This month, the state agency that oversees providers and funding of services for individuals with developmental disabilities is increasing reimbursement rates to help deal with what experts call an employment crisis. 

The Opportunity Center is expecting to receive increased funding from the state that will bump up the starting pay to $15 an hour for direct care. Officials say they are hopeful this will help with the staffing challenges and allow them to serve more people with special needs, like Clark Bruce. 

Watering plants is one of the many things he does at The Opportunity Center, and it's a familiar place for Bruce, who is among more than 80 adults with intellectual disabilities who get vocational training and social opportunities.

“(This place) makes me feel happy,” he said.  

Bruce also does contract work at The Opportunity Center. For example, you can find him filling up baggies with screws — which will get to the hands of construction workers making bathroom partitions — and he gets paid for it. 

The executive director for The Opportunity Center, Kristen Lafferty, monitors and checks the work, and said there is a great need for centers like hers.

“We receive calls every day from families with individuals with disabilities who need a place for their individual to go while they work, or, in fact, just to have the social interaction, to have a meaningful day, to take part in activities and be a part of their community,” Lafferty said. 

The Opportunity Center is the only nonprofit in Kissimmee that offers these types of services, something Bruce said he is grateful for. But Lafferty said taking in more clients is not an option right — there is already a waiting list due to an employee shortage caused, in part, by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Staffing is one issue, and the organization's aging building is another.

Bruce has been coming to The Opportunity Center since 1989 but the nonprofit is much older — it has been running out of the same building for 52 years. 

The Opportunity Center is looking forward to getting $150,000 from the city of Kissimmee to fix up the space. This includes work on the flooring, roof and the HVAC unit.

Lafferty said it’s important for the facility to look nice and have positive vibes as they work on making everyone feel included. 

It’s all part of their broader message about acceptance and compassion.

“We feel it’s extremely important to have all the individuals we serve be a part of the community," she said. "So we try to find various ways to involve them in their community, whether it’s through community outings for social activities or volunteer opportunities like meals on wheels. 

“Or our partnership with Osceola History, where we help clean the Welcome Center … We want the individuals to be out in the community and feel like they’re giving back and they’re active members.” 

As Bruce goes home every day, he leaves behind the signature vibrant butterflies outside of the Center’s colorful building. A symbol of transformation and possibilities for everyone, including himself. 

Anyone looking for more information on employment opportunities, or how to donate to The Opportunity Center, can visit the organization's website.