Twenty years later, on the 50th anniversary of the nonprofit organization that helps people with disabilities, there are 350 clients, 250 staff workers and a budget of $9 million.
"There's just been such a recognition of the ways that people with disabilities can really be part of the community," said Chambers. "The world has changed in a lot of ways for the good for our clients, and that's something we all feel very good about."
"What happened is sort of what happened in schools, as we started to mainstream some students instead of just sticking them in classes by themselves," Chambers said. "For us, that meant moving beyond solely providing sheltered work."
Opportunity still provides sheltered work - where people with disabilities work together under close supervision - but the organization has made significant progress in putting its clients to work all around the community.
People like Bruce Ellefson.
Ellefson is 34, has some learning disabilities and lives with his mother. He had some scrapes with the law as a boy, and then again in early adulthood, but he's turned things around these days, with help from Opportunity.
"I've become much more responsible," Ellefson said last week. "I've learned to be respectful, to respect the rights of others. I'm done getting in trouble."
Instead, Ellefson works as a janitor at the U.S. Forest Service's Aerial Fire Depot. A handful of other Opportunity clients work there, too, and they've developed a camaraderie on the job and some friendships outside it.
"We joke around and have a good time while we learn together," Ellefson said. "And one of the guys and me have gotten to be pretty good friends, so we go out and do stuff together."
Opportunity Resources, which is funded by public grant money, offers its clients a full spectrum of services. Those clients generally come to Opportunity on a referral from a social service agency.
From there, Opportunity provides a wealth of resources.
"We're prepared to help out in just about every element of a person's life," Chambers said. "It doesn't really matter how great the need is, or how small."
For instance, last year Opportunity helped about 60 people find jobs in the community. Another 120 worked for two of Opportunity's divisions - wood products, where workers make survey stakes and pallet parts, and packaging and assembly, where all sorts of work happens, including bulk mail and shredding services.
Another 70 or so people work in crews like Ellefson's group, at places like Missoula City Hall, the federal building and several motels.
"We're trying to match the person up with the best job available, with an eye toward giving the most independent experience we can," Chambers said.
But Opportunity isn't just about jobs. It provides group homes around the community, supported living, social programs for seniors with disabilities. Opportunity also offers art and recreation opportunities, as well as transportation.
"Some people need us for just a little while, while others may be with us for the long haul," Chambers said.
Linda Pearson has had nearly every staff job at Opportunity, so her current job makes perfect sense - she's in human resources, the latest code name for personnel.
Pearson started as an aide 25 years ago and never left.
"I guess I never went away, so they had to find something to do with me," she said with a laugh. "I can definitely talk to the staff about their jobs, because I've probably done just about everything we do as an organization."
When she's evaluating job applicants, Pearson is looking for something special in people.
"I tell them that I can teach them just about anything," she said. "What I can't teach them, and what they have to have, is respect for human life and respect for people's rights. If they didn't get that when they were knee-high, I can't give it to them. That's the bottom line for people who want to work here."
Pearson and Chambers have stayed at their Opportunity jobs for lots of reasons, but one stands out. Interestingly enough, it's a reason embodied in the organization's name.
"I guess I'd say I believe in opportunity," Pearson said. "It's not every job ... that you have the sense that you're doing good. I always have that sense."
So does Chambers.
"There's something about seeing someone realize their potential," he said. "There's a satisfaction for all of us here in knowing that we're playing a role in making that happen. You can just tell that you've done something good."
If they're ever in doubt, they can simply look to Bruce Ellefson's smile.
"I've messed up a good bit, but these people here, I know they care for me, and they are really helping me to be a better person," he said. "They're very good people."
Reporter Michael Moore can be reached at 523-5252 or at mmoore@missoulian.com
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