On December 7, 2012, Opportunities Unlimited of Erie (OU) held its annual Holiday Recognition Luncheon.
Following a welcome by
“Opportunities Unlimited of Erie has had a great year,” declared Sawtelle. “The reputation we have with community employers is fantastic, and I couldn’t do my job without the great work and dedication of all our OU employees.”
Luncheon attendees numbered more than 75, and also included OU staff, executives and members of the OU board of directors.
Congratulations to Joe Turano who was one of five individuals receiving the Spirit of Courage award from the Sisters of Saint Joseph on October 2, 2012. Turano's family, friends and coworkers from Opportunities Unlimited of Erie and from Stairways Behavioral Health attended the event, to support and celebrate with him during the award ceremony.
Recipients were selected based on nomination narratives submitted by friends, families and co-workers describing how each individual has shown remarkable courage, whose story serves as an inspiration to others. Hundreds of submissions were judged by a panel, and Turano was one of only five recipients selected for the award.
As Turano's nominators described in his narrative, despite his daily struggle with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, his joy never wavers. He is an inspiration to each and every life he touches at Opportunities Unlimited and Stairways, and also in his personal life to his family and to his son.
Turano contends that, “God gives us a hand to play. We pray to make good choices. Life is all in the choices made and in how we play our hand.”
Although he has faced multiple and complex challenges, he has never chosen to give up or give in. Most importantly, Turano never loses HOPE.
Joe, we are so proud of you!!!
(Pictured above: Kathleen Horan, Tom Kirkwood, Joe Turano, Jennifer Poulson, Jeanne Daugherty, David Sawtelle)
Community service is a valued tradition at Erie Insurance. ERIE’s founder, H.O. Hirt, had a lifelong concern for others less fortunate. Through the years, Erie Insurance and its Employees and Agents have continued H.O. Hirt’s tradition of giving by generously supporting the communities where they live and work.
In August 2012, Erie Insurance awarded funding through their Giving Network to help further the mission of Opportunities Unlimited as we develop new employment positions in our Specialty Floor Care line of business.
On behalf of the new employees in this business line, we thank Erie Insurance for this opportunity.
Opportunities Unlimited of Erie was named 2010 Employer of the Year from the Meadville-based Journey Center.
The Journey Center is a place for individuals who have been socially and vocationally disabled by mental illness to receive help building the confidence and skills necessary to lead productive and satisfying lives.
"We are pleased and pleasantly surprised about this award. Everyone at Journey has given us their best in helping us accomplish our goals," said Wayne Howard, manager of contracts and employment for Erie-based Opportunities Unlimited.
"It's wonderful to be recognized for providing employment in such a tight job market, giving opportunities to those who might not have had them."
Opportunities Unlimited of Erie has formed partnerships with numerous businesses throughout Erie, providing employees and contract services, and is excited to expand services into Crawford County.
"We are gratified to receive this recognition from the Journey center, and hope to continue our affiliation with them as we expand our operation in the Meadville area," said Kathleen Horan, director of Opportunities Unlimited of Erie.
The Pennsylvania Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (PARF) is a statewide organization of facilities serving individuals with disabilities. Each year, member organizations gather to honor rehabilitation providers across the state.
Opportunities Unlimited of Erie was awarded the 2010 Rehabilitation Agency Recognition Award, for outstanding achievement in the development of an exemplary program of service for individuals with disabilities.
Opportunities Unlimited of Erie received special commendations for having provided a service to a special group of persons with disabilities who previously have not received services, and for having developed a technique which has the possibility of being replicated in other rehabilitation programs.
Kathleen Horan, Director of Opportunities Unlimited of Erie, as well as members of the OU board of directors and the entire OU team of professionals attended the conference, with Horan accepting the award from PARF President, Gene Bianco.
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