In celebration of our 60th anniversary and to spread the word of the great services provided by Opportunity Partners, we are participating in a number of community parades this summer. Cruising down the parade route will be one of our newly branded vans along with people served, staff, family members and Opportunity Partners supporters. We’ll be handing out candy as we hype up the crowd!

Come out and support us Saturday, May 18 at 1 p.m. for the Celebrate West St. Paul Parade and Sunday, June 2 at 9:30 a.m. for the Grand Old Day Parade in St. Paul!

Join us for an open house for our new Edina office of TBI Metro Services and Hennepin SILS! Enjoy refreshments, learn about our programs and take a tour!

When: Tuesday, May 14, 2-5 p.m. MAP
*Brief program at 2:30

Where: 5575 West 78th Street., Edina
*Located at the intersection of 78th Street and Cecilia Circle

Call 952-930-4208 or e-mail info@opportunities.org for more information.

As parents and caregivers, dealing with sexuality issues in adult children who have developmental disabilities may be complex and confusing. Often, situations may be uncomfortable and may not have clear solutions. Understanding sexual development gives a framework for making decisions about communicating effectively and setting appropriate boundaries.

This in-service is an opportunity to:

• identify sexual values
• discuss issues regarding sexuality
• provide a forum for your questions

About the instructor

Karen Finck, RN, MS, CS, is an expert in psychiatric nursing and president of HCS. An engaging speaker, Ms. Finck lectures throughout Minnesota on mental health topics. She adeptly uses humor and presents real-life anecdotes from her experiences in the field. She provides not only an understandable theoretical framework, but offers practical approaches as well.

When: Tuesday, May 21, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Opportunity Partners
5500 Opportunity Court
Minnetonka, MN 55343

Cost: $15 per family

RSVP at http://sexualityseminar.eventbrite.com

The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities is hosting “Faces of Disability” – an exhibit featuring artwork, portraits and stories of Minnesotans with disabilities; raising awareness of the diversity and positive contributions of the disability community. The exhibit will be on display Monday, April 22 through Friday, April 26 in the North Corridor of the Capitol building.

MN-CCD members will be available on site to offer support from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Several self-portraits painted by people served at Opportunity Partners will be featured in the exhibit – don’t miss the opportunity to see their wonderful artwork!

Opportunity Partners is teaming up with Fluevog Shoes for a great event this summer. Join us at John Fluevog Shoes in Uptown for an evening of fun, food – courtesy of Chino Latino, decadent desserts, music, games and of course, shoes! Opportunity Partners will receive half of the gross sales of all shoes sold during the event. Fluevogs are hand-crafted in limited numbers, and are wearable works of art.

When: Friday, June 21, 2013 – Summer Solstice! 5:30-10 p.m.

Where: John Fluevog Shoes, 2900 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis

For more information, contact Dawn Piburn at 952-912-7448 or dpiburn@opportunities.org.

Fluevog Shoes

Join us for “Disability Matters” Day at the Capitol, hosted by the Arc Minnesota, Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance, People First of Minnesota, Advocating Change Together, and Self-Advocates Minnesota on Thursday, April 25th.

Attendees are encouraged to meet with legislators throughout the day. These meetings are a great opportunity to speak with your State Senator and/or Representative about the disability policy issues that are important to YOU. We’ll also be participating in a rally at 12:00 in the Capitol Rotunda.

With questions, or for more information, contact Alicia Munson at 952-930-7696.

Join us for Opportunity Partners’ 12th annual Residential talent show , “A Talent for Life.”

When: Monday, April 29, 6-9 p.m.
6-7 p.m.: reception and hors d’oeuvres, arts and crafts display
7-9 p.m.: performances

Where: South High School
3131 19th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55407

Did you know? Among parents of children with special needs, 68% have no will and 72% have no trustee.

Beyond One Day at a Time, a free seminar presented by Opportunity Partners, Kukla Law and Northwestern Mutual, will take you through the necessary steps to plan  your future and the future of those with special needs.

You’ll learn:

• The five-step special needs planning process
• How to build a strong foundation for your child
• Financial planning strategies specific to families with special needs

When: Tuesday, April 2, 6:30-8 p.m.

Where: Opportunity Partners-Koch Campus
5500 Opportunity Court
Minnetonka, MN 55343

Seats are limited so register today!

Questions? Email events@opportunities.org.

Make your voice heard and join us for “Disability Day at the Capitol” Tuesday, March 5, hosted by the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation, the Minnesota Developmental Achievement Center Association, and the Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota. Meet with your legislators, advocate for the disability community and join us for a rally in the Capitol Rotunda at 1 p.m. For more information or to register for the free event, email policy@opportunities.org or call 952-930-7696. See you in St. Paul!

Fill your plate with pasta and help support people with disabilities living and working in the community at the Hopkins Noontime Lions Club spaghetti dinner benefiting Opportunity Partners. Join us on Thursday, March 7 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Opportunity Partners-Koch Campus, 5500 Opportunity Court, Minnetonka.

The cost of the dinner is $7 for adults, $4 for children under 12, and $30 for families of 5 or more. Tickets are available at the door.

The menu includes spaghetti with meatballs or meatless sauce, salad, bread, dessert and a beverage. Take-out is also available. Guests will have the chance to tour Opportunity Partners and learn about available programs and services.

Funds raised will be supplemented by the Carver-Hennepin County Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

For more information about the event, contact Julia Hanson at jhanson@opportunities.org or 952-912-7442.