EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

We believe in a dynamic, person-centered and community-based approach to programming that engages the voice of all Warriors. We believe in a dynamic, person-centered workforce that includes the voices of all varieties of humans. We strive to build our team with that ideal in mind. Everyone has something to offer this mission. Come bring what you have.  Part-time and Full-time positions available

THE KNOCKOUT KITCHEN POP-UP

The Warrior Kitchen Crew is back with a new installment from the Knockout Kitchen. Come see what we’re cooking up at our pal’s place, Bobby’s Eastside. We’ll be taking up residence on the Eastside for a regular pop-up series. Checkout the page to see the next Pop-Up date and come chow down!

OK AT THE Farmers Market

We are excited to announce that we will be joining the Riverside Farmers Market this summer! We will have an array of Knockout goods and OK merchandise you do not wanna miss. Knockout Pickles (All Flavors) & Dil-icious Popcorn, Seasoning, Potted Plants such as Onions, Celery, & Basil, In-Season Produce, OK $WAG, and Warrior-made Totes & Art Projects

Wednesdays | June – October from 2:30PM to 7 PM
Centennial Park/Plaza near the Historic Water Tower, 10 Pine Avenue, Riverside, IL 60546

OK PROGRAMS | FALL REGISTRATION

Registration for both sessions is now open, be sure to register for both of them! This Fall, Warriors will explore the theme of “Balance” in OK Programs! Registration for Session 1 closes on July 26th.

THE 17th ANNUAL OK CLASSIC

The OK Classic is a full-on, fun, and competitive co-ed, 14-inch softball tournament with a focus on inclusion. Off the field, we feature a festival atmosphere with fun for everyone. All together in benefit of the Warriors at Opportunity Knocks. We have a new venue and event site this year! Registration opens on Monday, July 29th @ 7PM!

EVENT DATE | Saturday, Septemeber 28th

JOIN THE WALK TO RUN CLUB (W2RC)

Join the Opportunity Knocks family every Thursday to walk, run, or roll routes ranging from 1-2 miles. Meet at the River Forest Community Center (8020 Madison Street) at 6:00 PM. Finish @ 7:00 PM.

May – September

THURSDAY VOLUNTEER NIGHTS AT THE FARM

It takes a lot to run a farm. Make your Thursdays that much more fun by joining in and lending a helping hand! Each week you can exercise that green thumb and watch the fruits of your work, literally! Thursdays from 6 – 8PM | April – October.

The first one is on April 18th!

CHECK OUT THE OK $WAG SHOP!

It Rep the OK mission each and every day with our new swag shop! Shirts, Sweaters, Hoodies, Hats, Aprons, Mugs, Accessories, & much more. We are always adding new items as well, so keep on the lookout!

Also, did we mention Free Shipping?!

OUR MISSION

A COMMUNITY OF WARRIORS

Opportunity Knocks (OK) is a 501c3 non-profit organization serving communities in the near west suburbs of Chicago since 2009. OK was founded by families and embraced by a community that recognized significant opportunities to develop more substantial and responsive programs, support and partnerships that would build a community where people with different abilities would be more present with interdependent connections.

Our mission is to innovate and collaborate as a co-creator of programs, enterprise, and partnerships that contribute to developing a community where people with different abilities are fully included and able to live, work, learn, grow and pursue a life of their design.

We believe that communities are at their best when they are fully inclusive of every body.

WHO WE SERVE

Perseverance and strength through challenge has led us to nickname our participants Warriors. Our programs are geared toward Warriors of all abilities, age 14.5 and older.

WHERE WE SERVE

We are currently serving the communities in the near west suburbs of Chicago. As we grow as an organization, we will continue to grow our reach to different communities.

WHY WE SERVE

Opportunities for young people with I/DD are terribly limited. We believe that everyone has a place to be in the community and we are here to connect people to places.

Founded by Families & Community of Warriors

Core Programs Offered

Direct Service Hours Provided/Year

Staffing Ratio, or better

OUR PROGRAMS

WARRIOR FOCUSED. WARRIOR DRIVEN.

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 fostering healthy relationships.

DAY & EVENING ACTIVITY

OK PROGRAMS

Our dynamic, person-centered and community-based day program engages the voice of all Warriors, thrives on interdependent connections, encourages exploration, centers on holistic wellness and fosters healthy relationships. Activity offerings vary and evolve with Warrior input.

SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT

ENTERPRISE

Our enterprise thrives in a blended work environment where people with all varieties of ability work together to run a successful food-based business. The Knockout Enterprise features three connected initiatives: the Knockout Farm, Knockout Pickles, and Knockout Catering.

INDEPENDENT LIVING

H.O.M.E.

Housing Opportunities & Me is a philosophy and a model of service built on the belief that everyone is entitled to a safe, decent place to live in a community of their choice with access to the services they need to help them live as independently and as self-sufficient as possible.

WELLNESS WARRIORS

WALK 2 RUN

We believe in the importance of wellness. We are committed to building total wellness in mind, body and spirit. Walk to Run Club is one of our featured initiatives in the pursuit of Warrior Wellness. Come lace ‘em up with us as we walk, roll and run our way to Warrior Wellness.

OUR TEAM

Opportunity Knocks exists to support people with different abilities 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.

We also believe in a dynamic, person-centered workforce that includes the voices of all varieties of humans. We strive to build our team with that ideal in mind. Everyone has something to offer this mission. Come bring what you have. Click below to learn more about our team and the positions that are available at OK.

OUR COMMUNITY

A Collective Effort

As a grassroots organization, thriving in spite of an underfunded system of support from the State of Illinois, 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 are blessed with a great network, but it is paramount that the network continues to grow. Come get involved.

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.

OUR EVENTS

The OK mission was built through connections & funds raised via our special events. Over the years, we have aimed to take the financial pressure off of these events, while also aiming to maximize their potential as a forum to connect with our community.

We host two marquee events annually, along with many other smaller events throughout the year!

Semi-formal gala benefit | April

OK Gala

With the coming of Spring also comes the OK gala. Watch for the gala each year in April. First class food and drinks, great live music, and exciting auctions highlight this semi-formal affair.

 

Softball Tournament | September

OK Classic

When Summer ends we are hitting up the diamond for our Annual Softball Tournament! The much-anticipated event is home to friendly competition & fundraising for our spectacular Warriors. 

 

Neighborhood Event | October

Knocktoberfest

Autumn brings fallen leaves & our beloved annual event where local kids work together to raise funds to help Warriors at Opportunity Knocks. Enjoy Apple Cider, great company & fundraising!

 

Upcoming Events

& CAMPAIGNS

Each year, Opportunity Knocks hosts 2 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.

The OK Gala

April 20th, 2024

The OK Classic

September 28th, 2024

Connect with us

Stay up to date with everything Opportunity Knocks. Follow us on social media and sign up for our emailing list!