OE Cafe opens in Valparaiso Family YMCA

Opportunity Enterprises and the Valparaiso Family YMCA recently opened the new OE Cafe.

The YMCA partnership is one of many that OE counts on to provide opportunities for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Our mission at OE is to create inclusive and equitable opportunities for people of all abilities,” Samahon said.

The two organizations are partnering to bring snacks like coffee, Frozen Garden smoothies, Do Goodies popcorn and healthy food choices to YMCA members and guests.

“By combining exceptional service, inclusive workforce development and strong community ties, OE Café and Opportunity Enterprises aim to create a financially sustainable business that benefits employees, customers and the broader Northwest Indiana Region,” said Neil Samahon, president and CEO of OE.

OE will host the cafe's ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m. May 4 at Valparaiso Y at 1201 Cumberland Crossing Drive.

OE's enterprises, which include the cafe, SecureShred, Clean Team and Do Goodies, help support the Valparaiso-based disability services organization. They also provide opportunities for people of all abilities.

The OE Cafe is open 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The YMCA said in a Facebook post that “this cafe represents a shared commitment to inclusion, opportunity and belonging.”

Opportunity Enterprises employs about 400 staff, who serve more than 1,000 people each year. Learn more about OE's mission at oppent.org.

Author

  • Heather Pfundstein 2024
    Publisher/Executive Editor - Linker Media Group

    Heather Pfundstein is the publisher and executive editor of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine and NWIndianaBusiness.com. She is an award-winning journalist with more than 25 years of experience in Northwest Indiana and northern Illinois newsrooms. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She has been part of the magazine's team since 2018.

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