Opportunity Enterprises (OE) proudly recognized its 2025 Celebration of Achievement on Thursday, October 23, at Avalon Manor, honoring fourteen exceptional individuals and organizations whose dedication and impact embody OE’s mission to create inclusive and equitable opportunities for people of all abilities.
The annual event, emceed by OE Board Chair Beth Casbon, spotlighted the people who make OE’s work possible; clients, staff, volunteers and community partners. Each honoree was recognized for their outstanding contributions to OE’s programs and the broader community.
2025 Celebration of Achievement Honorees (Photo taken by OE’s Digital Media Specialist)
This year’s Champion Award winners included:
- John Freyek, Jeanne Baird Volunteer of the Year (Sponsored by Worthington Steel)
- Caleb Houston, Jessica Wolfe Direct Support Professional of the Year
- Everwise Credit Union, Business of the Year
- Patrice Morris, Social Enterprises Staff of the Year (Sponsored by M.E. Simpson Co., Inc.)
- DwyerOmega, JobSource Partner of the Year
- Ben Dunn, Outstanding Staff Member of the Year (Sponsored by Komyatte & Casbon, P.C.)
Client Award winners included:
- Lucas Fisher, JobSource Client of the Year (Sponsored by Strack & Van Til)
- Emily King, Daily Living Skills Client of the Year
- Paige Coplan, Enriching Possibilities Client of the Year (Sponsored by Steel Cities Steels)
- Rachel Ross, Renewed Horizons Client of the Year
- Patrick Curtis, Career Connections Client of the Year (Sponsored by Lerner & Rowe)
- Cora Phillips, Camper of the Year (Sponsored by Pat Crise)
- Sam Collins, Respite Client of the Year
- Ann Lash, Residential Client of the Year (Sponsored by Jim Jacobsen State Farm and Pickleball Partners)
In his remarks, OE President and CEO Neil Samahon shared a powerful message about the heart of OE’s mission:
“Celebration of Achievement is a testament to the people who make OE possible. Our buildings, buses, and programs are just tools. It's the people who bring them to life. Today we honor those who saw a need, stepped up, and made a difference. Their stories remind us that OE is more than an organization, it’s a family. I congratulate each honoree and thank them for their dedication, compassion, and belief in a more inclusive world.”
The event also featured a special moment of remembrance for OE clients who passed away this year, and a donor match opportunity was announced, allowing new or increased gifts to be matched dollar-for-dollar through December 31, thanks to a generous anonymous donor.
For more information about Opportunity Enterprises, its programs, or how to support its mission, visit www.oppent.org. To learn more about the honorees, follow OE on Facebook or YouTube, to view videos of each award winner.
About Opportunity Enterprises, Inc.
For nearly 60 years, Opportunity Enterprises has worked to create inclusive and equitable opportunities for people of all abilities. OE is in the business of amazing people, with approximately 400 staff nearly 1,400 people each year. For more information, visit oppent.org.