Warriors shimmied their hips at Pineapple Dance Studio Our instructor Erika taught us all how to belly dance and we can't wait to bust out these new dance moves on the Gala dance floor in...
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WHO ARE WE?
Opportunity Knocks is dedicated to providing opportunities and resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they may pursue their educational, occupational and social interests. Our approach to programming is person-centered, peer-led and community-based.
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 MASQUERADE GALA | 2018
The OK Gala is our marquee fundraising event. Now in its 9th year, the gala offers an evening of food & drink, fun & entertainment, community and many great ways to support the Warrior Mission.
Annual Report | 2017
The year of 2017 was plentiful with so much learning, growing and transforming of our organization and mission work. We hope you can find some time to review this account of all that 2017 held at OK. The report includes financial and development stats as well as program highlights, and Warrior profiles.
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.
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.
THE WARRIOR BLOG
Warriors have been busy planning for the farming season!
Warriors have been planning for the 2018 OK Farm Season! The last frost date is quickly approaching and we will be back on the farm again before we know it! To get a jump on the growing season we have started some of our seeds indoors. Warriors have planted tomatoes,...
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After Opps Registration: Spring 2018
(Click Image to view and download full version of brochure) Registration for the OK After Opps Spring Season, Sessions 1 & 2 is now open! See descriptions of activities being offered below. Please use the form on this page to register for either or both of...
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Life Shop and Warrior Star Explore Pilsen
In February, Life Shop and Warrior Star joined forces for a warrior-planned, fun, adventurous, educational, and delicious outing to Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. We visited the National Museum of Mexican Art and soaked in the beautiful exhibitions there. Afterwards,...
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After Opps 2018 Winter 1 Recap
Warriors had an exciting After Opps session to kick off the new year! Mondays: The Music in the Community group visited some iconic local music sites including Fitzgerald’s Nightclub, Wire, and Val’s Halla Record Store for some tours and rockin’ karaoke....
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MEET THE OK RUNNERS: CLARE O’CONNOR
Opportunity Knocks is an official charity partner of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon!! Runners will be fundraising for Opportunity Knocks as they train to run 26.2 miles on October 7, 2018. We are excited to introduce you to Clare, one of...
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Workout Warriors: Flexibility
This session in Workout Warriors we learned about the importance of FLEXIBILITY in both body and mind. If we are too rigid we break and if we are too limp we are just like noodles! Warriors practiced flexible thinking by first writing out their rigid thoughts on...
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Midwestern Occupational Therapy Students bring health & wellness to the Warriors!
The Life Shop was lucky to have students from Midwestern's Occupational Therapy program share their expertise in active lifestyles and healthy eating with our OK Warriors. We had a great time learning more about each Warriors fitness interests, exploring...
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Community Opps cooks for the Ronald McDonald House
Throughout the Winter 1 session of After Opps the Warrior-driven program known as Community Opps worked to plan a delicious home-cooked meal for our friends at the Ronald McDonald House near Loyola University Medical Center. The Warriors were in charge of planning the...
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After Opps Fall Session 2 – Recap
Last After Opps session, Warriors participated in a diverse offering of programs, including: Bowling, Collage Art, Survivor, Farming, Peer-led Programs (Warriors Night In and Nerf Wars), Community Opps, A Wok and a Hard Place, Drawing 101, Movies...
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SPENGA
Thank you SPENGA in Oak Park for hosting the Warriors in a 6 week session of Spin Strength Yoga SPIN Warriors spent their first 20 minutes warming up their heart rates by spinning (and dancing!) to some of our favorite songs. STRENGTH Warriors were not slowing down as...
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Workout Warriors: 2018 Schedule
Health & Wellness The Warrior Health & 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,...
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