Opportunities Unlimited

Throughout my life I have had many jobs, some I liked and others were basically an income. However, since coming to Opportunities Unlimited (OU) 13 years ago, I came to realize my true passion. Although I had never held a position that involved the direct care of people, I embarked on a new experience like no other in my life. From the beginning I found that I really loved getting up to go to work. I had finally found a meaningful purpose to my life. In the past there were many times that I felt sorry for myself and asked why my life was so hard. I sometimes felt as though I had been dealt a bad hand in life. However, after starting at OU, I soon realized that my "hard life" was nothing compared to the struggles our clients go through daily. From the beginning I saw first-hand how accidents and other life threatening events can change a life in a split second. How persons with traumatic brain injuries fight to do the simplest of things many of us take for granted. More importantly, I have spent 13 years watching the miracles and triumphs of these very special people. It has taught me, if nothing else, what the true meaning of giving is. It is not in monetary or material things, but rather when one gives from the heart! I have received so much more than I have given since becoming a part of OU. At OU I found my true passion and work hard to live by our mission statement: "Maximizing Personal Potential Through Dignified and Purposeful Living". It requires working continuously to bridge the gap between disabilities and possibilities. I constantly strive toward excellence in all that I do and celebrate the uniqueness of all people, while demonstrating integrity in all my actions. It has been my extreme pleasure and the reward of my life to be a part of the persons I serve daily and the OU family and team. My only regret is that I did not find my way to OU earlier in my life. It definitely would have been as they say, "The icing on the cake."

- Sherry S., Residential Mentor

Opportunities Unlimited is a very rewarding place to work. I am currently working part time which has been wonderful for my family and young children. Opportunities Unlimited is a great place to work; I have gained so much more than just work experience. It is hard for me to capture all of the positive things that have happened over the years.

- Jenny W., Cognitive Specialist

When my husband and I moved to the Sioux City area in 2003, Mike to begin his position as CFO at Opportunities Unlimited, I found myself in need of a professional job that was part time and flexible. I needed a position that would work around the needs of my 2 children entering middle school and eventually on to high school. Stephanie Brown approached me with working part time in the accounting department, assisting in reconciling, billing, updating out of date procedures and then moving on to miscellaneous projects that Stephanie and Mike assign to me. I have been very impressed as the years go by to see what the improvements to Opportunities Unlimited and the new standards set for both the clients and staff's benefit. OU has truly been a positive and inspiring place to work. In addition, both my children are on the Iowa waivers and receive services from the Opportunities Unlimited Waiver Department. It has been greatly received by my teenage daughter, who LOVES hanging out with the "College" age staff. I have also noticed a positive change in her, having "friends" to be with when her own age group is not accepting of her.

- Lori B.

I like Waiver Services because I like spending time with all of the Waiver staff. I love telling them how well I am doing in school. I like going to movies, out to eat, and talking to them. All the Waiver staff like hanging out with me. They are always nice, and I love all of their advice about how to grow up in the future.

- A.B.

I have worked at Opportunities Unlimited for four years; I can’t imagine what life would be like without working here. I have worked at other similar organizations but haven’t enjoyed the environment as much; I am able to meet new people and work with great staff. Everyone at OU seems to share the same positive attitude. It is like a home away from home for me.

While working at Opportunities Unlimited I have been able to improve my relationships skills with others; whether it be peers, supervisors, clients or parents. I have taken those skills into my professional job in the school system to help build relationships with students. I have also gained leadership skills through my transition into my current position as a Senior Waiver Specialist as well as a better understanding of how to handle tough situations maturely. Being able to work through those tough situations with peers has enabled me to gain their respect and build self confidence.

At Opportunities Unlimited the Mission statement says it all: Maximizing Personal Potential through Dignified and Purposeful living. We all try to provide services with that statement in mind and teach skills for independence. It is an amazing organization, providing exceptional services for individuals with disabilities.

- Brenna R. Senior Waiver Specialist

Opportunities Unlimited is a place for people who have been impacted by a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or spinal injury to work towards rehabilitation needs and transition to another part of their life. Opportunities Unlimited helps clients achieve their maximum amount of progress with great support from the community, families and staff.

What I would like everyone to know regarding Opportunities Unlimited is that it is a great place for your loved ones to receive their rehabilitation and great care until their maximum potential is achieved. The staff and therapists work hard with the client’s to achieve success and to have them reach all their goals.

- Britney N., Speech Language Pathologist

Opportunities Unlimited means family to me. It is a family oriented organization – always someone to lean on. When I was in my time of need with my father having his stroke, I was told to “Just go, don’t worry about work and call with updates.” During this time, I also talked to OT/PT and Speech and learned more information about Traumatic Brain Injuries. The insight I learned gave me ideas in how to help my dad get better. Two years after his stroke, I believe he is 80% closer to what he was before he had his stroke.

- E. Henry, Rehabilitation Technician

I’ve been with Opportunities Unlimited for just over three years. As an employee, I have seen such amazing things happen with the individuals we serve. I have heard a client speak for the first time post-injury. I have helped prepare clients to move on to more independent settings, something they may have dreamed of for years. I have watched as clients stood on their own two feet after many months of rehabilitation. Big or small, all events are considered major milestones in the lives of clients served at O.U. and we celebrate them together as a team. O.U. has incredible and devoted staff that provides 24 hour supports, fantastic rehabilitative services, and advocacy for individuals with disabilities. I am blessed to have the good fortune of working for such an amazing organization. To me, O.U. is part of my family.

- Nicky Z., Director of Vocational Services

Opportunities Unlimited to me means having the satisfaction of helping others and observing progression of individuals we serve. I have been working with one young boy for three years and I have been able to see first hand how his speech has developed. I get to help them build skills for a quality life with opportunities they might not other wise have at another organization.

Working at Opportunities Unlimited over the past three years I have had the opportunity to mature, I started here as an 18 year old kid then progress into a 21 year old adult. I have been able to view disabilities as uniqueness as opposed to a handicap with the help of the individuals we work with. My employment has helped to open my eyes to see the potential for growth for all individuals we serve.

For parents looking to get services for their loved one I would say Opportunities Unlimited is a great place for individuals to grow and pursue independence.

- Andy P., Senior Waiver Specialist