WHO ARE WE?
Opportunity Knocks is an Illinois 501c.3 non-profit organization that serves young people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) through social, recreational and life-skills programming.
WHAT IS A WARRIOR?
The people we serve are Warriors and it is our belief that their place in the community is both valuable and necessary. Because of their perseverance and strength, we endearingly dub our participants as Warriors.
THE 5TH ANNUAL KNOCKTOBERFEST
Knocktoberfest is an annual event where neighborhood kids work together to raise funds to help the Warriors at Opportunity Knocks. Knocktoberfest will feature apple cider, homemade sweets & tamales, Nonno’s Italian bread & pickles made by the Warriors. Great friends and a great community supporting a great cause! Come join us.
The OK Farm
Conceived in late 2015 as a way to give the Warriors a role in the local sustainable food movement by creating a ‘seed to jar’ experience with our Knockout Pickle production. In a short period of time we turned a 2,500 square foot of field off Madison Street into a lush, handicap-accessible urban garden.
2016 YEAR IN REVIEW
Our Biggest Year Yet!
Our team grew stronger. Our supporters knocked it out of the park. Our social enterprise blossomed.
Annual Report
2015-2016
View our annual report for 2015 and 2016 which includes financial and development stats as well as program highlights, and Warrior profiles.
Programs & Initiatives
AFTER OPPS
After Opps is an after school/after work program offering a wide variety of activities that are developed in collaboration with the Warrior participants. Program activities are embedded with a focus on peer leadership, health and wellness, social interaction and community connections.
LIFE SHOP
The Life Shop is an adult day program that takes a Warrior-centered approach to life in the community. The program is designed for Warriors older than age 22, focusing on building life skills, health and wellness, community integration and vocational skills.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
Opportunity Knocks has three social enterprises which provide a revenue stream in addition to meaningful and gainful employment for the Warriors. They are Knock Out Pickles, the Warrior Farm, and Warrior Catering.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
The Warrior Wellness initiative launched in July 2013 to combat the health disparities faced by our Warriors. Embedded within each program area, Warrior Wellness promotes the physical, mental, and social well-being of our Warriors, staff, and community. It has become the 6th point in the Warrior Code of Conduct!!
MORNING OPPS
Morning Opps is a partner program with Oak Park River Forest High School. On late arrival Wednesdays when the OPRF faculty perform professional development training, OK hosts structured activities for the students in their TEAM Program (Transitional Education with Access to the Mainstream).
COMMUNITY OPPS
An important concept engrained into our mission is the effort to encourage our participants to give back to the local community. Community Opportunities is a Warrior’s mission that is focused on helping homeless pets, supporting the environment, and helping children in need.