GROWTH ROOTED IN COMMUNITY

This winter, Johno is gearing up for a very exciting new chapter: moving out of the family home and into a CILA that is operated by L’Arche, a long-time partner of OK. This is a monumental step, one that marks incredible growth and independence for Johno and his family.

Johno’s move also highlights an important story in the mission at OK. Currently, individuals living in a CILA are not able to access our programming with their funding, due to the fact that we are an unlicensed provider. After nearly 18 months in the application process, OK is moving to the final stages of becoming a licensed provider. This transition will be a test for OK, as we install the technology and team that license compliance requires. We expect to be licensed and accessible in this new way in early 2025.

“This moment in Johno’s life is significant beyond words,” according to John’s brother Phil Carmody. It’s awesome to see him step out and exercise his independence. As a family, we are truly a mixed bag of emotions. Joy and excitement are present alongside fear and anxiety. As it does, Johno’s steady calm and confidence set us at ease. I can hear him in my head saying, ‘I’ve got this, Brother.’ And it’s all good. Here we go.”

John’s journey is a testament to his determination and spirit. In OK Programs, he’s the first to step up and lend a helping hand. Whether it’s assisting with clean-up after lunch or offering encouragement to his friends, John always goes above and beyond. Each day starts with his cheerful rounds of “good mornings,” brightening the atmosphere and bringing smiles to everyone he meets.

“I love seeing my friends.” John replied when asked what he loves about Opportunity Knocks. “Also cooking, farming, the car wash, and the softball tournament. “ John also commented on what he is looking forward to in his new living situation. “I’m excited to live with my roommates!”

As many in the OK community know, John is at the center of the Opportunity Knocks origin story. John’s brothers Mike and Phil Carmody saw the lack of opportunities available to John following his 22nd birthday, when he aged out of the programs provided by the state. The rest is history – 15 years later, Opportunity Knocks continues to work with Warriors like John to ensure that every member of the community is able to live, work, learn, grow and pursue a life of their design.

Ryan Gravely shares, “I like it and I like the songs. I learn about how I feel.” Max Wright adds, “It helps me relax and I get to share some of the songs I like.” Anna Kellar notes, “Shelby is absolutely AMAZING with the Warriors! She finds fun and new ways to get everyone involved.”

Shelby highlights how music fosters inclusivity: “Music and playing instruments can be used and adapted in so many ways to accommodate each person’s sensory needs, communication form, and motor and cognitive abilities. Whether we are all grabbing an instrument and jamming together or writing our own song, each group member is given the opportunity to choose how they would like to contribute to the music making and often offer each other support while we can have fun jamming together!”
Through music, we are building a stronger, more harmonious community.

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We explored a unique opportunity to realize the full vision for the Knockout Kitchen by mapping a potential partnership at Robert’s Westside on Madison St. in Forest Park. Donnie Biggins, the owner and operator of Robert’s is a long-time friend of OK. This venture offered OK a chance to consolidate our production and catering under one roof while also running the restaurant. We fully evaluated the feasibility, including budgeting, advisory consultations, and agreement negotiations. Though we’ve always seen a restaurant as a key part of Knockout, this was our first opportunity to project a real plan and explore its potential as a major step forward. 

As much as we fell in love with the opportunity, we realized that we were not ready for this level of commitment and responsibility. With those acknowledgements in mind, we thanked Donnie for the opportunity, reset and refocused our energy on driving the success of the current and emerging Knockout initiatives. We also have kept our pop up series in rotation at Robert’s Westside, allowing us to gather and trial a variety of menus in a unique space.

The Knockout product line and catering offerings continue to be produced at our current kitchen space, Events by Cibula, which is owned and operated by our friend Linda Cibula. Early in 2025, we’ll be adding more programming and enterprise shifts on the calendar at EBC. We will be hosting culinary programming, ramping up our pickle production and looking to sustain the success of our catering initiatives.

Both of these partnerships have been critical to the development of Knockout Enterprise. We are grateful for the camaraderie and co-mingled operations with these unique local businesses. Please consider supporting them as patron in the community.

The day featured co-ed, 14-inch softball games, fostering inclusivity and connection while reflecting OK’s mission of creating accessible and supportive opportunities. 

The event saw 16 teams, 258 players, over 625 donors, and countless volunteers and spectators. Since its 2007 inception, the Classic has grown significantly, continuing to exemplify the organization’s commitment to community and the Warrior Mission. 

A big shout out to our top fundraising teams, the Soft Serves and Unbreakable Fitness. Between the two teams, they raised more than $22,000 or 30% of the entire fundraising campaign. In the individual race, we tip our cap to two-time top fundraiser Molly Mullins and runners up, Tiffany Fustar and Mike McGarry. Last, but not least, the first-time tournament winners of the 17th Annual OK Classic, Nothing But Sauce!