opportunity

Evna Achieved the Opportunity of a Dream

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 17:24:55 GMT

Shemiah's Story

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 17:11:11 GMT

Shemiah was born with a rare disease Ska-Fo-Sey-Fally, a condition in which the head is disproportionately long and narrow. At first Shemiah gave all appearances of being a healthy baby. He was carried to full term and weighed 6 pounds, 3 ounces. He boasted a full head of hair. A haircut revealed his misshapen skull, and the realization that something was terribly wrong with their baby. Shemiah’s doctor immediately sent him to a specialist, who then referred the family to Miami Children’s Hospital.

The diagnosis: Ska-Fo-Sey-Fally. Shemiah underwent corrective brain surgery at the age of 2, and has completed several other rounds of surgery. Since the initial surgery, Shemiah, has been more talkative and active and he attends speech therapy to further his progress. Though acticity is somewhat restricted, he and brother Abishai are partners in adventure.

Shemiah’s illness disabled this family

Shemiah’s father, works in the kitchen at a local restaurant, however, his paycheck barely kept the family afloat. He and his wife shared a single car that provided transportation to work, Shemiah to testing facilities in Miami and both boys to preschool. Shemiah’s mother was unable to work because Shemiah’s condition required regular visits to various doctors.

Opportunity is a village

Through collaboration with other organizations the family was provide support to work through the obstacles of medical expenses, child care, transportation and other basic needs. Through the Palm Beach Post Season to Share Program, a used car was purchased to facilitate the frequent trips to Miami Children’s hospital. Shemiah was provided a one-year scholarship and the family received support to acquire a special bed for Shemiah.

Today Shemiah is a healthy five-year old

Shemiah graduated from Opportunity Early Learning Center in May 2013. He is enrolled and well prepared to enter Kindergarten.

His parents have bounced back. Mom is working and Opportunity was able to facilitate stability in the home while the family worked through the medical and financial hardships.

Patricia's Story

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 17:08:22 GMT

When I came in contact with Opportunity INC. I was living in a transitional housing program for homeless families. My 20 year drug addiction resulted in my homelessness with no financial resources with a baby to care for. Opportunity Inc. accepted my son at the age of 2 ½. This allowed my son to obtain an early education that I would not have been able to afford while I attended the final stages of my 11 month drug treatment program. My son always came home happy, clean and singing songs that he learned in class. He remained there up until he graduated their Pre-k program. During that time I also welcomed a baby girl whom they made room for at 6 weeks old. My little girl remained in the school all the way through pre-k as well. And now wants to go back and read to the classes. Not only did they provide a scholastic education they also worked on emotional health by having them talk out their feelings. They always provided age appropriate stimulation as opposed to just baby-sitting and provided classes for the parents.

To show the benefits of this wonderful early education and stimulation I would like to give an update on my beautiful children. My son Jerome is now 10 years old in 5th grade and his latest report card shows 2 A’s, 5 B’s, and 1 C. He is an avid Boy Scout and will receive the highest honor a scout can receive called “The Arrow Of Light”. In January he will be joining the ‘Young Marines of Palm Beach County’. He wants to become a Veterinarian or be an Animal Cop when he grows up.

My daughter, Victoria, is 6 years old in 1st grade. She has been on the Honor Roll every semester since entering Kindergarten. She is a Brownie in the Girl Scouts and loves to help those in need. During a Turkey drive at her school she donated her allowance.

As for me, I have been drug free for 9 years in March. I am now The Program Coordinator for a homeless program for persons with a disability, giving back every day the same way I was assisted when I was down and out. Victoria says “When I grow up I want to help people just you mommy.”

I want to thank you all for all that you provide, You are truly making a difference in the future of our children.

Roxan's Story

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 16:17:02 GMT

Roxan felt overwhelmed! The single mother of two was trying to balance childcare and school so she could find a stable job that would provide for her two little girls.

Thanks to a scholarship Roxan was able to enroll both her daughters, Reinah and Leliah at Opportunity Early Childhood Education & Family Center. Roxan says that was a turning point in her life.

With quality childcare in place, Roxan was able to focus on getting her degree as a Physical Therapy Assistant and pass her Board Examination. She says the support she received from the staff at Opportunity helped her succeed. Today, Roxan is working full time as a physical therapist assistant.

