Serving Southwest Wisconsin Together: Three Nonprofits Merge to Enhance Disability Services
Aptiv, Opportunity Center, and Southwest Opportunities Center merge to strengthen services and improve access for people with disabilities across southwest Wisconsin.
LANCASTER / PRAIRIE DU CHIEN / LA CROSSE, Wis. — Three of southwest Wisconsin’s most respected disability service providers are joining forces to expand opportunities and strengthen support for people with disabilities. Aptiv, based in La Crosse, will merge with Opportunity Center in Prairie Du Chien and Southwest Opportunities Center in Lancaster, effective January 1, 2026.
Together, the organizations bring decades of experience and a shared commitment to inclusion, opportunity, and person-centered services. The merger will create a stronger, more sustainable network of disability services, improving access and resources for individuals and families across the region.
“This is an exciting step forward that builds on our deep local roots while opening new possibilities for the people we serve,” said Jenny Felty, President and CEO of Aptiv. “By combining our missions, strengths, and expertise, we can grow, improve, and support one another in ways that wouldn’t be possible alone.”
Key benefits of the merger include:
● Stronger network of support – Combining decades of experience to better serve communities across southwest Wisconsin.
● Expanded services and access – Greater reach, more resources, and enhanced person-centered supports.
● Commitment to local communities – Preserving existing locations and honoring the unique history of each organization.
● Innovation and stability – Positioning the new organization to adapt to changes in funding, workforce needs, and service delivery.
● Continuity of care – All current programs and supports will continue without disruption during the transition.
While the merger will be official at the start of 2026, the full integration will take place over several phases, likely spanning months or years. Throughout the process, the focus will remain on aligning systems and processes in ways that enhance the quality and accessibility of services. By mid-2026, all locations will share the Aptiv name and brand, reflecting our united mission while continuing to serve each community locally.
Each of the three organizations has a long history of service:
● Southwest Opportunities Center has been serving the Lancaster community for decades, offering employment, training, and support for people with disabilities.
● Opportunity Center in Prairie Du Chien has provided community-based programs and opportunities for personal growth since its founding.
● Aptiv, headquartered in La Crosse, delivers a wide range of person-centered services to people with disabilities across multiple counties.
“This merger is about building a future where more people with disabilities have access to the resources, support, and opportunities they deserve,” Felty said. “We are united by the belief that everyone should be able to live, learn, and work in a community that values their contributions.”