Opportunity Village is a 100% local Las Vegas not-for-profit organization, raising 80% of its own annual $11 million operating budget wile continuing to be self-sufficient. Economic impact studies show that it has saved Nevada’s taxpayers almost $1 billion in its fifty year history (Ed Guthrie, Opportunity Village Executive Director.) It serves people with intellectual disabilities and has been for 54 years. This charity helps them by providing them with vocational training, employment for future jobs, and social recreation services that make their lives much more and fulfilling. There are a variety of programs and services they carry. Many individuals in our city raise awareness and much needed funds to support the very special people they serve.
Opportunity Village Fundraiser
Some of the benefits the disabled have are long term work experience. It’s common that short-term job placements that come today and gone tomorrow. Instead, Opportunity Village has commodities and services through negotiations with local businesses. These businesses are effective and can help even people with severe disabilities get long-term stable employment. Usually, this is their only vocational option.
Celebrities like Siegfried and Roy help out with events. Taken with OV Staff- Caesars Palace
At this organization, they get a lot with vocational training and employment programs. The disable have a chance to develop important job skills that offer a variety of opportunities for higher placement for each person. With the learning experience they get, they grow and enhance their abilities. Some are able to grasp new assignments and eventually get to higher levels of difficulty. With the classes and important vales they learn, it prepares them for more jobs, whether it be within Opportunity Village Work Centers, or at other jobs throughout the community.
Furthermore, Opportunity Village has paid over 2.5 million in wages to people in the community who are known to be unemployable. Having done this, it allows people with significant disabilities to be independent, self-sufficient and more involved and productive in the community. Donations come from cash gifts, deferred gifts, real estate, appreciated securities, and in kind gifts. Here is a link to how there 990 form works.
Document Shredding is done there. They provide document destruction services to leading banks, gaming properties, small businesses and government entities. They wanted to become the best in the industry. Nonetheless, they agreed with the demands of the National Association of Information Destruction (NAID), they accomplished their standards and became Nevada’s leading document destruction facility.
They have numerous events being held throughout the year. One of the most popular events that take place every year is called the Magical Forest, which operates nightly. They have million of lights, festive displays on the entire campus, new attractions and exciting rides for kids. Check out their calender for upcoming events.
I had a chance to interview Holly Spoor, Resource Development Director. She answers questions having to do with the organization and talks about celebrities that have contributed. This is what she had to say…
Overall, year after year they are proud to be honored as Las Vegas’ favorite charity in the RJ’s “Best of Las Vegas” reader poll. With your contribution you will keep everything secure and stable for the future of Opportunity Village and leave a lasting legacy for many years to come.
Below is an inspiring video of a girl named Dana whos life changed forever after being in a serious car accident. Her family turned to Opportunity Village when she became disabled.
