Our Story

Who Are We?

Opportunities Inc. is an organization of dedicated, committed people who believe in the promise and potential of children and adults with disabilities. We strive to build a community where each person belongs; where each person is accepted, welcomed, and given the chance to participate in the community, regardless of disability.

We strive to positively affect the quality of life for children and adults with any kind of disability. In an effort to recognize and respect the uniqueness of each person, we provide stable and accepting programming and living arrangements that meet individual preferences.

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Mission

The mission of Opportunities, Inc. is to provide developmental and support services which empower individuals in attaining a full life in the community.

Vision

To be the premier provider, advocate and leader in creating a community which recognizes the value and abilities of all.

Values

In fulfilling our mission, we are guided by a commitment to excellence, respect and compassion, and integrity and accountability.

Creating Opportunities.

You have the opportunity to help change peoples’ lives. From therapies, school readiness, family support, nutritious meals to transportation, your gift will assist individuals in attaining a fuller life in our community.

Our History

1966 - Texarkana Special Education Kindergarten

Opportunities opens a part-time kindergarten for children with disabilities at the First Presbyterian Church Building.

1975 - Main Campus

Opportunities raises $1 million to build its own campus with four buildings and a pavilion on land deeded to them at 6101 North State Line Ave., Texarkana, TX.

1980 - Business Opportunities

Opportunities leases a facility in downtown Texarkana to begin a work-training program for adults with developmental disabilities.

1981 - Housing Opportunities Residential Services

Two group homes and individual apartments for developmentally disabled adults constructed. Adjacent to this complex, Opportunities builds an independent living complex for seniors.

1982 - In-Home Early Intervention Program

An innovative program for infants with developmental delays begins.

1989 - Meadow Brook Place

Opportunities opens a residential living complex of 61 apartments for active seniors at an off-site campus. Destroyed by a flood in 1998.

1990 - Housing Opportunities/ICFMR B

Constructs an intermediate care facility for adults with developmental disabilities who have regular medical needs.

1997 - Master Site Plan

The Board of Directors approves a Comprehensive Master Plan for a Renovation and Construction Project.

1998 - 100% Giving

Every member of Opportunities Board of Directors, Opportunities Foundation Board, and Staff contributes to the $7 MM campaign to implement the new Master Site Plan.

2000 - Shared Opportunities Campaign

Opportunities reaches the goal of the $7 MM capital campaign. Ten adjoining acres of land are donated. Community Celebration. M.L. James Construction Company contracted.

2001 - Early Head Start

Opportunities opens a new Early Head Start facility to serve infants and toddlers from low income families.

2002 - Celebration and Dedication

Community, staff, children, and adults dedicate facilities on the Main Campus, September 19th.

2003 - Senior Day Center

Program begins serving adults who have medical needs in a newly constructed facility.

2009 - Early Head Start Expansion

ARRA funds enabled EHS to expand the Center-based program to include 8 additional children and start a Home-based program.

2010 - Wellness Trails

Community, staff, children and adults dedicate the Wellness Trials on the Main Campus.

2011 - ECI Expanded To 7 Counties

Bowie, Camp, Cass, Morriss, Franklin, Titus and Red River

2012 - T.L.L. Temple Foundation

Awards funds for purchase of land adjacent to Main Campus

2014 - Therapy Center

Dorothy Sue Patterson Therapy Center Opens

2016 - 50th Anniversary

Celebrating 50 Years of Opportunities

2018 - Playground Renovation

Fully funded by private foundations, Opportunities’ Foundation Board, and Angels of Opportunities Guild

2019 - Scouts with Disabilities

Opportunities, Inc. charters “Scouts with Disabilities” Troop 6101

2020 - T.L.L. Temple Foundation Grant

T.L.L. Temple Foundation provides $280,000 grant for Business Enterprises Work Program that provides participants jobs in business services, horticulture, and creative arts.”