green Haskell Wade Jay Lynne StuartLahron McJunkins
Harry McKeehan Rayford Milton JohnsonSharon Carter Lois Ryan Addison Grace CrewsDottie Lou Coker Dorothy Lee Conley John Harrell CobbBonnie Lummus John Burl Heflin, Jr.Joe Don RennerStephanie Jean Crane James Earle Baete Valarie Elisabeth GriderDee Elton Roberts Sallie Ann Dill Vicki Lynne WhisenhuntWilliam Lee Hughes Dianna Lynn Meyers Aloysius Fredericus SchaffeAmanda Tyl Velma Olivia Chaney Ola Mae WrightCarol Ann Prochaska Eddie Michael Greathouse Johnny Nathaniel BurnettWilliam Henry Brantley Kimberly Ann Harley Bettye Darlene FridayGeorge Kenneth White Marcie Lynn Miller Janie Thomas Jane Frye Tommy Roy Pilgreen Florine Mattie TubbBobbye Doughty Charles Marvin Brazell Merle Cooper
James Halbert Jones Mario Alberto Salinas Lora Lee HickersonMorris Leslie Royal, Sr. Clarence James Cheatham Judith Anne PowellAnnie E. Hartman Horace Gee Bobby Gene WallaceMaximus Wayne Wilson Robert Willard Wilson Peggy Jane Biard Odom K. Monroe James Renfro Mary Agnes McClurgBabs Harrison William Duke Caller Howard Joseph GoodeNancy Yuvone Russell John William Moore Bayne William-Charles HamptonJoycelyn Mixon Steel Stephen Langford Harvey Monta Nay NantzeFrances Joyce Bullock Ludie Larey Christy Hunt-MehrerRobert Allan Looney Irma Neil Thompson Frances Maria PooreJK Gray Steve Brown Betty Jean Upton Phillip Warren Harrell Debra Tanay Parker Hazel Lee KernMinnie Belle Thornell
Leyland Wyatt Duncan Bennie CombsMary Stringfellow Alvin Jacob Tefteller Robert Allan LoveRosemary Jo Mitchell Jean Varna Womack Gale BarberRonald Detmer Dolores Marlene Mayton Carolyn HughesPatricia Ann Whitehead Rosie Lee Holder Herma Edwina DePueNelwyn Joel Simmons Edwin Jonathan Curtis Donna Mae Curtis Alice Lamae Vickers Valentina Ramirez Hernandez Jimmie Ardell CardWillie Margaret Mobley Mary Viola Patterson Jerry Dale Poore, Sr. James Francis Finnessey, Jr. Lasha Montgomery Nicholas Harrel PattonDonald Louis Baker Burney Britton Jones, Jr. Bruce Winfred Bailey Carmelita Stroman Violet LaVerne Shirk Kenneth Wayne CowlingCharles Lee Hardin, Sr. Brennen Mikal-lee Steward Wade Oliver Hall, Jr. Franklin Jessie Garnett Patricia Abernathy Ronnie Dale Bellew
Lula Mae Collumns Victor O. Ashmore Opal Lee ShawLionel Richard Rufus Higginbotham Jerry Ann MattsonKathy Ann Robinson Holly Elizabeth Smith Raymond Lon Bartholomew Peggy Diane Ware Herbert Harrell Patricia PowersBarbara Jean Potts Jason Matthew Gray Baby Boy Silas GoviaAlfred Haile Rolfe Alton Wylie, Jr. Patricia Yvonne CokerJohnny Lee Epperson James West Odin Wray WinansLeesa Stroman Terry Lynn Goforth John Raymond BunchEdith Reaves Jackie Porter Sandra Jean McClendonJimmie Vera Wiles Billie L. Culver Rebecca WesternGlenda Richardson Brenda Cigainero Melvie Ruth Smith
Kylee SullivanJewel & Barbara Sullivan
Shirley FinnEdwin Finn
Sally Sue Murphy RogersDennis & Junie Young Gale Arnold
Janet ConnorRick & DeAnn Schneble
Bud & Juantia PirkeyLouis Pirkey
