Opportunity Center of Owensboro

08/25/2026

🍔🎉 The Bayou Burger is BACK... THIS FRIDAY! 🎉🍔

You asked... and we listened! One of Burger Week's biggest hits is making its return at this year's WBKR Yard Party, and you won't want to miss it.

On Friday, August 28th, our friends from Atmos Energy's Cooking Team are teaming up with Pinocchio's Deli and our incredible Pre-ETS crew to serve up the fan-favorite Bayou Burger as a fundraiser benefiting the Opportunity Center.

🗓️ Friday, August 28th
🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 WBKR's Front Lawn
🍔 Burger Sack Lunch – $10
Includes: Pinocchio's Signature Bayou Burger, Chips, Cookie, & Drink
🔥 Pinocchio's Signature Bayou Burger

A seasoned beef patty featuring our secret Cajun spice blend, topped with house-made Bayou Sauce, melted Monterey Jack cheese, sautéed peppers and onions, and crunchy pickles. It's the burger that had Owensboro talking during Burger Week—and it's back for one day only!

Even better? 100% of the proceeds will directly support the programs and services of the Opportunity Center, helping individuals with disabilities build vocational skills, independence, and endless possibilities for the future.

Mark your calendars, invite your coworkers, and plan to grab lunch with us! Whether you're a returning Bayou Burger fan or trying it for the first time, this is one lunch you won't want to miss.

🌐 www.oppctrobky.org

08/24/2026

💼 Workforce Spotlight: Meet Andrew Payne
Supported Employment Specialist

Finding a job is an important milestone—but having the right person in your corner can make all the difference.

As a Supported Employment Specialist, Andrew Payne works alongside individuals to discover their strengths, build workplace skills, explore career opportunities, and pursue employment goals that are meaningful to them.

But Andrew's work doesn't stop with the job seeker. As a dedicated Chamber Ambassador, he builds relationships with local businesses and community partners, advocates for the individuals he serves, and works to create more inclusive workplaces throughout our community.

Andrew helps job seekers connect with employers and resources, navigate workplace expectations, and build confidence as they work toward employment. He understands that Supported Employment isn't simply about finding a job—it's about finding the right fit, where an individual can contribute, grow, and feel valued.

For families, Andrew is another trusted person in their loved one's corner—someone invested in their goals, independence, and success.

And then there's Andrew outside of Vocational Services... 🎧 DJ Yondell!

Between building employer connections and advocating for his clients, Andrew also keeps the Opportunity Center's events moving with some of the best playlists around. From celebrations to community events, DJ Yondell is our resident bringer of the fun!

We're incredibly grateful for the energy, advocacy, and heart Andrew brings to our team. His work helps create connections, confidence, opportunity, and a more inclusive workforce.

📞 Interested in Vocational Services or Pre-ETS?
Contact Nick Tallent, Director of Vocational Services.

📱 270-799-7548
📧 [email protected]

08/24/2026

💙 Creating Pathways to Independence, Opportunity & Purpose 💙

We are incredibly proud to see the work of our Vocational Team highlighted by Owensboro Times!

Every day, our team works alongside individuals with disabilities, learning differences, and mental health conditions as they build skills, explore opportunities, pursue meaningful employment, and work toward lives that are increasingly independent and fulfilling.

At the Opportunity Center, we believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to pursue their own goals and dreams. Sometimes, all it takes is the right support, the right resources, and someone willing to help open the door.

We are so proud of the work being done by our Vocational Team and the individuals they serve. Their successes are proof that when opportunity meets ability, endless possibilities can follow.

Thank you to Owensboro Times for taking the time to share this important story and help spread the word about the resources available right here in our community.

📰 Read the full story below and help us spread the word! 👇

The Opportunity Center is helping middle school, high school and college students with disabilities prepare for their future careers.

08/24/2026

💼 Workforce Spotlight: Pre-ETS Goes Behind the Scenes at HealthForce Kentucky

What does it look like to work in healthcare? Our Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) students had the opportunity to find out firsthand during an incredible visit to !

As part of our ongoing career exploration experiences, students stepped into a one-of-a-kind healthcare training environment featuring state-of-the-art simulation technology designed to prepare future healthcare professionals through realistic, hands-on experiences.

During their visit, students explored what a day in the life of a healthcare provider may look like—from the moment a patient enters the waiting room to the many steps involved in providing quality care.

Students experienced:
🩺 The patient journey from check-in to care
❤️ Basic health assessments and vital checks
🏥 Realistic clinical environments
👩‍⚕️ The teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills required in healthcare careers

HealthForce Kentucky’s immersive simulations gave students a unique opportunity to look beyond the job title and better understand the dedication, preparation, and compassion needed to succeed in the healthcare field.

A heartfelt thank you to HealthForce Kentucky for welcoming our students, sharing your expertise, and providing such an incredible career exploration experience. Opportunities like this help students discover new interests, build confidence, and envision possibilities they may not have considered before.

Through Pre-ETS, we’re helping students explore careers, develop workplace skills, and prepare for meaningful opportunities after high school.

