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Our Story
In 1960, concerned friends and families of the developmentally disabled children in Kay County began a school dedicated to helping those children reach their full potential.
The children grew and flourished, and when education models changed nationally, the organization adapted and continued to serve the disabled with additional programs and services. In 1983, the organization expanded the mission to include residential programs and enhanced the existing vocational programs.
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Today, the Center has over 50 individuals working in group employment, and employment consulting programs. About one third of these individuals participate in the residential program. They live in group homes, community living homes, or in community group homes.
Today, the Opportunity Center also provides therapy services to over 50 children in our community.
Our Mission
To Empower Exceptional Citizens and their Families.
We believe in the inherent potential of every individual. Our mission is to empower people with developmental disabilities to work, live, and learn with dignity and purpose. Through compassionate support, inclusive programs, and community partnerships, we strive to create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We celebrate diversity, promote independence, and foster lifelong learning, ensuring that every extraordinary person we serve can live their life to the fullest, and achieve more than was ever thought possible.
Our Reason
Our Team
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Our Governance
The Opportunity Center Board of Directors govern the Opportunity Center programs. The Board oversees both the vocational and the residential programs available to those with developmental disabilities in Kay County. Meeting monthly, policies governing the programs are reviewed ensuring the best possible programs are offered to our clients. This board also operates one of our two thrift shops in Kay County.
Board of Directors Members:
Stephanie Blum (President)
Johnny Thornburgh (Vice President)
Traci Fluty (Secretary)
Johnny O'Hare (Treasurer)
Caila Huster (Exec Member)
Aimee Snyder
Kahle Goff
Dr. Samual Hague
Casey Pruitt
Kevin Kreger
Christi Neilson
Karly Fagg
Whitney Sundberg
Alisha Herrera
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Ex Officio:
Bob Banta
Julie Grigsba
The Kay County Council for the Opportunity Center owns and governs the property utilized by the Opportunity Center. The Council is also the fundraising and marketing arm of the Opportunity Center. The Council holds an Annual Sponsorship Drive to support the property and hosts the, Father-Daughter Dance fundraising event for capital projects. The Council also operates one of our two thrift shops in Kay County.
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KCC Members:
Bob Banta (President)
Winston Lindsay, III (Vice President)
Cindy Grubb (Secretary)
Cynthia Wilson (Treasurer)
Kim Anderson
Wendy Bond
Barbara Bridwell
Marcia Caudle
Shasta Scott
Ashley Hague
Lindsay Grace
Josh Harbeson
Emily Helling
Patricia Holmes
Jacque O'Grady
Josh Smith
Charlie Yundt
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The Opportunity Center Foundation, Board of Directors oversee the perpetual funding stream from The Opportunity Center Foundation. Established in 1963, the Foundation provides annual operation monies to the Center. The Cherokee Strip Golf Classic, memorials, and estate gifts provide financial support to the Foundation.
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Foundation Board Members:
Suzie Greenwood (President)
Molly Kyler (Vice President)
J.B. Parsons (Treasurer)
Cheryl Snyder
Mark Detten
Danny Head
Jack D. McCarty
Valoyce Musgrove
Kelly Campbell