Roy Bart Farland Ronnie Jack Long Sidney Thomas CoonAlvin Dan Blackford Bonnie Katherine Long Danny WinklerPatricia Ann Neely Paula Louise Hitchcock Susan Joy Hull
James Michael Hobbs Betty Louise Ballentine Phyllis Ann JollyRalph Parker James Brian Pickett, Sr. Jessica Ann Rachel Jerry Jean Wallen Ruby Helen Singleton Nellie Jo Farley
Ellery Paul Pippen Earnest Ray Durham Billy Joe AdairRuby Lee Burleson Raymond Allen Hagard Margaret Lucille LamasterJerry Lynn Cain, Sr. James Edward Steward Roberta Watson
Clovis Lillian Phillips Hardy Ray Daniel Doris Marie ParkerOma Mae Myers Doyle Britton Tyree, Jr. Cynthia Ann Haggard Charles Dewitt Tuck Shirley Faye Thompson Anita Jan Penney
Sandra Kay Missildine Linda Lucille Davis James MillerChester Alven Pemberton, Jr. Rachel Marie Mitchell Thomas Randolph Ballard George Willis Dempster Oretha Faye Sanford Carl Keel
Hazel Arlene Olson Barry Oneal Jones Johnny Kimbell Ava Jewell McMichael
Sallie Lee Glass Clinton Edward Harper Kaye Francis JonesEva Epps Ellen Gayle Whitney Felecia Jo McCulloughRamiro Cardenas Holly Barlow-Austin Bruce Edward Smith Joyce Lavern Abney Thelma Jane Helms Paul Keith ShippJudith Faye Eitel Jessie Mae Lewis Annie Kate ParkerDavid Humphrey Pamela Loraine Patten Dan Raymond TroutJimmy Larry Johnson Phyllis Jean Moore Lowell Thomas Baird
Charlene McCassland Dennis Lee O’Brien Reta S. BensonVerl Lee Verity Michale Coffey Brenda Gayle BarnesOnie Florence Gerber Charlsie Clifton Anita Marie Gentry Michael Louis Tubbs Betty Altenbaumer Donnie Harold AllenCharles Elwyn Lafayette Mary P. Crawford Sherry Lenore KitchensVictoria Edwards Mary Frances Scurlock Infant Sophie Ann LairJosephine Marie Jones David Bentley Nora Lee Raschke
Patrick Gregory Thomas Krebs Gary Murl Owen Joseph Jay Steirer, Jr. Jane Marie Reed Cameron Drake Maynard Margie Marie SuydamCharles Leon Mobley Ella Lavera Adkins Horace Lee ReedTimothy Phillips Marilyn Jean Conant Randy EstesFrance Ellyn Brown Ruby Louise Frazier Gary Ross RoseClara Osborne Myrical Tempest Rose Williams Juanita Tisdale Alva June Hightower Barry Hughes
Mary Nell EvansEvelyn Miller Jerry Don Cannon Michael Coffey Buford Hallum Mary Merritt Wilda Juanita Ferguson William Grayson McGilberry Jerry Lee Clanton Eva Ruth WebsterJames Earl Goff Mack William Hubbard, Jr. Edith Ann SmithMichael Wayne Grimes Christina Michelle Calicott James Henry Gauntt Delinda Gertrude McGee John Melvin Rodgers Charles MartzWilliam Spiers Ina Lee Norton
Elbie Roy HarrisRuby Imogene Bivens Fredrick Daniel Wendenburg Brenda Faye RiddleSophia Martin Vivian Erma Spears Virginia Mae Martin Kenneth Ellison Odessa A. Padlock Joyce Evelyn RobertsChristopher Lynn Wood Kathryn Parsons Murphy Douglass Mitchell, Sr. Stephen Dennis McFaul Mark Stephen Thompson Frank George Nonic, IIRobert David Carroll Joe Wayne Weaver Rozela HawkinsDorothy Marilyn Whetstone Betty Marie Jackson
