Opportunity Connections was started by families and local business people in 1967 as an alternative to institutions for disabled individuals. For some, the organization is a stepping stone to employment. Opportunity Connections has several commercial businesses that employ people with disabilities.
With changing funding streams that once sustained their business model, Opportunity Connections was looking to make some changes. To better support these businesses that provide employment to both disabled clients and their supervisors, the organization wanted to increase their cashflow. Opportunity Connections approached the Columbia River Oregon Investment Board, managed by MCEDD, for a loan to do just that. This loan helped save five staff employees and 31 client employee positions. Opportunity Connections is proud to be putting people to work in the Gorge! For more information and to learn more about ways you can get involved, visit their website at: www.opportunityconnections.org.