04/26/2022
Shout Out to Shirley Dennert – For completing her DD certification!!!!!!!
Founded in 1983, Opportunity Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit corporation which provides individualized support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Historically, people with disabilities have “experienced” the gamut when considering how society “welcomed” them into their fold, from abandonment to institutionalization, most recently (the last 30 years) acceptance. North Dakota was no different than any other state, relying on a large institution, the Grafton State School for placement of anyone who didn’t fit in, usually due to a developmental
Historically, people with disabilities have “experienced” the gamut when considering how society “welcomed” them into their fold, from abandonment to institutionalization, most recently (the last 30 years) acceptance. North Dakota was no different than any other state, relying on a large institution, the Grafton State School for placement of anyone who didn’t fit in, usually due to a developmental
Operating as usual
Shout Out to Shirley Dennert – For completing her DD certification!!!!!!!
Shout out to Jodi Uran – For keeping such a neat and clean store (Hidden Treasures). We passed health inspection with no tags!
Thank you for all you do!
Shout Out to Julio Montanez – For quick thinking in a panicked state to clear someone’s airway.
Thank You for all you do!
Do you want to build a snowman?!
Harold did!!!☃️
We may be expecting more snow this weekend, but we are enjoying the warmth from the indoor pool in Stanley!
#isitsummeryet
Help us wish DJ a very Happy 28th Birthday!!!
Staff Shout Out to Alyssa Nielsen – For being willing to assist with training.
We are SO thankful for you!
Staff Shout Out to Amy Kulstad – For being willing to assist in another program so that nobody had to miss out.
Staff Shout Out to Kara Alley – For being willing to go work another location with short notice!
We are SO thankful for you!
Who else is wishing for warmer weather?!?!
We sure are!!
Stay Warm and Safe out there!
Staff Shout Out to Misty Conard – For assisting with organizing and setting up the training area.
We are SO thankful for you!
Staff Shout Out to Brianna Westling – For being open minded and thinking of activities the people we support will truly enjoy. And for being willing to assist with training.
We are SO thankful for you!
Staff Shout-Out!!!
John Jacobson – For being willing to change plans at the last minute to help out where needed.
Thank you for all you do!
Duane and Harold had a great over night trip to Bismarck!🚙
Another amazing day of swimming at the Ina Mae Rude Aquatic Center in Stanley!
Causes of microcephaly
There are many potential causes of microcephaly, but often the cause remains unknown. The most common causes include:
infections during pregnancy: toxoplasmosis (caused by a parasite found in undercooked meat), Campylobacter pylori, rubella, herpes, syphilis, cytomegalovirus, HIV and Zika;
exposure to toxic chemicals: maternal exposure to heavy metals like arsenic and mercury, alcohol, radiation, and smoking;
pre- and perinatal injuries to the developing brain (hypoxia-ischemia, trauma);
genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome; and
severe malnutrition during fetal life.
(information from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/microcephaly)
#WorldHealthDay
Microcephaly Key facts:
Microcephaly is a condition where a baby is born with a small head or the head stops growing after birth.
Microcephaly is a rare condition. One baby in several thousand is born with microcephaly.
The most reliable way to assess whether a baby has microcephaly is to measure head circumference 24 hours after birth, compare the value with WHO growth standards, and continue to measure the rate of head growth in early infancy.
Babies born with microcephaly may develop convulsions and suffer physical and learning disabilities as they grow older.
There are no specific tests to determine if a baby will be born with microcephaly, but ultrasound scans in the third trimester of pregnancy can sometimes identify the problem.
There is no specific treatment for microcephaly.
(information from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/microcephaly)
#WorldHealthDay
Key facts: Autism
Autism – also referred to as autism spectrum disorder ̶ constitutes a diverse group of conditions related to development of the brain.
Characteristics may be detected in early childhood, but autism is often not diagnosed until much later.
About one in 100 children has autism.
The abilities and needs of autistic people vary and can evolve over time. While some people with autism can live independently, others have severe disabilities and require life-long care and support.
Evidence-based psychosocial interventions can improve communication and social skills, with a positive impact on the well-being and quality of life of both autistic people and their caregivers.
Care for people with autism needs to be accompanied by actions at community and societal levels for greater accessibility, inclusivity and support.
(information from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/autism-spectrum-disorders)
#WorldHealthDay
Human rights
All people, including people with autism, have the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.
And yet, autistic people are often subject to stigma and discrimination, including unjust deprivation of health care, education and opportunities to engage and participate in their communities.
