Gary Mitchell, President/CEO of Opportunity Enterprises, Inc in Valparaiso, 
has received the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities’ (INARF) Chairman’s Award, an annual honor given to an outstanding executive/administrator in the field of rehabilitation services.
The award was presented in Indianapolis on March 10 during the 2010 INARF Annual Conference for Indiana professionals serving persons with disabilities. The presentation coincides with Disability Awareness Month in Indiana.
Mitchell has accomplished many successes since entering the disability field in 1985, and has helped Opportunity Enterprises grow from a small group to a large facility that now serves more than 1000 individuals.
Over the past decade, Mitchell has been a leader and innovator among non-profit leaders. He has continued to pursue innovative and creative ways to provide quality services to individuals with disabilities through three social enterprises: Secure Shred Document Destruction, Simply Amazing Market, and ServiceMaster by OE Janitorial Services. These enterprises are staffed by individuals with disabilities and provide employment opportunities while generating revenue for additional programming.
Mitchell, who is planning to retire in July, is currently working on an extensive vision called Lakeside Opportunities. In 2007, Opportunity Enterprises purchased a lodge building and 158 acres surrounding Lake Eliza to build this new venture. Lakeside Opportunities will be a community where individuals of all abilities are accepted and supported-through day programs, employment opportunities, and residential services. Mitchell is working to ensure Lakeside Opportunities becomes a model of service provision that will resonate with family, caregivers, and services providers of adults with disabilities throughout the country.
Opportunity Enterprises is a not-for-profit organization that creates sustainable life choices for individuals with challenges and disabilities. Since 1967, OE has provided quality employment, enrichment, and residential services for individuals with developmental disabilities. More than 1,000 children and adults throughout Northwest Indiana receive services on an annual basis.
Photo Caption – (L-R) Jim Hammond, INARF President; Gary Mitchell, Opportunity Enterprises President/CEO; Pat Cockrum, INARF Board Chair