Opportunity Village’s (OV) Community Impact Assessment is in and the numbers are staggering. The study, performed by Hobbs, Ong & Associates, found that OV has a positive economic impact on Southern Nevada, employing nearly 1,000 workers and caregivers. It was found that OV reduces the demand for public health and human services, saving tax payers millions of dollars. OV also decreases the demand for state and local services and has a significant societal impact, changing the lives of those in the disabled community.
Economic Impact
OV employs close to 1,000 people and pays approximately $11.8 million in wages and salaries to Southern Nevada workers. It is estimated that OV generates a total of $25.3 million in combined business activity right here in the state.
OV Reduces Demand for Public Health and Human Services
As a service provider to area residents living with severe intellectual disabilities, OV supports these services by the work-related activities of the individuals participating in the program and by the generosity of donors. Without OV, the state and local government would be left to supply the funding and resources for these services – costing taxpayers at least $8 to $9 million annually.
Demand for State and Local Services Reduced by OV
In the absence of services providing opportunities to those living with severe intellectual disabilities, it is likely that state and local governments would realize increased costs for homelessness, poverty, health care and criminal justice.
Societal Impact
OV has touched the lives of tens of thousands living with severe intellectual disabilities in Southern Nevada and has also brought the community together for a meaningful purpose – making strides toward reducing the stigma associated with intellectual disability.
“We are excited about the data. It reinforces the importance of the work that is done here at OV. The thing we are most proud of is that Opportunity Village pays nearly $3 million a year to people with severe disabilities who many in our community think are unemployable,” said Linda Smith, OV chief development officer. “We are 80 percent self-funded and it is important that we spread the word about the positive impact it has on the community in hopes that the community and government will pour its efforts and resources back into our cause.”
OV is in the midst of raising funds to break ground on the Southwest Campus of Opportunity Village. Currently, there is a waiting list of more than 200 disabled individuals awaiting their time to join OV. Considering the rate at which the Las Vegas population grows, it is estimated that 80 people with disabilities per month move to the area with their families. Studies have also shown that as the general population ages, there will be less government funding available to support social programs, which is why it is important that OV acts now building endowments to support these vital services.
Founded in 1954 by seven families who wanted the best for their children with disabilities, Opportunity Village is a private, not-for-profit, 501 (C) 3 organization. OV serves people in our community with intellectual disabilities, to enhance their lives and the lives of their families. It provides vocational assessment and training, supported and independent employment, therapeutic day services, advocacy, art enrichment and social programs to people who have few other options in their lives. Today, OV serves over 3,000 people with disabilities and provides a paycheck to those who, many believe, are unemployable. Through the programs and services offered by OV, people with disabilities live dignified, productive and socially connected lives.
Opportunity Village
Headquarters
6300 West Oakey Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89146
Office: 702-259-3700
Fax: 702-259-3734