by Peter Bodley
Managing editor

Opportunity Partners has moved its Anoka County operation from Blaine to Coon Rapids.

An open house at the agency's new location at 3351 Coon Rapids Blvd. took place Nov. 9, as well as a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce.

Opportunity Partners, a non-profit organization serving adults with disabilities, has 31 Twin Cities area locations.

The Anoka County office provides residential services to 100 people who live on their own or with family members and employment services to another 35 clients in such areas as job skills training, placement and support in the workplace.

Residential options offered by the Anoka County office are Semi-Independent Living Services (SILS) and In-Home Waiver (IHW).

SILS typically provides 13 hours or less a week to the person, who must be able to financially support their housing expenses, as well as demonstrate self-advocacy and survival skills.

The In-Home Waiver program provides up to 24-hour support from an off-site location to individuals who must be able to financially support their housing expenses and be eligible for medical assistance or be a current recipient.

The 35 clients who receive employment services through the agency's day training and habilitation program are transported to and from the office and their workplace in the community or to a community setting where they take classes taught by Opportunity Partners instructors.

Employment options range from supported employment teams, which include an on-site supervisor, to independent em- ployment.

In addition, the day training and habilitation program offers social activities to promote community involvement for its clients.

According to Tim Crumley, director of the Anoka County office, Opportunity Partners moved into its new space in September.

The 5,000 square feet is larger than its previous site in Blaine, more spacious, has natural light and is closer to the community resources the agency uses.

Opportunity Partners opened its Anoka County office in Blaine in 1994 and initially offered only residential services, according to Dam Mulder, program manager.

The day training and habilitation training program was added in 2001. It has two managers, five instructors and two service planners at the Coon Rapids office.

There are 21 employees in Coon Rapids to staff the residential options program.

The move to larger quarters represents a "big day for our programs and our clients," Crumley said.

"It is key to us expanding both the quality and size of our services."

Crumley spoke of the teamwork between Opportunity Partners and Anoka County social services in delivering its programs.

"This has been a positive experience for a long time," he said.

Established in 1953, Opportunity Partners provides personalized employment, housing and educational opportunities to 1,300 individuals with developmental disabilities, brain injury, autism and other special needs at its Twin Cities area sites.

More information about Opportunity Partners in Anoka County is available by calling 763-717-2960 (residential services) or 763-792-4581 (employment services).

The agency also has a web site at www.opportunitypartners.org.

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