Being Oregon’s only statewide nonprofit membership organization representing and supporting charitable nonprofits of all sizes, geographic locations, and missions across the state, NAO is excited to spotlight nonprofit members, share their success stories and exciting news, and raise awareness of their cause and the impact these amazing nonprofits make in our communities.  

Living Opportunities Inc., located in Ashland, Oregon, has been a member of NAO since 2010, and we are excited to feature their organization this month!  

Established in 1974, their mission is to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live in the same neighborhoods, work for the same employers, and share in the same experiences to which we all aspire. 

We had the pleasure of catching up with CEO/Executive Director Amber Robles Myre and were astonished to learn that Living Opportunities Inc. just celebrated their fiftieth anniversary!  

Over the last fifty years, Living Opportunities has worked incredibly hard to create a welcoming community that embraces individuality and passionately supports and empowers people. A few highlights from their incredible tenure:  

  • Fairview Closure: They helped champion the closure of Fairview, Oregon’s state institution, advocating for community-based alternatives. 
  • Supported Living Model: They pioneered a supported living model, enabling independence and community integration.
  • Employment Transformation: They transformed employment services, creating diverse, equitably compensated jobs for individuals with disabilities and assisting other agencies in doing the same. 
  • Ending Sub-Minimum Wage: They fought for fair wages and provided career counseling statewide, ending sub-minimum wage practices. 
  • Innovative Technology: They harnessed assistive technology to enhance services, communication, and independence for those supported. 

When the organization first started five decades ago, the landscape for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities looked far different than it does today. You can learn more about their incredible history by watching this news clip on KOBI.  

When asked what Living Opportunities current needs are, support for their $50 for 50 fundraising campaign and volunteers for their program The Studio were among them. Donors can contribute to this important work and celebrate their 50th anniversary by donating $50 at https://livingopps.org/donate/. In addition, The Studio at Living Opportunities hosts workshops in painting, music, and other art forms designed to be accessible for all community members, including those experiencing disabilities. They are constantly seeking volunteers for the program. Whether helping with guitar and keyboard lessons, offering artistic advice, or simply engaging in friendly conversation, you will find volunteering at the Studio at Living Opportunities is an incredibly rewarding experience. Even if you can’t carry a tune, or your self-portrait looks like a smiley face, don’t hesitate to join! Artistic experience is not necessary. If you ever find yourself in the area, we encourage you to stop by The Studio where art is available for purchase. The Studio is located within the Rogue Valley Mall in Suite #1027, just inside entrance #3 (the downstairs entrance next to Macy’s). 

We are so grateful to Amber and her leadership staff for attending NAO’s Oregon Nonprofit Leadership Conference year after year, and it is always a pleasure seeing their organization participate in our regional trainings as part of the Rogue Valley Nonprofit Network.   

 

Thank you to Amber for her time and all the work Living Opportunities does to make our community a more welcoming and inclusive place. If you ever run into Amber or her team, be sure to say “hi” and congratulate them on their fifty years!