Opportunity Enterprises Respite House

Located in Valparaiso, IN

With the completion of Opportunity Enterprises’ Markiewicz Respite Center, families and caregivers have more options to support loved ones with disabilities throughout Northwest Indiana. The new facility replaces a smaller center that could no longer meet the growing demand for respite services, allowing Opportunity Enterprises to serve more individuals and families while expanding the variety of experiences available to guests.

Caregivers can schedule time away from their loved ones to focus on their own wellbeing, spend time with family and friends, or simply recharge. The facility operates on a unique and personal level, where every participant is paired with a dedicated staff member and decides how they spend their time, whether their stay lasts a few hours or a couple weeks.

Nestled on a 158-acre wooded property beside Lake Eliza, the approximately 18,000-square-foot center was designed to feel welcoming and residential rather than institutional. Natural light fills the building, and warm materials, comfortable gathering spaces, and views of the surrounding landscape create an atmosphere that feels more like a lakeside lodge than a care facility. Thoughtful design choices help families feel confident their loved ones are safe, supported, and cared for in an environment that promotes independence, comfort, and connection. The center includes 21 beds for overnight stays, each room featuring a distinct design inspired by the individual donor who helped make the room possible. Additional features include wheelchair lifts, jack and jill bathrooms, enhanced security measures, 24-hour staffing, separate wings for adults and children, and full accessibility throughout the building.

At the heart of the center, a large kitchen is surrounded by multiple living rooms where guests can relax, watch movies, visit with friends, or play video games. A multi-sensory therapeutic room provides a calming environment with soothing sensory experiences, while an activities space and music room support creativity, learning, movement, and engagement. Outdoor amenities include a treehouse and a patio for grilling, gathering, and enjoying the natural beauty of the site.

This welcoming lakeside retreat provides critical relief for caregivers while creating meaningful experiences for the individuals it serves, offering a place where families can recharge, reconnect, and find peace of mind.