Opportunity Project Participates in Words Maplewood Bookstore Author Event with Buzz Bissinger
Buzz Bissinger autographs “Fathers Day” for OP Members: Pictured Left to Right: Carol Albanese, Executive Director Opportunity Project, Buzz Bissinger, Jonah Zimiles, Owner Words Maplewood Bookstore and Amy Sigona Development Director Opportunity Project
Opportunity Project was honored to participate in Words Maplewoods Bookstore recent author event with Buzz Bissinger. Pulitzer Prize-winning author of four books, including the New York Times bestsellers “Three Nights in August” and “Friday Night Lights”, Mr. Bissinger spoke about his most recent book, “Father’s Day”.
“Father’s Day” is a remarkable memoir about his son Zach who has a disability and their two week journey together across country. Mr. Bissinger spoke honestly and poignantly to a gathering of local residents about his motivations and feelings about the book. Afterwords, he said: “I am delighted to have been at Words and touched and flattered by all the support”.
Opportunity Project was invited to participate in the event by Jonah Zimiles, owner of Words Maplewood’s Bookstore who said: “It was an honor and a pleasure for Words to host a book reading by Buzz Bissinger on behalf of our friends at Opportunity Project. Buzz’s latest book, Father’s Day, is a poignant and powerful work that expresses raw honest insight into the life of parents of individuals that face unique challenges yet simultaneously extends them an open heart of empathy and hope.” A portion of the proceeds from the evening’s book sales were donated to the Opportunity Project member’s fund.
Jonah Zimiles of Words Maplewood Bookstore presents OP members with a donation!
Opportunity Project has been at the forefront of community integration for individuals with brain injury since it opened its doors in 1996. With the addition of the vocational services program in 2001, Opportunity Project continues to be the only free-standing independent Clubhouse in New Jersey. The Opportunity Project Clubhouse Program fills the critical gap in the rehabilitation process for people with brain injuries, and is a national model for other community-based services for persons with brain injury. The mission of Opportunity Project is to empower persons with brain injuries to achieve self-esteem, self-determination, personal growth, independence and the attainment of their full potential.
