[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 14, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E544-E545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        OPPORTUNITY ENTERPRISES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 14, 2010

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with deep respect and admiration 
that I recognize Opportunity Enterprises Incorporated, which hosted its 
Celebration of Achievement Award Ceremony on Thursday, April 8, 2010, 
at Strongbow Inn in Valparaiso, Indiana. Opportunity Enterprises 
honored the accomplishments of members of its noteworthy staff, 
clients, volunteers and community partners. Opportunity Enterprises 
also paid special tribute to President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. 
Gary Mitchell, who will be retiring in June of this year. For his 
outstanding leadership and his lifelong commitment to those in need, he 
is worthy of our respect and admiration.
  Opportunity Enterprises is a non-profit organization that serves to 
create opportunities for individuals with unique challenges and 
abilities. Because of many dedicated, loyal, and passionate people who 
believe in the organization and its goals, Opportunity Enterprises is 
able to provide day and enrichment services, residential and children's 
programs, and vocational opportunities for individuals of all ages 
whether they have physical, emotional or developmental disabilities.
  This year, Opportunity Enterprises honored individuals and 
organizations who have played a major role in their success. The Spirit 
of Opportunity Enterprises award recipient is Jake Wagner. Jake has 
been a board member for many years and has played an instrumental role 
in terms of property acquisition, identifying lead donors, and seeking 
grant funding. The Community Employer of the Year award recipient is 
Strack and Van Til. The company hires many clients through the 
organization's JobSource Community Employment Program and passionately 
assists these individuals in developing their skills. The Business of 
the Year award recipient is Framing Concepts Gallery, which gives 
tremendous support to the organization's Art Enrichment Program. The 
Jeanne Baird Volunteer of the Year award recipient is Cheryl Kozrowski. 
Cheryl continuously and selflessly gives her time to Opportunity 
Enterprises and its many programs. The JobSource Client of the Year 
award recipient is Mike Biggs. Mike has been employed through the 
JobSource Program for eighteen years. Despite being hearing impaired, 
Mike maintains an outstanding positive attitude and is beloved by 
everyone who works with him. The Amazing Client of the Year award 
recipients are: Samuel Collins, Paula Norfleet, and Derek Rogers. 
Samuel, who receives respite services, has made remarkable progress 
since becoming an Opportunity Enterprises client. Paula is employed 
through the Supported Employment Program and the Community Employment 
Program. Although she has limited use of her hands and legs, Paula is 
constantly helping and supporting other clients. Derek is involved in 
the Supported Living Department and has made extraordinary improvement 
since joining the team at Opportunity Enterprises. For their dedication 
and commitment to Opportunity Enterprises and the community of 
Northwest Indiana, the 2010 Achievement Award recipients are to be 
commended.
  Opportunity Enterprises also honored and congratulated President and 
Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gary Mitchell, who will be retiring this 
year. In 1986, Gary joined the team at Opportunity Enterprises as the 
Chief Executive Officer. Opportunity Enterprises has enjoyed 
unprecedented growth and success under Gary's leadership. In 1986, the 
organization served 263 individuals with disabilities on a daily basis. 
Since then, Opportunity Enterprises has constantly expanded and now 
serves over 1,000 individuals within Porter County and throughout 
Northwest Indiana. For the past 15 years, Opportunity Enterprises has 
received accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of 
Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), a not-for-profit organization that 
establishes standards of quality for service to people with 
disabilities. For his efforts over the years on behalf of his 
community, Gary has received numerous honors, including the Indiana 
Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (INARF) President's Award in 
1992 and the Sagamore of the Wabash in 1993 from then-Governor Evan 
Bayh. For his selfless and passionate support for helping individuals 
to re-establish their roles in community life, Mr. Mitchell is to be 
commended and admired.
  Gary's dedication to the people he serves is matched only by his 
devotion to his family. Gary has been married to his wife, Paula, for 
an astonishing 44 years. They have three children and seven 
grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring the Opportunity Enterprises 2010 Achievement Award 
winners, as well as Mr. Gary Mitchell, for their outstanding 
contributions. Their unwavering commitment to improving the quality of 
life for countless individuals in Northwest Indiana is truly 
inspirational, and they are worthy of the highest praise.

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