By Steve Van Kooten, Courier Press
On Friday, Aug. 8, the Opportunity Center held a banquet recognizing 60 years of service to Prairie du Chien and the surrounding communities.
During the event, Opportunity Center CEO Pam Ritchie announced that the center will be merging with the Southwest Opportunities Center in Lancaster and Aptiv in La Crosse.
“Both organizations have the same dedication to the mission, the same respect for the people that we serve, and the same dedication to move forward and never lose the ability to serve that mission,” she said.
The Center provides employment, habilitation and other service opportunities to people with disabilities through collaborations with area businesses and organizations. Aptiv fulfills a similar role in the La Crosse area and started as the Riverfront Activity Center in 1976.
Before the announcement, Ritchie reflected on the organization’s history and the “uncertainty” over the past decade partially due to managed-care organizations and national insurance companies dictating services.
“The 60 years that we’ve been here have been amazing, but will we be here another 60 years with what we’ve been experiencing over the last ten years? How we move forward is key to serving the people that we love, so we have made a very bold decision. One that has not been taken lightly. One that has been over a year in the works. One that is going to make us stronger. One that is going to give us a better seat at the table and a larger voice,” she said.
Beginning Dec. 31 of this year, Ritchie will no longer be the CEO of the organization. She will still work with the agency as the CEO of Opportunity Enterprises (the warehouse and manufacturing business), and she promised to be “engaged in the transition” with Aptiv and Southwest.
Ritchie also confirmed the Opportunity Center will become a division of Aptiv, with current CEO Jenny Felty assuming the executive role of the amalgamated service provider.
“I’m proud to represent this organization, and I’m proud to join with two very mission-focused organizations who share our values,” said Felty. “I’m very excited for this next chapter for all of us.”
Stacey Hannah, director of people and communications, said, “We are looking forward to a flourishing future. One with new ideas, deeper connections and even greater opportunities for whom we serve.”
“What does the future of the Opportunity Center look like? Well, I can say it’s about the brightest future that I can imagine,” said Ritchie.
Banquet
Ritchie’s announcement capped off a full afternoon that included tours of the center’s various programs and properties, including Cafe Hope, the Unity Adult Day Care and the Sharing Spaces Kitchen; a banquet dinner with musical entertainment by Driftless Magnolias; and an awards ceremony.
Following dinner, the Opportunity Center recognized business partners, former and current employees and community stakeholders who have backed the organization throughout the years.
The Center recognized Culver’s, Walmart, Quality Inn and Suites, Prairie Maison, Huckleberry’s and Walgreens for employing people with disabilities in gainful community jobs.
The Pine Tree Inn was recognized for providing a supportive community environment.
They also recognized the Bargain Boutique and Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter as nonprofit organizations that support the Center’s mission to help their clients learn new skills and practice them in a live environment.
“When you think of Couleecap and the Bargain Boutique, what do you think of? You think of good deals on gently used products providing a service to those in need, and that’s a good assessment,” said Ritchie. “However, if you think of it from the Opportunity Center’s perspective, you think of it as an essential asset providing people living with disabilities an opportunity to train in a volunteer setting.
“Without these partners, we would never be able to place people at Wal-Mart. It’s amazing what this community has done.”
For the animal shelter, Ritchie said, “They provide an essential service for us. We volunteer at the shelter five days a week with different groups of people. They’re learning the responsibility that comes with pet ownership and soft skills… They’re learning the value of volunteering in the community.”
President of the Opportunity Center Board of Directors Nancy Dowling said, “We have to advocate for them. We have to look out for them. I encourage you to keep advocating. When they want to reduce services or change services, appeal it… You don’t always win, but you need to make your voices heard.”
Source: https://pdccourier.com/articles/2025/08/12/opportunity-center-60th-anniversary-begins-new-direction
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Delicious food prepared by Ginger Arms and Michael Douglass
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Community Employment Awards: Walmart, Quality Inn & Suites, Prairie Maison
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Large Crowd in Attendance
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60 Years of making a difference
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60 Years of making a difference
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Jenny Felty, CEO of Aptiv, shares a few uplifting words about the merger and the bright future ahead for all involved
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Jeanine: 47 Years of Service
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Beautiful music was provided by Driftless Magnolias.
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Opportunity Center Board of Directors President, Nancy Dowling, shares memories of our late friend, Kenny, along with words of wisdom and gratitude.
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Sheila: 51 Years of Service
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Nicole, Janet, & Sheila: Coworkers make the best friends
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Patrick & Jackie, owners of The Pine Tree Inn, accepted the Community Partner Award for 'Recognizing the importance of everyone and providing a safe place to belong'. Patrick and Jackie have welcomed our Community Connections group for Thursday evening Bingo at The Pine Tree - going above and beyond to provide a seat at the table for everyone.