Leliah and Reinah have graduated from Opportunity. Leliah has tested for the gifted program at her elementary school. Reinah just started kindergarten.

Dannette's Story

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 16:13:56 GMT

Danette Volmy and her son first came to Opportunity in 2009. She had family members enrolled at the school and wanted, then six month old, Damari to have the same positive learning experience.

Having Fun and Raising Funds for Families

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 19:18:07 GMT

Click to see the video here .

Erasing Education Inequality - Palm Beach Illustrated

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 19:14:34 GMT

Erasing Education Inequality - Palm Beach Illustrated

A Hop, Skip, and a Jump: Creating Your Own Sensory Path

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 19:12:17 GMT

What You Need to Know About Creating a Sensory Path at School | Edutopia

New program helping adults improve interaction with kids

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 19:09:01 GMT

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The Forum for Nonprofits - Non-Profit in the Spotlight

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 19:07:00 GMT

Forum for Nonprofits is a radio show designed to provide nonprofit organizations with a valuable public platform for explaining their mission and requesting financial support. Opportunity’s Ali Eger was interviewed by Cara Zimmerman, the host of the show and consultant for the Spirit of Giving Network in Boca Raton. CLICK HERE to listen in to hear about what’s happening at Opportunity and how you can help.

View the article HERE

Fall 2020 Appeal Newsletter

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 20:39:38 GMT

Read the full newsletter here.

Education Center Reopens With New Safety Protocols

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 19:03:55 GMT

Posted at 8:10 AM, Jul 23, 2020 and last updated 9:42 AM, Jul 23, 2020

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Opportunity Early Childhood Education and Family Center in West Palm Beach reopened June 15 after closing during the pandemic.

"A few of the things include of course extra sanitation, protective gear for the staff and the children as appropriate, health screenings at the door," executive director Ali Eger said.

Read the full article and watch the video here

Palm Beach County Nonprofit Distributes Fresh Produce, Diapers, Food to Families in Need

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 19:01:09 GMT

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Spring Newsletter 2020

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 19:42:07 GMT

Read the full newsletter here .

The Opportunity Gala 2020 may be canceled, but it's cochair's rally in support of the organization's mission

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 18:57:35 GMT

opportunity

Evna Achieved the Opportunity of a Dream

Shemiah's Story

Patricia's Story

Roxan's Story

Dannette's Story

Having Fun and Raising Funds for Families

Erasing Education Inequality - Palm Beach Illustrated

A Hop, Skip, and a Jump: Creating Your Own Sensory Path

New program helping adults improve interaction with kids

The Forum for Nonprofits - Non-Profit in the Spotlight

Fall 2020 Appeal Newsletter

Read the full newsletter here.

Education Center Reopens With New Safety Protocols

Palm Beach County Nonprofit Distributes Fresh Produce, Diapers, Food to Families in Need

Spring Newsletter 2020

The Opportunity Gala 2020 may be canceled, but it's cochair's rally in support of the organization's mission

"Escape to the Mediterranean"

Fiji Water Founder's Vision, Donation Helps Kickstart Westgate State-of-the-art Preschool

Meet the Models: Brandie Herbst, Palm Beach

Trek to Raise Money for Opportunity

An Opportunity to Grow

Early Childhood Center Gets a $10 Million Gift

Opportunity Early Childhood Education & Family Center Holiday Luncheon (The Palm Beacher)

Opportunity Early Childhood Education & Family Center Holiday Luncheon (Jupiter Magazine)

Luncheon Spreads Cheer for Charity (Southern Exposure)

Luncheon Spreads Cheer for Charity (The Islander)

A Legacy of Love

Seen Opportunity

"Give back, Get Back" Kicks Off Today

"Give Back, Get Back" at PGA Commons Helps School Kids

"Give Back, Get Back" Event at PGA Commons

PGA Commons Hosts "Give Back, Get Back" Event for Back to School Students

Racing Across America

Down By The Sea Gala 2018

Down By The Sea

Opportunity To Give

Preschoolers Leave Their Mark on Education Center

Gift of Opportunity Tops Holiday Wish Lists

Opportunity to Host Lunch, Shopping Event

Palm Beach's Opportunity Gala

Opportunity Holds Midsummer Night's Dream-themed Fundraiser

Focus is Quality Education for Kids, Families

New Opportunity: Supporters hear about Westgate plans at reception

Opportunity Charity to Break Ground on New Campus