In a colorful room full of towering shelves that hold books from Dr. Seuss to Dostoyevsky, a peaceful quiet offers an escape from the constant activity of the Opportunity Enterprises workshop. Here in the OE library, a woman with bright eyes and a welcoming smile greets participants looking for a book to read or a movie to watch. Cheri Newell is not only a loyal volunteer in the OE library, but also a part of the OE family. Her daughter, Lindsey, has used OE’s programming for the last 5 years.
“The library is utilized a lot; it gives the participants a place to get away and relax,” said Cheri. “They feel independent by having a place of their own. As a parent of one of OE’s participants, I really find it to be a valuable part of their day.”
Cheri’s daughter Lindsey has been a participant at OE for the last 5 years. When Lindsey was born, the doctors told Cheri that her baby would never walk or talk.
“They told me I should just put her in an institution and forget about her,” said Cheri. “She’s turned those predictions on their heads.”
Not only does Lindsey walk and talk, but she also paints, plays basketball, swims, performs in plays, and cooks.
“Lindsey is very smart,” said Cheri. “She reads at the fourth grade level. Her art is beautiful. She has succeeded so far beyond what anyone would have told us to hope for.”
At OE, Lindsey has the chance to pursue all her interests and makes new friends. She creates and even sells her art at the annual ARTability show. She’s learning to use a computer. She uses the library to find books she wants to read. She cooks in After Hours Activities Club. All around, Lindsey is taking full advantage of the opportunities OE has to offer.
Cheri couldn’t be more proud of her daughter’s accomplishments.
“I’m not only proud; I feel blessed to have her,” said Cheri. “When she was born, it was scary because I didn’t know what to do. But she taught us what to do. She and her brother taught us so much.”
One day when both Lindsey and her older brother Derek were very young, Derek was teasing his little sister the way all siblings banter back and forth. Cheri intervened and told Derek to remember that Lindsey has a disability and to be nicer to her. “Do you want me to treat her like a kid with a disability or like my sister?” Derek asked.
From that moment on, Cheri realized that normalcy is one of the most important things for a child growing up with a disability. She has worked to make sure that Lindsey has as many chances and opportunities as she can while also encouraging Lindsey to push herself and set her own limits.
“I want her not only to be a participant, but a contributor to the world,” said Cheri. “She has so much to offer. I think the number one way to help someone with a disability is to let them be themselves and applaud who they are. Don’t feel sorry for them; celebrate them.”
Lindsey is unabashedly herself. She laughs loudly, smiles genuinely, plays the drama queen, and wholly appreciates her friends and family.
“I love my mom,” said Lindsey. “She takes care of me. She always packs my lunch. I have really great memories of my childhood. I want to be just like my mom.”
Lindsey is looking towards the future. She hopes to get an apartment with her best friend Breanne, who’s been her closest friend since pre-school.
As Lindsey goes out to strike her own path, her family and friends stand beside her. Cared for but still independent, Lindsey’s world is full of opportunities made possible by volunteers like her mom. Volunteers at OE play a critical role in providing the services that enrich participants’ lives. As any parent will tell you, those services - from something as large as housing to something as small as checking out a book - make all the difference.
