Opportunity Enterprises could come to aid of troubled Porter County Animal Shelter

VALPARAISO | Porter County officials are exploring the possibility of having Opportunity Enterprises lend a hand at the troubled animal shelter.

The two groups recently held a brainstorming session, which so far has resulted in the potential of using OE's commercial janitorial service to assist in cleaning the shelter south of U.S. 30 along Ind. 2, OE President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Trowbridge said.

In addition to helping the county, the proposed partnership also could benefit the clients of OE, a nonprofit organization that employs nearly 400 people and serves more than 1,000 children and adults with disabilities throughout Northwest Indiana each year.

"For example, when our consumers are able to use their skills to serve others, they gain a sense of independence, more responsibility and greater self-esteem," Trowbridge said.

"Also, community-based employment allows our consumers to meet people, make new friends and build networks — allowing a greater sense of belonging," he said. "And, given our consumer workforce, we would be able to provide more one-on-one attention to individual animals, thereby increasing their care and better meeting their needs."

Trowbridge said there also was discussion with the county about the possibility for therapy dog training to serve clients from OE and others with disabilities.

The proposed partnership offers a further benefit of opening up new philanthropic funding opportunities, he said.

Porter County Council member Laura Blaney, who serves on the newly formed shelter advisory board, said she feels the proposed partnership would be a good start.

"It's such an overwhelming problem at this point," she said of the shelter, "more has to be done."

The commissioners also have proposed having a veterinarian visit on a regular basis to determine which animals need to be euthanized at the no-kill shelter and hiring a consultant to identify shelter needs, Blaney said.

Trowbridge said the county and OE still have much research to do to make sure the move would be in the best interest of OE and its clients, the county and its taxpayers, and the shelter and its animals.

While not part of the recent brainstorming session, the idea has been floated in the past of the county moving its animal shelter a short distance north on Ind. 2 to the former Fetlas building owned by OE, he said.