History of Opportunity Partners
2021
Although the pandemic continued to disrupt services and limit capacities, OP staff persevered and pivoted to new ways of supporting people. Virtual Services, developed in 2020, continued to be a popular options for people not ready to return in person. OP holds its first-ever virtual Gala, drawing new supporters and excitement for our organization and raising over $350,000.
2020
The COVID-19 pandemic closed down our day services for several months starting in March 2020, with a gradual reopening in the summer. Meanwhile, our Residential and Vocational services continued to support people at their homes and in their community jobs. People who had been away from OP for months were elated when they could finally return.
2020
Bill Schultz was promoted to OP’s President & CEO after leading our Business Services for five years. Former President & CEO Armando Camacho left OP to pursue a new opportunity at Wilder Foundation.
2019
Our Ensign residence in New Hope was a total loss following a June 2019 fire. Staff member Adventor Trye helped rescue a person served from the mid-day blaze. After the devastation, the community rallied to support OP and the three men who called Ensign their home.
2019
OP-Asplin Center’s art program earned a state Life Enrichment Award through the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation & Rehabilitation (MOHR). The award recognized the art program’s role in personal growth, increased confidence and community engagement.
2018
We celebrated 65 years of success in our community. This included recognition of Bob Garoutte, who has been served since OP’s beginning in 1953. Bob has received both day and residential services.
2017
Our 2017 Gala drew more than 400 guests and raised nearly $300,000. Your generous contributions help us carry out our mission of advancing the quality of life for people with disabilities.
2016
We purchased a new residence on Pleasant Avenue in Richfield to replace our Webster house. The new home is larger and more accessible for the four residents.
2015
Opportunity Partners’ Committee of Advocacy & Leadership (COAL) earned statewide recognition by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits in the area of Advocacy.
2014
Armando Camacho was hired as President & CEO. Armando came into the position with a strong background in nonprofit management, education and special education.
2013
Opportunity Partners celebrates 60 years of success in helping people with disabilities live, learn and work more independently.
2012
Opportunity Partners expands hoMEbase to Coon Rapids, and hits a new milestone: 1,700 people served annually.
2011
Opportunity Partners opens two new programs: hoMEbase apartment living in Hopkins, and community-based Spectrum, which serves people with autism and other disabilities in a community model.
2010
Opportunity Partners launches its first Certified Learning Platform program in partnership with Dunwoody Customized Training. Professional Cleaning was the first platform. It would later be followed by Retail Training and Network Support.
2008
Opportunity Partners now services nearly 1,500 people at 32 vocational and residential sites.
2008
Minnetonka location is dedicated Koch Technical and Training Campus after long-time supporters David and Babs Koch.
2007
Opportunity Partners opens Golden Opportunity, a day program for seniors with developmental disabilities. Minnetonka location undergoes a major renovation and expansion, including bright, new classroom areas and expanded office space.
2003
Opportunity Partners starts a Day Training and Habilitation (DTH) program in Anoka County, joining the Semi-Independent Living Services (SILS) residential program already in place.
2000-2003
Opportunity Partners provides personalized education, housing and employment opportunities to more than 1,200 people served with developmental disabilities, brain injury, autism and other special needs. Opportunity Partners has 31 vocational and residential sites throughout the Twin Cities.
1999
Four new group homes are established: Ensign, Hampshire, Vincent and Penn. Opportunity Partners continues its expansion of employment services in the community, opening new supported employment sites. To date, eight homes have been purchased.
1996
Opportunity Workshop changes its name to Opportunity Partners to better reflect its diverse array of services. Karlins Center opened.
1995
Opportunity Partners Brain Injury Services opens a Community Integration Services office in South St. Paul. Semi-Independent Living Services expands services into Anoka County.
1993
Opportunity Workshop became Minnesota’s largest organization serving the vocational and residential needs of adults with developmental disabilities or brain injury. 227 staff, 152 volunteers, and thousands of families and supporters worked to serve over 800 people with disabilities.
1989
Opportunity Partners Brain Injury Services began assisting survivors of brain injury with employment services, opening offices in downtown Minneapolis.
1985
The Autism Program was established to provide community and on-site work for those with autism.
1984
Fifty new clients were added to the two Work Activity Center programs. This brought the total number of people served to 300, making it the largest adult day activity program in Minnesota.
1977
Senator and Mrs. Hubert H. Humphrey attended Opportunity Workshop’s open house.
1977
Opportunity Workshop’s main facility was moved again to its present location in Minnetonka from Richfield. There was now space to serve 500 people under one roof – a major milestone in Opportunity Workshop’s history.
1972
Opportunity Workshop’s residential services began with the opening of Clara Doerr residence.
1967
Opportunity Workshop’s facilities were expected to serve 200 people.
1961
More space was needed as there were twice as many applicants as could be enrolled! People from all over Minnesota were seeking out Opportunity Workshop.
1959
Seven Opportunity Workshop trainees were placed in competitive community jobs. The positions filled included messenger, dishwasher, maintenance worker, nurse’s aid, greenhouse worker and factory worker.
1953
Opportunity Workshop was founded in a small house in Richfield on November 3, 1953. 15 people were served with the help of eight volunteers and one staff person. Operating budget was $8,500.
