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Supporting persons with disabilities in enhancing their quality of life

Impact Stories Article
Opportunity Resources client painting.

ORI has a straightforward mission:  Supporting persons with disabilities in enhancing their quality of life. Clearwater Credit Union applauds and supports their cause.

Opportunity Resources Client participating in the assisted pottery program.

Working Together Towards Independence

ORI employs over 350 dedicated professionals who support clients in attaining independence in housing, employment, and as many aspects of their daily lives as possible.  This means running residential placement programs, employment training and placement programs, teaching art, and organizing all manner of recreational opportunities.

Opportunity Resources client in wheel chair meeting with staff member.

A Diverse Clientele

ORI serves approximately 1,500 adult clients.  The client population includes individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental illness, physical disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, visual impairments, and disabled veterans.

The Need for Services is Increasing

Despite this impressive history and portfolio of work, ORI serves less than 10% of the total number of people in Western Montana who cope daily with a disabling condition. In some cases, waiting periods for services can run eight years. Closing those gaps is critically important.
Two hands throwing a clay pot on a pottery wheel.

Lending a Hand

Clearwater Credit Union puts its values to work to support ORI in this end goal. The credit union has partnered with ORI for nearly 25 years and has provided a wide range of products, services, and support. Finance has been provided for multiple facility improvements, including the transition of a fleet of vehicles from lease contracts to a more cost-effective ownership status.

The team at Clearwater is always there to help and be a true community partner

Joshua Kenrick

CEO at ORI

When working with Clearwater we have always found a how can we help attitude from everyone on the team. Their willingness to partner comes through at all times. If we are asking for financial solutions for business, personal banking questions, or for volunteers, the team at Clearwater is always there to help and be a true community partner

Making a Difference Together

The day-to-day credit needs of ORI staff are met by way of credit union credit card lines.  And the partnership goes well beyond lending.  ORI client artwork appears in our branches, our team members volunteer at ORI events, and we regularly direct philanthropy support to help meet fund-raising goals.

This story was originally published on January 23, 2019.

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