PERSONIFIED Open Avenues provides employment opportunities

Putts & Pints

Open Avenues Development Director

Tell us about your organization:

We provide employment opportunities to people with disabilities through job training, employment, job placement and transportation services.

We serve people with any type of disability, including intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, head injuries and mental illness. Our goal is to help our program participants in their personal growth no matter what area it is.

■ Mission: To open avenues Sampson Who: Open Avenues

What: Miniature golf tournament, craft beer, prizes

When: Thursday, Sept. 13 Where: Golf Mountain, Rogers Registration: $100 per four-person team

of opportunity for people with disabilities by facilitating personal growth and attainment of vocational goals. ■ Services provided: Life skills training, job skills training, on-site employment, job placement, job coaching, transportation

■ Service area: All of Benton County and parts of Washington County

■ Average number of people served annually: 150-plus

How is your organization’s mission unique? Our mission is unique in the fact that it allows us to fulfill a person’s inner need to achieve a sense of belonging and purpose. By providing meaningful work, we’re doing exactly that.

Why do you work for a nonprofit organization? Do you have a personal connection to the mission? If so, what is it? Our program participants aren’t just coworkers, they’ve become my extended family. We have a connection and depend on each other. They inspire me to work harder. Anytime I’m struggling with getting work done, I just have to step outside my office to see all of those smiling faces, and I’m instantly inspired to do everything I can to help them succeed.

What part of your job fills the most of your time? My job revolves around fundraising, including grant writing, donor cultivation, marketing, event planning and execution. I spend the most time meeting with prospective corporate sponsors because that’s one of our largest funding sources.

What have you learned on the job that you didn’t expect? I’ve learned, that despite any disability, people are capable of achieving amazing things. Above all, a positive attitude is the key to success.

What challenges face your organization? Every nonprofit struggles with funding, and we’re no exception. Northwest Arkansas is one of the most philanthropic regions in the nation, but with so many amazing nonprofits seeking support, it’s a challenge to essentially compete for dollars. Human tendency leans to support children, so it’s sometimes harder to fundraise for adult programs like the ones we offer.

Are there volunteer opportunities in your organization? What are they? We have a robust volunteer program and are always looking for volunteers. Our main volunteer needs revolve around event planning and execution.

What upcoming fundraisers and other events does your organization have planned? Our third annual Putts & Pints miniature golf tournament is Thursday, Sept. 13, at Golf Mountain in Lowell. Teams sold out early this year as it’s always a really fun night. Teams will compete for first place, and one participant will walk away as our putt-off champion with the coveted Mini-Master’s Green jacket.

Next up is Ghouls Night Out on Oct. 25 at Meteor Guitar Gallery. Tickets are on sale now for this Halloween costume contest event. General admission: $50; VIP admission: $65; one.bidpal. net/gno18/ticketing(details: ticketing-summary).

And, a big announcement was just made this week on our plans for a hot air balloon festival Aug. 24, 2019. We’re partnering with Drake Field in Fayetteville for a really incredible funfilled day that will appeal to everyone.