📞 Interested in learning more about Pre-ETS? Contact Nick Tallent, Director of Vocational Services.

📱 270-799-7548
📧 [email protected]

08/23/2026

🍔🎉 The Bayou Burger is making its comeback! 🎉🍔

You asked... and we listened! One of Burger Week's biggest hits is making its return at this year's WBKR Yard Party, and you won't want to miss it.

On Friday, August 28th, our friends from Atmos Energy's Cooking Team are teaming up with Pinocchio's Deli and our incredible Pre-ETS crew to serve up the fan-favorite Bayou Burger as a fundraiser benefiting the Opportunity Center.

🗓️ Friday, August 28th
🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 WBKR's Front Lawn
🍔 Burger Sack Lunch – $10
Includes: Pinocchio's Signature Bayou Burger, Chips, Cookie, & Drink
🔥 Pinocchio's Signature Bayou Burger

A seasoned beef patty featuring our secret Cajun spice blend, topped with house-made Bayou Sauce, melted Monterey Jack cheese, sautéed peppers and onions, and crunchy pickles. It's the burger that had Owensboro talking during Burger Week—and it's back for one day only!

Even better? 100% of the proceeds will directly support the programs and services of the Opportunity Center, helping individuals with disabilities build vocational skills, independence, and endless possibilities for the future.

Mark your calendars, invite your coworkers, and plan to grab lunch with us! Whether you're a returning Bayou Burger fan or trying it for the first time, this is one lunch you won't want to miss.

🌐 www.oppctrobky.org

08/22/2026

📚✨ Our After School Program Is In Full Swing! ✨📚

The school day may end in the afternoon, but the learning, friendships, and fun are just getting started at the Opportunity Center!

Our new After School Program is designed to provide a safe, engaging, and supportive environment where students can continue building skills, complete homework, enjoy recreational activities, and connect with peers—all while giving working families peace of mind.

Daily Schedule
🕞 3:30 p.m. – Arrival & Afternoon Snack
🎨 3:45–4:15 p.m. – Structured Activities
📖 4:15 p.m. – Homework Assistance & Outdoor Activity (weather permitting)
🕠 5:30 p.m. – Program Ends

Whether it's homework help, hands-on activities, time outdoors, or simply a place to belong after school, our team is committed to helping each participant finish the day on a positive note.

Interested in learning more? We'd love to connect with you!

📝 Complete our interest form here: https://forms.gle/hSwxCBbshmHPPnUQ9
📧 Or contact Stephanie Elder directly at [email protected].

We look forward to welcoming even more families to the Opportunity Center!

🌐 www.oppctrobky.org

08/20/2026

🚨 Thursday Morning – WE’RE OPEN!

🚨 WE’RE OPEN AT MAGNOLIA MERCANTILE! 🚨

The wait is over! Pinocchio’s Monthly Pop-Up is officially OPEN and our Culinary Team is ready to serve you downtown! Come grab your $13 box lunch now through 1:00 PM — or until we sell out!

🍴 Today’s Menu:
🥪 Turkey BLT Wrap
🍝 Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad
🍑 Peach Cobbler Cup

📍 Magnolia Mercantile
103 West Third Street

🕚 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
(or until we sell out)

Come hungry and bring a friend! And while you’re picking up your lunch, take a few extra minutes to shop Magnolia Mercantile and grab a cold drink or a sweet afternoon treat to enjoy with your Peach Cobbler Cup. 💚

Every lunch supports Pinocchio’s Deli and our Culinary Program, helping our participants develop valuable vocational skills and real-world experience.

We’re so happy to be back downtown — come see us!

🌐 www.oppctrobky.org

08/20/2026

🐾📻 Just when we thought our National Radio Day visit to WBKR couldn't get any better... we met Freddy! ❤️

Our friends had the chance to meet SPARKY's Pet of the Week, and let's just say Freddy may have stolen the show! 🐶

Between catching up with our favorite crew at WBKR and getting some quality time with this handsome pup, it was the perfect way to celebrate the day.

Thank you to 92.5 The Country Station! WBKR and Saving Paws Animal Rescue of Kentucky for providing an opportunity for our participants to connect, explore, and make new friends—both two-legged and four-legged! 💙🐾

And Freddy... we're pretty sure you've already found a few new fans at the Opportunity Center! You're currently the talk of the building! 🥰

08/20/2026

📻 Happy National Radio Day! 📻

This morning, some of our friends from the Opportunity Center made their way over to WBKR to celebrate—and of course, they couldn't leave without snapping an awesome selfie with the crew! 🤳

We're always grateful for the friendship and support of our friends at WBKR. They have consistently welcomed our participants, shared their stories, given them opportunities to get behind the mic, and helped make them feel right at home.

Thank you, WBKR, for always being such incredible friends to the Opportunity Center. We loved seeing this crew together and couldn't resist sharing the photo! 💙📻

Celebrating National Radio Day with our friends from Opportunity Center of Owensboro!