The MidWeek / MidWeeknews.com • Wednesday, Apr 6, 2022 MIDWEEK
4
ON THE RECORD ... with Tom Matya
Photo provided
Tom Matya is the executive director of Opportunity House Inc. in Sycamore. SYCAMORE – Tom Matya doesn’t use the word “special” to describe people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Instead, he calls them “individuals,” thinking of them as “good, regular folks that want to be happy and enjoy life.” Matya also thinks that people rush to judge people with disabilities, not giving them the opportunity to showcase their skills and talents. Matya is the executive director of Opportunity House Inc. in Sycamore. He took over the leadership role in September 2021, succeeding Robert Shipman, who retired from the organization after 29 years. Matya has been a longtime board member at Opportunity House and was a consultant for the organization for the preceding six months before being named director. Community members will have a chance to meet Matya and learn more about Opportunity House during an upcoming art show. The opening reception will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, at Opportunity House’s main location, 357 N. California St. in Sycamore. During the free event, the community can meet the artists, view the artwork and enjoy refreshments. The artwork was created by Opportunity House students from two of the Visual Thinking Strategies classes. The event is hosted by Opportunity House and Kishwaukee College. Matya spoke to MidWeek reporter Katrina Milton about his role as executive director and the upcoming art show. Milton: Are you originally from the DeKalb/ Sycamore area? Matya: My wife and I, and our family, moved to the area in 1986. I was
employed by DeKalb Genetics through 2000. I spent the last 20 years with Zea Mays Holdings LLC in Sycamore before starting at Opportunity House. I’m originally from Nebraska and graduated from the University of Nebraska. I’m still a proud alumni and supporter of the Big Red. Milton: Why did you first get involved with Opportunity House? Matya: I’ve always been drawn to Opportunity House because of its mission to help people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. … This is something I’ve really been drawn to for a long time. It’s all of our responsibilities to make life better for people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. I feel a lot of satisfaction to see these folks living their lives to the fullest, and that’s a reward in and of itself. Milton: How does Opportunity House help people with disabilities? Matya: The individuals Opportunity House helps get to live in the homes of their choice and do the work they like to do. We have 10 residential homes throughout the DeKalb/Sycamore area, we provide care for individuals in their own homes, and also provide some support for people who live on their own throughout the community or who decide to stay at home with their families. Milton: What other programs does Opportunity House offer? Matya: We offer many programs in addition to the residential program. One of our most popular is our Community Day Services program where more than 80 individuals attend on a
See ON THE RECORD, page 5
SM-CL04016555
