Forty years ago, the pediatricians took Myron Knauff aside. “Mary is a mongoloid. We urge you to consider placing her in the state hospital at Muscatatuck.” Those were the times—that was the best medical advice. But in the car, idling in the driveway of the state hospital, Myron and Miriam turned the car around to bring Mary home. That was just not the place for her. On that hot August day in 1958, the Knauffs took a deep breath—both relieved by their choice and scared. There must be other families like theirs who believe that every child deserves to live, learn, and grow into adulthood—developing their abilities, stretching their potential, seeking opportunities. They and other families like them started our journey.

From our humble beginnings, teaching ten children with developmental disabilities in a tiny, church basement in Valparaiso, Indiana, Opportunity Enterprises has grown into an organization that changes the lives of more than 1,000 individuals with disabilities throughout our region.

We serve people with Autism, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, traumatic brain injuries, severe physical and mental disabilities, Alzheimer’s, dementia, loss of limbs, and other challenges. We care for and support people from birth to death, literally from infancy and young adulthood through the twilight years as senior citizens.

We help people learn, live independently, and work.
Now is a unique time to get involved in a new way...