Please click below to learn more about our mission, our origins and the individuals that drive our organization


Opportunity Knocks

About Us

 

Opportunity Knocks is the creation of Michael Carmody, a 27-year-old Oak Park resident. In addition to his role as Executive Director, Mike works as a teacher amongst the talented faculty in Oak Park and River Forest High School’s Special Education Department. He is a long-time volunteer, advocate and friend to many among the population of individuals with developmental disabilities in our community.

He is also the elder brother of 22-year-old John, who has Down syndrome. The catalyst for this mission manifested as John approached the age of 22, he and his family became faced with some stark realizations. All of the wonderful educational and occupational programs of which he had grown to rely on would soon stop.

After the age of 22, Illinois statute deems individuals with developmental disabilities ineligible for service and support programs that are funded through and offered by the public school system. For individuals with developmental disabilities older than age 22, like John, seeking out equivalent services becomes an immense challenge.

This challenge has served as the motivation behind Mike’s mission to found Opportunity Knocks and sustain an organization that provides these folks with invaluable support and services well into their adult lives.

For several years, Mike built awareness, gathered the support system and raised the funds that would eventually create Opportunity Knocks. In March of 2009, the Board of Directors was established and their work began to fortify the organization. Later that summer, the Auxiliary Board was officially established and the group dedicated to planning the events that support The Knocks, finally had a name.
 
In February of 2010, after a lease agreement was signed with the River Forest Community Center, a build-out renovation project was completed, a modest staff was assembled, the programs activities were prepared and the Warriors were signed up... The doors opened on February 22nd for our first program session!
 
The after-school program has been operating for nearly two years, with consistently full enrollment. As this program continues to grow and develop, OK looks to the future and the next steps in the strategic plan.

WGN COUPLE CONTEST

NEWS ARTICLES

The Collared Opportunities community service project made its' debut at the Forest Park Farmer's Market. The Warrior played some kickball in preparation for the 'Kickin' it with KG' inning at this year's OK Classic. Working out at the YMCA and exploring the hobbies of popular dance, music theater re-enactment and jewelry making were also ...
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