Karter Demoryea HollingsworthJeanne Banks Sandra Rea Betty Jo ChoateGeorge Edward Blankenship Treva Gail Liles Margaret Ann HooperJohn Miller Vera Vivian Addington Michael Houston ShimpockDoris Hazel Wilson Gladys Tarantino Richard Ernest Bungart Jeanette Lee Akin Carlis James Hensley
Texarkana Funeral Home
Chapelwood Funeral Home
Bates-Rolf Funeral Home
Robert LooneyPaula TompkinsRandy & Lucy Sarrett
Nick PattonBettye Hayes Teasley
Mary PattersonGail Cobb
Esther & Janie McGeeLesley Sandlin
Tanner YoderShannon Nix
Diane GreenDebbie Alkire
Jan & Connor PatmanDebbie & Alan Schimming
Mary GreenWilliam & Jerre Roberts
Jack BoydDoris Atkins
Martha MorrissDennis & Junie Young
Robert NelonHouey & Jean Clement
Pat AbernathyJack & Joan CarterRemica & Danny GrayMargie WhiteheadLeeAnn McCullochTexarkana Public Library Billye June Owen
Rosie SandersonBorden and Patsy BellGail Cobb
Jay BrewerJohn & Janet CeruttiCary & Louis Patterson
Martha MorrissBorden & Patsy Bell
Clay EichlerDoris Atkins
Rob LooneyDoris Atkins
Betty ThompsonJack & Joan Carter
Josh Morriss Jr.Jack & Joan Carter
Shelby Purifoy Jane Rochelle
Pat AbernathyLucille Cook
Jack BollsMary F. Smith
Jack BollsMary Oden Patricia WagyWilliam & Jerre RobertsKenneth Wilson
Susan KeeneyNancy & Kenneth KingBeatrice ReedGlenn MosesKnights of ColumbusJana TarpleyGale ArnoldTexarkana Oaklawn Rotary Club United Way TexarkanaState BankMoses Building & Rental Judy Morgan
O P P O R T U N I T I E S , I N CBUS ADVERTISINGBUS ADVERTISING
Production Cost: Covered by Advertiser$125-200 (Depending on Artwork)
Placed on rear driver side 12 month contract$250 per month 48” x 22” size
8 counties | 26 Buses & Vans | Where there is traffic, there’s a sale! Funds stay local & help support children & adults with disabilities.OPPORTUNITIES, INC.
Honorariums Given By: Winford & Annette DunnJudy MorganPatty & B. SmithJoan & Jack CarterJeanie & Mike ConwayChar & Joe CraneMary Kay & Gene JoyceLil McClerkin
Marietta & John StroudDoris Ann & Damon YoungPat AbernathyDottie & Ed MillerFrances HolcombLinda AddingtonJean & Houey Clement
Sue RichterSara PattersonCurt GreenMargaret DavisSally Patton
Honorariums Given By: Joe & Char CraneStephanie & Royce JamesJulia & George CarpenterLois & Cary PattersonKathi & John CouchCarol Crane Allen
Ford CraneWinford & Annette DunnRuby OldChris & Taylor RixAlicia & Randy Murray
Honorariums Given By: Daines Insurance & Financial Robin Brule Mr. & Mrs. David BoudreauxTroy NipperMr. & Mrs. David BaumgardnerRoss Sarine Geri Murray
Jason ThomsonMandi SmithGwen DeanTodd Shores Alan Smith Brad Bailey
Connie Lee Gina Morgan Kelly MitchellFelicia Drake Dwight Pruett Chesney Pruett
John Humphrey Kimberlin Meador Buddy McCullochJohn H. Scott, Jr. Trey PattersonNelson Roach
Jill Smith Chris McCullochDylan WhiteJosh EdwardsJamie MitchellRenae Wilcox
Terry Scroggin J.D Wilson Patrick GarrisonMike Cox Amanda Aldana Mark Townsend
Paul Wilson Ken Cox Daphne CoxAdam Wilson Michelle Fulmer
Honorariums Given By: Deborah & Joe LeeThomas CurryAnne DanielDr. & Mrs. Andy CurryDr. & Mrs. Fred WilsonDavid Folsom
