The Opportunity Center Program provides adults with challenged with disabilities site-based services, day habilitation, vocational training, home community services and job placement. The benefit from each of the various areas provides participants with social, life and vocational skills. These skills allow participants to obtain a sense of empowerment, and to succeed socially in the community. Clients such as Foster Eaglin (pictured above), learn skills critical to creating a brighter future where they can succeed in the community. 

 The Opportunity Center Program provides the primary coordination of vacational rehabilitation services by providing prospective employers benefits as well as dependable and productive employees. Through our services, participants enjoy successful employment and contribute to their community, thus improving their quality of life.  Collaboration with the community and governmental agencies supports our mission of making disabilities become possibilities.

The program also offers a time of respite for parents and guardians of these individuals. Many of the parents and guardians of these individuals are senior-aged and the stresses of raising an adult with disabilities are numerous. Providing this program allows for a time to rest, thereby providing a more positve home environment.

Clients challenged with disabilities receive:

• Day Habilitation
• Home Community Services
• Site-based Services
• Youth Transition to Adult Programs
• Vocational Training and Job Placement

Day Habilitation

Participants receive individual, social, and employment skills training to enhance their ability to interact and participate in the community.

Home Community Services

This program provides individualized services and supports to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are living with their family, in their own home or in other community settings, such as small group homes. Services provided include adaptive aids, case management, counseling, day habilitation, dental treatment, minor home modification, nursing, residential assistance, respite, supported employment, and therapies (audiology, dietary, occupational, psychological, physical, social work, and speech).

Site-based Services

Site-based program participants can expect to receive services focused on self-determination, employment preparation and job placement.

Vocational Training and Job Placement

Competitive paid employment is offered through specific contracts with area employers. Program staff transports and supervises participants in these settings.

Youth Transition to Adult Programs

This service focuses on assisting transition-aged students, 17-22 years of age, to learn vocational skills and achieve successful employment after exiting school. Students develop vocational skills to ease the transition from school to work. This program is a collaboration between DARS and area school districts.

For more information on this program contact Kim Frederick-Brown, Opportunity Center Program Director, at (281) 838-4477, ext. 164. For information on how you can support this program by making a tax deductible contribution contact Jerry Cates, Director of Development, at (281) 838-4477, ext. 331.