Opportunity Enterprises held a press conference at Strongbow Inn today to announce their One Year - One Challenge, Building OE Lakeside Capital Campaign.
In 2007, Opportunity Enterprises acquired OE Lakeside, a 158-acre parcel of land and water on Lake Eliza. They renovated the existing facilities and moved 100 clients from their work center to this lush, natural setting, nestled between oaks and maples on the shore of a peaceful lake.
Now the time has come to expand the facility. As the community grows, so must OE. There are 2,500 people in Northwest Indiana alone, waiting to receive service and as OE brings in 9 or 10 a month, the need is there. They have envisioned a place to benefit people for hundreds of years to come. The plan is to have a day services building, containing classroom space for children and adults to engage in art, music, technology, reading, and therapeutic activities. There will also be apartment housing accessible to those with disabilities, along with parks and paths by the lake, a beach, places to have water activities and even a nature center.
Along with this, the OE sees a need for facilities that can house families from all over the country. People would be able to bring their loved ones to receive care so they can take a vacation, a luxury that most families with disabled children are not able to partake in.
This new acquisition will allow OE to expand and serve more of the community, as well as provide a place for people nationwide to receive assistance. OE Lakeside will seek to integrate the surrounding community as well. Residents are allowed to make use of the property and have even been invited to an open house held at the facility. “Opportunity Enterprises has the tradition of being good neighbors,” said Julia Hess, President of the Opportunity Enterprises Board, “We will be continuing that tradition at Lakeside.”
President Gary Mitchell said that Lakeside will be “for the benefit of all individuals in Northwest Indiana.” 
There are many ways to get involved. For those interested in helping out, whether it be through donation or by spreading the word about the need, visit the website to find out more.