Helping Hands Extended in a Challenging Time

OE-LakesideOften times as one door closes, another opens. In the case of the Arc of Northwest Indiana closing all of their group homes, affecting the lives of not only those living in the homes but those providing care in the homes, Opportunity Enterprises has answered the call for help.

Families were given a day’s notice about the shutdown, creating a frenzy to find housing for their loved ones, around 90 residents total. A number of residents were displaced to various homes around this area, and as far away as Fort Wayne, while their families remain in the region. Desperate to keep their loved ones in the area, families reached out to Opportunity Enterprises for assistance.

Our organization was able to step up and help those in need,” stated David Stupay, OE President and CEO. “We wanted to keep these residents home and close to their families.”

9 adults were able to be housed immediately in OE’s residential program, with 17 more to be transitioned in over the next several weeks. Five of the new residents received placement in OE’s Lakeside community, while the rest settled into the organization’s community-based housing.

oe logoOE’s residential housing offers adults with disabilities the opportunity to gain a greater level of independence than they would in a group home. Residents learn how to live in the community, with a support staff on hand to help provide for their needs. This program offers families ease of mind when caring for their loved one at home is not a possibility.

We don’t want to see anyone not get the level of service they need,” said Stupay. The organization is developing a plan to serve other consumers affected by the loss. There is a waiting list for the residential program, and five homes were rented last week. Once the homes are staffed and furnished, new residents will be able to move in.

Not only were the Arc residents affected, but roughly 120 employees were laid off due to the shutdown. OE was able to lend a hand in this matter as well, employing nearly 30 of those who lost their jobs.