Special Initiatives

At The Opportunity Alliance, there is a recognition that everyone’s journey to economic stability, recovery, or improved mental health is different. We work diligently across our 45 programs to provide both time-tested and innovative supports and programs. But sometimes, to get through a challenging time, people need just a little bit more. We are grateful for the support of individual donors, local foundation, and the United Way of Greater Portland, whose generosity enables TOA to offer low-barrier assistance to clients in our care for help that cannot be met through another resource or program. These funds are managed by TOA staff and are not available publicly.  

The Lee Perry Fund

The Lee Perry fund has provided children and youth enrolled in TOA programs with access to extracurricular activities such as afterschool programing, summer camp experiences, and music lessons. To date, the program has helped hundreds of kids learn, play, and stay safe.

THE Dan Reardon Fund

The Dan Reardon Fund  benefited TOA youth clients with a focus on providing basic needs: strollers, car seats, warm clothing, and other essential items.

The Michael J. Tarpinian Opportunity Fund

In 2019, a new client fund was established: The Michael J. Tarpinian Opportunity Fund. This fund, honoring Mike's thirty-year tenure at the helm of the agency, was made possible by a generous lead gift from an important philanthropic partner of the agency. The fund’s mission is to help clients of all ages, as well as their families, overcome barriers and maintain the stability they need to pursue their goals. The fund provides TOA clients with basic necessities such as food, transportation, shelter, and other expenses that cannot be addressed by an existing resource or program.

No one could have foreseen the basic needs crisis that would be brought on by COVID-19. With serious economic implications and limited community resources open or available, the pandemic has driven a sharp increase in our community’s demand for basic and essential needs like food and housing. To provide emergency relief to local individuals and families impacted by COVID-19, The Opportunity Alliance quickly and effectively distributed more than $50,000 through the Michael J. Tarpinian Opportunity Fund (MJT Fund) COVID-19 Response Program. This direct assistance allowed families to stay in their homes, parents to feed their children, and seniors to obtain critical community supports during the spring and summer of 2020.

 Under the direction of current TOA CEO Joe Everett and former CEO Michael Tarpinian, the MJT Fund will continue to help our most vulnerable with basic needs such as:

·         Rent assistance

·         Utilities

·         Food and formula

 ·         Diapers

·         Clothing

·         Transportation

 ·         Medical bills

·         Technology for remote learning

 Our work is powered by the passion and support of our community. Click here to view all of the ways you can support The Opportunity Alliance.