Ron York, longtime employee, in front of the Opportunity Works facility in Newburyport.
Happy workers bear great fruit for their employers. Arguably, there is no other place where the workers are so excited to receive their weekly pay than at Opportunity Works in Newburyport. For these individuals, employment means increased self-esteem, independence, and dignity.
Opportunity Works, with a physical presence in both Newburyport and Haverhill, is a non-profit organization that prepares adults with developmental disabilities to be as independent as possible. Now in its thirty-third year, the organization offers work training, day habilitation, and support services to over 150 individuals in the Merrimack Valley.
Those involved in work training at the newly renovated production facility in Newburyport work industriously on such tasks as putting those little fuzzy cotton pads into boxes destined for jewelry stores, and preparing mass mailings. You can see their motivation, enthusiasm, and work ethic in the purpose with which they walk through the halls. You can see it in their body language and how they explain what they are doing. These individuals are dedicated and loyal workers. Ron York, who was one of the organization’s original four referrals in 1974, works there still.
Opportunity Works holds long-standing relationships with a number of businesses to provide packaging, labeling, and mailing services through its production facility. The businesses send their piece or light assembly jobs, and the dedicated workers complete the tasks in a timely manner and at a competitive rate.
Newburyport’s Ferraz Shawmut, Inc, a manufacturer and distributor of circuit protection devices, has been using Opportunity Works packaging services for more than twenty years.
“We’re just happy that they’re there,” says senior product specialist Bob Minkle. “An organization like they have is a very good thing for a community to have.” Ferraz Shawmut sends over glass and electrical fuses for repackaging and labeling. Opportunity Works sends the end product back to their warehouse to fill customer orders.
People who complete work training may choose to continue working in the production facility or join the workforce outside the facility. In Newburyport, associates of Opportunity Works bag groceries at local markets and perform myriad duties at Papa Gino’s on Storey Avenue.
According to Jeff Bisson, general manager of the pizza store, “Dollar for dollar, you can’t beat the investment.” But it’s more than just dollars, he says—the camaraderie the associates have engendered within his crew would lead to boycott if he tried to end the association (which he isn’t about to do).
Their success is undeniable, but the organization strives for more community support. In an effort to eliminate barriers that affect people with disabilities, they have begun a yearlong campaign to promote inclusion of its associates throughout the Merrimack Valley. Education, as always, is the key, says Claire Rivera, director of development. The “differ-abilities” to be tapped are numerous, as are the benefits to be reaped by all.
For information on programs and services available through Opportunity Works, call 978-462-6144, ext. 224.
Community Spotlight – Promoting a Culture of Dignity and Respect: Opportunity Works
Ron York, longtime employee, in front of the Opportunity Works facility in Newburyport.
Happy workers bear great fruit for their employers. Arguably, there is no other place where the workers are so excited to receive their weekly pay than at Opportunity Works in Newburyport. For these individuals, employment means increased self-esteem, independence, and dignity.
Opportunity Works, with a physical presence in both Newburyport and Haverhill, is a non-profit organization that prepares adults with developmental disabilities to be as independent as possible. Now in its thirty-third year, the organization offers work training, day habilitation, and support services to over 150 individuals in the Merrimack Valley.
Those involved in work training at the newly renovated production facility in Newburyport work industriously on such tasks as putting those little fuzzy cotton pads into boxes destined for jewelry stores, and preparing mass mailings. You can see their motivation, enthusiasm, and work ethic in the purpose with which they walk through the halls. You can see it in their body language and how they explain what they are doing. These individuals are dedicated and loyal workers. Ron York, who was one of the organization’s original four referrals in 1974, works there still.
Opportunity Works holds long-standing relationships with a number of businesses to provide packaging, labeling, and mailing services through its production facility. The businesses send their piece or light assembly jobs, and the dedicated workers complete the tasks in a timely manner and at a competitive rate.
Newburyport’s Ferraz Shawmut, Inc, a manufacturer and distributor of circuit protection devices, has been using Opportunity Works packaging services for more than twenty years.
“We’re just happy that they’re there,” says senior product specialist Bob Minkle. “An organization like they have is a very good thing for a community to have.” Ferraz Shawmut sends over glass and electrical fuses for repackaging and labeling. Opportunity Works sends the end product back to their warehouse to fill customer orders.
People who complete work training may choose to continue working in the production facility or join the workforce outside the facility. In Newburyport, associates of Opportunity Works bag groceries at local markets and perform myriad duties at Papa Gino’s on Storey Avenue.
According to Jeff Bisson, general manager of the pizza store, “Dollar for dollar, you can’t beat the investment.” But it’s more than just dollars, he says—the camaraderie the associates have engendered within his crew would lead to boycott if he tried to end the association (which he isn’t about to do).
Their success is undeniable, but the organization strives for more community support. In an effort to eliminate barriers that affect people with disabilities, they have begun a yearlong campaign to promote inclusion of its associates throughout the Merrimack Valley. Education, as always, is the key, says Claire Rivera, director of development. The “differ-abilities” to be tapped are numerous, as are the benefits to be reaped by all.
For information on programs and services available through Opportunity Works, call 978-462-6144, ext. 224.