People with autism have the same health problems as the general population. However, they may, in addition, have specific health-care needs related to autism or other co-occurring conditions. They may be more vulnerable to developing chronic noncommunicable conditions because of behavioural risk factors such as physical inactivity and poor dietary preferences, and are at greater risk of violence, injury and abuse.
People with autism require accessible health services for general health-care needs like the rest of the population, including promotive and preventive services and treatment of acute and chronic illness. Nevertheless, autistic people have higher rates of unmet health-care needs compared with the general population. They are also more vulnerable during humanitarian emergencies. A common barrier is created by health-care providers’ inadequate knowledge and understanding of autism.
(information from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/autism-spectrum-disorders)
#WorldHealthDay
World Health Day is celebrated annually and each
year draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world.
Today we will share information on Autism and Microcephaly!
Stay Tuned!
We had such a blast at Strike Zone in Williston!
Bet you can't guess how many strikes we had!😎
Sensory Table Time!!!!
POLAR PLUNGE® Williston Fact Sheet
Who: Special Olympics North Dakota (SOND), Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special
Olympics, Friends, Family, and the North Dakota community. The Polar Plunge is for any
one who wants participate in an extreme sport and have bragging rights, while supporting
the SOND program and athletes.
What: There are six North Dakota Polar Plunges (Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot
& Williston), organized by Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics North Dakota
in 2022. Participants collect pledges from friends, family, and the community for the opportunity to jump into freezing water. To have the privilege to plunge, participants raise a
minimum of $75, which covers the entry fee and the Polar Plunge first incentive prize.
The Polar Plunge includes a number of fun contests (which are free for participants to
compete in) including the following: Best Costume, Youngest Plunger, Most Money raised
by an Individual, Most Money raised by a Team, Best Belly Flop, and the Golden Plunger
Award for Most Money raised by a Law Enforcement team.
When: Saturday, April 9th
Schedule of Events:
Plunge Registration - 30 minutes be for your plunge time
Polar Plunge begins! - 12:30 p.m.
Plunge awards ceremony / Meal - Immediately following plunge
**Disclosure: Event dates and times are subject to change due to the Coronavirus.
Where: Williston– Spring Lake Park (5906 Ave W)
Why: The Polar Plunge is a nationwide event, organized by the Law Enforcement Torch Run for
Special Olympics as a fundraising and public awareness-building event benefiting Special
Olympics. Its purpose is to raise funds and to further Special Olympics’ mission; to provide
year-round training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for
children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to
develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing
of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the
community.
To Register: www.specialolympicsnd.org
For more information call Special Olympics North Dakota at 701-746-0331 or email
[email protected].
Guinea Pig Love! 🥰
A little late posting these, but we had a great time celebrating St. Patrick's Day!!!🍀🍀🍀🍀
Opportunity Foundation is looking for part time Daycare help! If you love playing with kiddos and want a fun, interactive worksite, stop down at 612 East Broadway for an application.
We would like to say THANK YOU to Terry and Bette for the amazing sensory tables they built for us!!
They are amazing 🤩
Sled Hockey was HUGE SUCCESS!!
Well deserved, Yvette and Zach! Congratulations.
WILLISTON - VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Each month First State Bank & Trust sponsors an outstanding Senior Center Volunteer.
The March spotlight is on Yvette and Zack!
Both Yvette & Zach like to volunteer and Meals on Wheels was suggested by a co-worker. Their favorite part about volunteering is getting to know the people on their route and meeting the Meals on Wheels recipients.
THANK YOU, Yvette & Zack, for contributing your time & your kindness to the Williston community.
Williston Council For The Aging
First State Bank & Trust, Member FDIC
612 E Broadway
Williston, ND
58801
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Opportunity Foundation, Inc. posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to Opportunity Foundation, Inc.:
NDSU Extension - Williams County
Physical Address: Williams County Highway Complex 2nd Floor - 5218 141st Ave NW Williston, ND 58801 Mailing Address: NDSU Extension Williams County, PO Box 1109Williston Police Department North Dakota
223 East Broadway Ste 201Williston Police Department City Pound
223 East Broadway Ste 201Williams County Sheriff's Office, ND
223 E Broadway, Ste 301Williston Economic Development
113 4th Street EastAmerican Legion, Edgar M. Boyd Post 37, Willi
115 1st Ave EastTri-County Regional Development Council
113 - 4th Street East, #101-105Upper Missouri District Health Unit
110 W Broadway, Ste 101Williston Parks and Recreation District
822 18th St EWilliams County Soil Conservation District
1106 W 2nd StreetNDSU Extension - Williams County
Physical Address: Williams County Highway Complex 2nd Floor - 5218 141st Ave NW Williston, ND 58801 Mailing Address: NDSU Extension Williams County, PO Box 1109