Cooking Up Growth Opportunities in Indiana

Rhea-AI Summary

Enbridge announced its support for Opportunity Enterprises (OE) with a $7,500 Fueling Futures grant, aimed at enhancing educational programs for individuals with disabilities in northwest Indiana. This grant will assist in purchasing adaptive cooking equipment and supplies, benefiting around 1,000 clients annually, including over 250 weekly attendees in various programs. With 87% of clients meeting individualized goals, OE emphasizes the importance of community support for its mission. The grant will help foster client independence and contribute to the development of vibrant communities.

Positive

• Enbridge awarded a $7,500 grant to Opportunity Enterprises to support educational programming.
• OE serves approximately 1,000 clients yearly, with over 250 attending daily programs.
• About 87% of OE clients are meeting their individualized learning goals.
• The grant will fund adaptive equipment that aids individuals with disabilities, promoting independence.

Negative

• OE's programming costs are increasing as client numbers grow, potentially straining resources.
• Government funding does not sufficiently cover the costs of all OE's programs and supports.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 17, 2023 / The cooking class looks like something you'd see on TV. Ten students at workstations chopping, whisking, sautéing, the sounds and smells of home cooking filling the air.

But if you look closely at the kitchen tools in hand, you'll see some adaptive equipment at work, like safety knives. And soon, more adaptive equipment will arrive-including a peeler that can be operated with just one hand; a slicer safe for someone with visual impairments; and larger utensils that are easy to hold and maneuver for those with coordination issues.

The cooking class is a favorite learning activity offered as part of the curriculum at Opportunity Enterprises (OE), a non-profit operating in three counties in northwest Indiana.

By going through the process of following a recipe and preparing ingredients, OE's clients-individuals with disabilities-develop cooking skills, learn about nutrition, socialize with peers, and take important steps toward self-sufficiency.

Based in the city of Valparaiso, OE delivers programs and support to around 1,000 people with disabilities in the region every year. Each week alone, more than 250 clients attend their in-demand day programs, operated in a classroom-like setting. Clients are enrolled in a range of courses and activities, such as the cooking class, depending on the client's learning stream and goals.

The proof of OE's success is in the proverbial pudding.

"We keep outcomes on the learning goals of all our clients," says Shannon Keaton, OE's curriculum director. "Right now we're showing that approximately 87% of our clients are meeting their individualized learning goals."

Operating since 1967, OE originally focused on supporting adults; in recent years they've expanded youth programming to include school partnerships, an eight-week summer camp for school-aged youth of all abilities, and monthly weekend camps.

As word of their accomplishments spreads, the number of clients increases, and so do programming costs. Government funding covers some support for people with disabilities, but not to the extent of programming and support OE offers.

"OE is not willing to compromise on our mission of enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities," says Alison Martin, OE's development director, noting that OE also relies on donations and grants from the community to fill the gaps in funding.

At Enbridge, we're committed to helping create vibrant and sustainable communities near our operations. Recognizing the immediate need to expand educational programs, we awarded OE a $7,500 Fueling Futures grant to support OE's educational curriculum day programming, including the purchase of adaptive equipment, computer software, art supplies, and tools to help develop fine motor skills.

All of these supplies contribute to the growth and independence of clients, OE's ultimate goal.

"When our clients achieve their learning goals, they're one step closer to self-sufficiency, one step closer to our mission," Martin says.

She adds: "It all contributes to a vibrant community."

Opportunity Enterprises clients at work in the kitchen.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Enbridge on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Enbridge
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/enbridge
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Enbridge

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/735531/Cooking-Up-Growth-Opportunities-in-Indiana

FAQ

What is the purpose of Enbridge's $7,500 grant to Opportunity Enterprises?

The grant aims to enhance educational programs for individuals with disabilities by funding adaptive equipment and supplies.

How many clients does Opportunity Enterprises serve each year?

Opportunity Enterprises serves around 1,000 clients annually.

What percentage of Opportunity Enterprises clients meet their learning goals?

Approximately 87% of Opportunity Enterprises clients are meeting their individualized learning goals.

What type of support does Opportunity Enterprises rely on besides government funding?

Opportunity Enterprises relies on donations and grants from the community to fill funding gaps.

What does the grant from Enbridge specifically support at Opportunity Enterprises?

The grant supports the purchase of adaptive cooking equipment, art supplies, and tools for developing fine motor skills.