OUR MISSION
A COMMUNITY OF WARRIORS
Opportunity Knocks is dedicated to enriching life and community. We exist to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they live, work, learn, grow and connect within their community.
We believe in a dynamic, person-centered and community-based approach to programming that engages the voice of all Warriors, thrives on interdependent connections, encourages exploration, centers on holistic wellness and healthy relationships.
WHO WE SERVE
Perseverance and strength through challenges have led us to nickname our participants Warriors. We are dedicated to providing support and resources for teens and young adults.
WHERE WE SERVE
We are currently serving the communities of Oak Park, Forest Park, and River Forest. Due to our current space constraints, we are limited to serving only those communities.
WHY WE SERVE
Opportunities for young people with I/DD are terribly limited. The state of Illinois ranks 49th in the nation in supporting community-based programs. More than 12,000 are currently awaiting state services.
State of Illinois
National rank in supporting community-based services
%
Awaiting Services
Local Warriors requesting state support, who are still waiting
Warrior Families
Supported by OK programs on an annual average
OUR PROGRAMS
WARRIOR FOCUSED, WARRIOR DRIVEN
We listen to our participants and collaborate as equal architects in developing programs. Specific activities vary throughout the year and across programs, but common to all programs is some combination of a focus on wellness, vocational skills, life skills, leadership, social recreation, and community connection.
AFTER OPPS
After Opps is an after-school/after work program that offers social and recreational activities of all kinds. Each session’s activities are determined through a collaborative partnership between Warrior participants and OK Staff.
Life Shop
An alternative-style day program that takes a Warrior-centered approach to adult life in the community. Designed for Warriors older than age 22, focusing on building life skills, health and wellness, community connections and vocational skills.
Enterprise
With 3 initiatives under the Knockout Brand of social enterprises, we aim to sustain meaningful and gainful vocational skill-building opportunities, while also producing a revenue stream to support OK operations.
OUR COMMUNITY
A COLLECTIVE EFFORT
As a grassroots organization, operating outside of the abysmal state funding structure, we have built OK on a foundation of community support. We rely heavily on a vast network of donors, volunteers, and partners to help support, sustain and grow our mission. We have a great network, but it is paramount that it continues to grow. Want to get involved?
FEATURED PARTNER
The Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township (CMHB) is a branch of Oak Park Township. The CMHB is comprised of nine residents appointed by the Township Supervisor with the approval of the Township Trustees.
Opportunity Knocks is proud to be among the agencies that the CMHB supports. The CMHB is a significant source of support for the Warriors participating in OK’s Life Shop.
We are grateful to have such strong partnerships with the local townships!
DONATE
We are 94% privately funded. Without your support, we would not exist. Please consider supporting the Warriors today.
VOLUNTEER
From program support members to event staff volunteers, corporate groups and internships, opportunities to connect abound.
PARTNER
Corporate sponsorships, program partnerships and all sorts of ways in between to connect your group with our group in mission.
Partner Spotlight
The Milburn Family has been a part of OK since we swung our first sledgehammers during the buildout of our program space at the RFCC in 2009. The family has stayed committed with time, energy and financial support while also committing the vast resources of their business to help Opportunity Knocks continue to grow.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group has been one of OK's most generous partners since 2013. The broker of the group, John Lawrence serves on the board of directors. With John leading the way, the team at BHHS commits their time as volunteers, their commissions as donors and their love and support as partners in the mission.
Led by local agent and long-time supporter and advocate of the OK Mission, Garfield Philpotts, the Allstate Family has grown into one of OK's most generous corporate partners. Working thru the company's giving program and connecting thru our events as volunteers Garfield connects nearly a dozen agents and many thousands of dollars to the cause!
OK has never had the luxury of depending on a reliable stream of support from the state of Illinois. Thankfully, we have found a great partner in a local governmental agency at the Oak Park Township. The OPT's Community Mental Health Board serves as one of the strongest partners we have in supporting our day program the Life Shop.
Upcoming Events
Each year, Opportunity Knocks hosts 4 major events, that while are designed to be a great time for all, are crucial in funding the day to day operations. But, there are a lot more! Stay informed of ALL our events by following our events page.
Jun
8
Sat
2019
PROUD SPONSORING PARTNERS OF THE OK BBQ BLOCK PARTY
The OK BBQ Block Party
Come on down to the OK BBQ Block Party and enjoy great local food, craft beer, rockin’ live music, fun kid’s entertainment and more! Enter at Madison St. and Thomas Ave., next to Louie’s Grill.
Scroll down the page for all the info about what’s in store and how you can get involved. From the Warrior Mile to the Watermelon Eating Contest, we’ve got fun in store for everyone!
$10 SUGGESTED DONATION | KIDS ENTER FREE
IT’S BURGER TIME!
Along with their other menu offerings, this year’s food vendors will feature a burger offering. We will be asking you the people to cast votes and crown the BBQ Block Party Burger Champ!
Help us choose the winner from this year’s outstanding food vendors: The Heritage, Carnivore, Hamburger Marys and the Warrior Catering Co.
EVENT DATE & TIME
Saturday, June 8th | 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
EVENT LOCATION
Constitution Court | 7422 Madison St
Forest Park, IL 60130
LOCAL BEVERAGE
LOCAL FOOD
SPONSORS
PRIME SPONSORS
CHOICE SPONSORS
SMOKE DADDY SPONSORS
MERCHANTS OF MADISON SPONSORS
Todd & Holland Tea Merchants
McBride Insurance Agency
Shanahans
The Heritage
Todd & Holland Tea Merchants
McBride Insurance Agency
Shanahans
The Heritage
Exit Strategy Brewing Co.
The Brown Cow
Forest Printing Co.
Audible Sound
Exit Strategy Brewing Co.
The Brown Cow
Forest Printing Co.
Audible Sound
LIVE MUSIC
2:30 – 3:15
Ian Leith
3:45 – 4:30
School of Rock #1
5:00 – 5:45
School of Rock #2
6:15 – 7:00
Them Guilty Aces
7:30 – 8:15
New face of Soul
8:45 – 9:45
No Turn on Red
Kid’s Area
All kids enter free to the OK BBQ Block Party and have full access to a variety of awesome activities. The block party will host a bounce house, water games, arts and crafts, face-painting and The Balloon Man will be with us from 3-5 pm!
Watermelon Eating Contest
Five contestants, endless watermelon, and one ultimate Watermelon Warrior. Do you have what it takes? Register at the event! The contest begins at 7:00 pm on the main stage and will be hosted by our good friend and star of Chicago’s Best, Elliott Bambrough.
Day-of-Event Option
Join us on Saturday, June 8 as we run from the OK Farm to the OK Block Party! Meet at the OK Farm at 1:15PM and be ready to head out at 1:30PM to arrive at the Block Party just before it begins! A shuttle will leave the Block Party at 1:00 to transport runners to the start line at the OK Farm.
Virtual Option
Run, walk, roll, jog, bike, swim, or treadmill one mile at your own pace wherever you like, anytime between the dates of June 10 – June 16. Post a picture on social media with #OKWarriorMile to share your virtual participation with the OK Community! We will send your goodie bag in the mail to anyone not participating locally!
Your $30 registration includes a Warrior Wellness hat and FREE entry to the OK BBQ Block Party.
ON-SITE CYCLEBAR CLASS
Bring your outside voices because we are riding at the OK Block Party! 30 min. ride under a tent. All riders will receive a free OK t-shirt and a $5 voucher for food and beverage at the event.
VOLUNTEERS
Sign up to support our event! Please contact Megan Bruce for more information or questions at: megan@opportunityknocksnow.org
Block Party
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Block Party
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