Thursday, November 4, 2010

A New Addition

Dawn Wambeke, Executive Director of Advance Opportunities welcomed key partners to the groundbreaking of the nonprofit's new addition in Marshall on Wednesday, October 27, 2010. Advance Opportunities’ mission is to advance the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities through creative community partnerships, vocational training and employment opportunities.

"Our agency provides critical employment, vocational and personal care supports for individuals so that they can thrive and contribute to their community in a way many of us may take for granted," Wambeke said. "Our agency has been providing services for adults with disabilities for over 45 years. Today, as a result of wonderful businesses partnerships, a visionary and dedicated Board of Directors, and a highly committed staff who truly make the magic happen, our agency is thriving and providing work opportunities for 83 adults with disabilities. This addition will not only allow us to expand current work opportunities (both on-site at our facility and in the community), but will allow for the expansion of at least 20 new jobs for the disability community.”

Wambeke noted that this project was made possible only by a tremendous amount of wrap around support from the community including support from the Otto Bremer Foundation, Bremer Bank, Advance Opportunities Board of Directors, USDA, Engan Associates and Sussner Construction.

Advance Opportunities is a bright spot in the Marshall economy as a successful nonprofit with a growing customer and client base. On hand at the October groundbreaking with Wambeke were Advance Opportunities board members, project architect, building contractor, USDA Rural Development representative, as well as Bremer Bank employees. Advance Opportunities received a $170,000 grant award from the Otto Bremer Foundation to support a portion of the agency addition, which will accommodate an expanded work area for clients, as well as a storage space to house contracted work materials.

Lois Schmidt, NRS, Willmar

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