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Our 2024 Spring Membership Drive is on! Donate now to help feed hungry families in the community!

$100,000 gift to Opportunity Enterprises to help prepare students for occupational therapy careers

Neil Samahon, president and CEO of OE; Robert Reisinger; Marcie Reisinger (seated); Sara Story, Program Director and Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy; Theresa Carroll, Capstone Coordinator and Clinical Associate Professor; Valerie Thill, chief program officer for OE
photo provided by Valparaiso University
Neil Samahon, president and CEO of OE; Robert Reisinger; Marcie Reisinger (seated); Sara Story, Program Director and Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy; Theresa Carroll, Capstone Coordinator and Clinical Associate Professor; Valerie Thill, chief program officer for OE

Helping to train students for the high-demand field of occupational therapy is the goal of a donation to Opportunity Enterprises.

Robert Reisinger, the parent of a longtime OE client, donated $100,000 to boost the organization's partnership with Valparaiso University's College of Nursing and Health Professions. The university says the money will let OE hire a part-time occupational therapist, who'll serve as a mentor and clinical educator for occupational therapy students. That, in turn, gives students a chance to fulfill their required clinical hours.

The funding will let the partnership continue through at least 2026, and OE plans to seek funds to continue it beyond that.

Before joining Lakeshore Public Media, Michael honed his skills as a news anchor and reporter at WKVI/WYMR in Knox, Indiana, and served as a correspondent for the Starke County Leader. Armed with a BA from Valparaiso University, majoring in Digital Media and Humanities with a minor in Spanish, and an MS in Digital Media, Michael brings a wealth of knowledge to his role at Lakeshore.