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 fostering healthy relationships.
WHO WE SERVE
Perseverance and strength through challenge has led us to nickname our participants Warriors. We are dedicated to providing supports and resources for teens and young adults.
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. The state of Illinois ranks 49th in the nation in supporting community-based programs. More than 12,000 are currently awaiting state services.
Mission Critical
Illinois’ system of support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities continues to lack the investment needed to create interdependent relationships that result in opportunities for Warriors to live and grow in this community.
Illinois ranks 47th in the nation in supporting community-based services
Number of people unable to access services because of limited State funding and capacity for providers to care for them
%
People with a disability in the U.S. who were employed in 2020
%
Percent of individuals with I/DD live with a family caregiver
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.
Ok Programs
We are excited to announce that we will be returning to on-site programs (Session 9) on July 27th. We will continue both Zoom Virtual programming as well as our on-site ones. We are happy to announce that the program will no longer be known as the Next Phase, instead, we will be calling it OK Programs as we slowly transition back into normal life while doing everything we can to prevent and protect against COVID spread.
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. KO Pickles, KO Farms, & KO Catering. We are also upping the ante with new additions to the OK Home. KO Meats and the KO CSA
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
COVID and innovation brought our partnership with Fitzgeralds closer than ever in 2020. With onsite programs on pause, it made sense to say yes, when they asked if they could lease our bus for the holiday season. And so was born their Community Christmas Bus, which brought mobile concerts to communities all over the west suburbs. A portion of the proceeds went to OK. Next, they launched a Drive-In Concert Series at the Reuse Depot and they recruited Knockout Catering to manage food service. During the spring of 2021, they opened a new BBQ restaurant, called Babygold. We were promptly asked to bring Knockout Pickles to their menu!
- 9 HOLIDAY BUS NIGHTS featuring ten concert stops per night
- 10 GALLONS of Knockout Pickles per month
delivered to Babygold Barbecue
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.
Big Thanks to our OKC 14 Sponsors!
Upcoming Events
Each year, Opportunity Knocks hosts 6 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.
CONNECT WITH US
Stay up to date with everything Opportunity Knocks. Follow us on social media and sign up for our emailing list!
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow The warrior blog
Come check out our blog to keep up with the latest events and stories happening here at Opportunity Knocks!