Opportunity Enterprises : Servicing People With All Types of Disabilities : Northwest Indiana

Internships

Internships are available to university students in the following departments within OE:

Organizational Advancement Department - Marketing & Public Relations Majors
Social Services Department - Social Work Majors
Enrichment Division - Social Work, Art & Music Majors

All internships need to be applied for through Cathy Kuchenmeister, Volunteer and Internship Coordinator. Please contact Cathy via email at Cathy.Kuchenmeister@oppent.org or (219) 464-9621, ext. 283.

Process involves interview and tour of organization, completion of application, background check and TB test.

Volunteer Opportunities

There are many opportunities to get involved as a volunteer at Opportunity Enterprises. We look for exceptional people to help with clients, clerical assistance and special events.

Whether you are looking for a one-time event or an on-going commitment, we work hard at making a perfect match – for our volunteers and our clients – to create a meaningful experience for all.

In seeking the perfect match we start the volunteering process by asking all volunteers to complete an application. Once paperwork is processed and approved, you will then be invited to take a tour of the agency. We work hard to find the right fit and to welcome you as a part of our team.

There are special events that provide one-time commitments and we also have on-going, regularly scheduled commitments for volunteers.

Our special events are a lot of fun, a great way to help out and even a time for friends to get together to help a great cause.

Our largest one-day event is our Pack-A-Thon. Held each September we pull together 800+ volunteers to pack the 45,000 bags for The Bank of America Chicago Marathon. This event is great for groups and individuals alike.

If interested contact Cathy Kuchenmeister, Volunteer and Internship Coordinator, via email at Cathy.Kuchenmeister@oppent.org or (219) 464-9621, ext. 283.

Best Buddies
The Best Buddies Valparaiso University/Opportunity Enterprises chapter is a member of the national organization of Best Buddies designed to develop friendships between college students, and challenged individuals. The students and consumers come together and plan activities based on their shared interests. The VU students are asked to make weekly phone or e-mail contact with their OE buddy, and to meet once on an individual basis, and once with all the pairs on a monthly basis. More information regarding the Best Buddies program may be found through the Valparaiso University Chapter of Best Buddies or the Best Buddies International websites.