By Michelle Ruschman
Fiona Devenney, the Executive Director of Opportunity Place, knows that one of the best sources of energy in a community is this: Hope. Her team, although small, is mighty, and includes Balon Loften (Associate Director), Felicia Waters (Eligibility Specialist), Gabrielle Loften (Shelter Coordinator), and Jean Day (Youth Services/Volunteer Coordinator). This dedicated group has positioned itself to receive families in Okaloosa and Walton Counties who need an injection of hope when life’s circumstances make it hard to know what to do next, or where to go. Having a background in working at domestic violence shelters and caring for the homeless, Fiona has always been involved in social services. She knows a family doesn’t have to be defined by their circumstances.
“I think that the most important thing to know is that the families we serve were once in their own homes. They were once an intact family unit, had jobs, had vehicles, and had the American dream. And then something happened, whether it was divorce, a death in the family, domestic violence, or they fell into an addiction, lots of reasons bring them here. Our families want to succeed. They want to get back to that hope. Children in our shelter, especially, didn’t have a say about how life would go. That’s why it’s so important for us to give the whole family the dignity they deserve.”
So, how does Fort Walton Beach-based Opportunity Place preserve dignity? By making it possible for families to become self-sufficient again. This means meeting them where they are and taking care of foundational needs, so the family has a place to launch. When a parent knows their family is safe, fed and has shelter, they have the margin to address their challenges and get sustainable jobs, secure additional skills, find their housing and, when needed, address addiction.
“We’re not just a shelter. For example, we offer classes on parenting skills and budgeting. We teach about health and nutrition, life skills, how to write a resume, and do a job interview. Many of our families have endured a lot and have never experienced group living so we also offer classes on coping with group living and trauma. When they’re ready, we also help them with their housing.
We also have an amazing program for our children. Children are resilient, but they need hope, too. We want to help take their fear away so they can excel in education and life. At Opportunity Place, our Case Manager and Youth Services Coordinator partner with the parents to identify what areas might require expert intervention and get to the resources that best meet the needs of the child.”
What is unique about Opportunity Place is that it allows the family to define what a family consists of, not just mother and child. They include men and grandparents who have custody of children. To keep everyone safe, there are cameras throughout the three buildings, except for the sleeping areas where each family stays together, that make up Opportunity Place. Two of the buildings serve as housing with laundry facilities and bathrooms and the third includes a kitchen, dining and additional common areas. All in all, 43 beds throughout the different bedrooms can accommodate various sizes of families.
Each room has bunk beds and/or full and twin-size beds, and can also include space for infants when needed. In the first 30 days, a family can reset. They work with staff to figure out what their unique needs are so resources can start being built. Employment must be secured in that first month if the family wants to continue to stay up to the 90 days allowed. In those 90 days, the goal is for the family to become independent enough to move into their own housing, and Opportunity Place is there every step along the way.
So, how can a community invest in its own health? By supporting organizations like Opportunity Place. In addition to donating supplies, funds and volunteer time, another fun and meaningful way is to join them at their fundraiser, the Harlem Nights Casino Affair, on October 4th, 2024. This marks 16 years of providing shelter to families and the event will be held from 6 – 10 p.m. at The Island Resort in Ft. Walton Beach at 1500 Miracle Strip Parkway Southeast. This incredible night will consist of gaming tables, champagne and hors d’oeuvres, music by Boukou Groove, dancing, live and silent auctions, and a photo booth by Epic. Each ticket is $100 and that provides you with $500 worth of casino bucks to use at the event! For those who want to stay the night, special room rates are also being offered. If you aren’t able to make the event, consider becoming a sponsor of this fun night of hope-building and celebration. For event details, donation opportunities and sponsorship information contact fiona@opifwb.org, call 850-865-1950, or visit opifwb.org.
