OUR PLATFORM OF ON-SITE PROGRAMS
SESSION THEME | This summer, Warriors will explore the theme of self-advocacy in OK Programs. Through engaging activities, discussions, and hands-on experiences, we aim to cultivate a sense of autonomy and self-determination. By focusing on self-advocacy, Warriors will learn to advocate for themselves and the experiences they hope to participate in over the summer. So far, the Warriors have brainstormed activities that include self-care, water days, visits to the city, Earth Day clean-up, debate club, and house decoration. This summer promises to be full of choices and fun!
*Please note, we will do our best to provide the most recent and up-to-date edits on our Calendar. The calendar has been updated on January 19th, 2024.
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 fosters healthy relationships. This program, like all of our programs, is built on the same principles.
We are excited to announce that Summer 1 of OK Programs will begin on April 16th.
The program cost structure breakdown that is listed below is based on an 8-week session. Financial assistance is available for Warriors & Families that apply and qualify. The program fee structure is evolving as we grow. Additionally, the fee framework is undergoing some ongoing development while we continue on the path of pursuing our state license for community day services. As we make those preparations, we may ask you to help us on the path by repeating some of the form submissions and revisiting agreements.
It is our objective to overcome financial barriers so that this program and all OK programs are accessible. Please contact Mike Carmody at mike@opportunityknocksnow.org with inquiries and to learn more.
BLOCK & FULL-DAY COST BREAKDOWN
– 1 Block (AM or PM) = 3 hours @ $17 per hour = $51 per block per day
– 8-week cost @ $51 per session = $408
– 1 full-day registration = 5.5 hours @ $102 per day
– 8-week cost @ $102 per day = $816
Join us for a dynamic week at OK Programs filled with self-advocacy-focused activities and exciting experiences! All morning and mid-day blocks are dedicated to self-advocacy activities, cooking, and grocery shopping, empowering Warriors to express their needs and preferences confidently.
On Tuesdays, we venture to the Opportunity Knocks farm for a unique farming experience, fostering teamwork and responsibility. Wednesdays are packed with enriching community engagement through Community Opportunities, where Warriors actively contribute to our local charity. Additionally, Wednesdays offer therapeutic art sessions, promoting self-expression and creativity.
For fitness enthusiasts, Tuesday’s mid-day block and Friday’s PM blocks offer workouts at Loyola Fitness Center, while Thursday’s features fitness at John Hayley and Yoga at OK during mid-day blocks.
Fridays are special as Warriors lead the programming, planning exciting activities to end the week on a high note.
Throughout the week, theme-based self-advocacy activities are seamlessly woven into our schedule, ensuring every Warrior gains valuable skills and experiences. Join us for a week of empowerment, growth, and fun!”
Other Important information
Please note Session Changes as they are listed below in red, thank you!
This program is offered in 3-hour blocks, with 2 blocks available on each program day. With the addition of the new Extended Day block available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Now Fridays. We are currently offering In-Person OK Programs 4 days per week.
3 hours per session
2 sessions per day
4 days per week
AM BLOCK | TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS
– AM SESSION | 9:00 am-12:00
EXTENDED DAY BLOCK | TUES. WED. THURS. & FRI.
– EXTENDED DAY SESSION | 9 am – 2:30 pm
PM BLOCK | TUES. WED. THURS. & FRI.
– PM SESSION | 3 pm – 6 pm
Opportunity Knocks is offering extended day options for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday from 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM. If a Warrior registers for the extended day option and the pm session (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM), they will be permitted to stay on-site from 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM. Lunch will be provided in the extended day option.
Please contact Kim@opportunityknocksnow.org for inquiries regarding the extended day option.
REGISTRATION OPENS
Friday, March 22nd at 3:00 PM
REGISTRATION CLOSES
SUMMER 1 | Friday, March 29th th at 5:00 PM
SUMMER 2 | Friday, may 31st at 5:00 PM
FINAL REGISTRATION PLAN TO BE COMMUNICATED NO LATER THAN
ASAP
FIRST DAY OF PROGRAMS
SUMMER 1 | Tuesday, April 16th
SUMMER 2 | Tuesday, June 18th
HOLIDAY DAYS OFF
SUMMER 1 | Memorial Day (5/27)
SPRING 2 | Juneteenth (6/17), 4th of July (7/4) & (7/5)
— No Programs These Dates —
EVENTS
SUMMER 1 | The OK Gala (4/20)
Michael Carmody
Executive Director
mike@opportunityknocksnow.org
Kim Meares-Surprenant
Program Director
kim@opportunityknocksnow.org
Sam Kehoe
Program Coordinator
sam@opportunityknocksnow.org
Anna Kellar
Program Coordinator
anna@opportunityknocksnow.org
Or Click Below to Send a Question…
Each of the two activity sessions will draw from a menu of activity options that focus on 8 areas of choice. The content of these onsite activities will evolve from session to session and follow a theme, which will be guided by a collaboration between OK Staff and OK Warriors.
We believe in the strength, power and value in the voice of every Warrior. We value the importance of an interdependent connection between each Warrior and their community, along with the continuous importance of developing healthy relationships and social connections. We approach all of life’s experiences fearlessly, unhinged by abilities. We underscore everything with our belief in Wellness of mind, body and spirit.
Our program goals are summarized through the acronym VIEWS. Each component of the acronym contains a value and its accompanying goal. VIEWS = Voice, Interdependence, Experience, Wellness, & Social.
Discover and amplify the voice of each Warrior
Establish presence and connection between Warrior & community.
Explore the experiences of life without boundaries
Commit to building total wellness in mind, body and spirit
Foster growth and development of healthy relationships and social connections
At Opportunity Knocks we have built our organization on the merits of our programming. We believe what makes us special is how we craft our programs and how we continuously evolve that craft with a collective approach that engages our amazing team, our amazing Warriors and our awesome community.
We have committed ourselves to attracting and developing a high-quality collection of humans to develop, support, and staff our programs. We have also committed ourselves to hosting high-quality experiences through our programming. The experience must be fully engaged and fully connected to our community. Here’s a summary of the pillars of our programs:
Our standard of program development relies on high-quality resources and creativity to create high-quality experiences.
We have such amazing staff. Their skills, passion and dedication contribute mightily to our programs.
Our commitment to full engagement requires many humans. Never below 4:1, 1:1, as needed.
Our program development approach engages the Warrior as a collaborator and equal architect of activity.
We’ve developed a unique programming initiative that empowers Warriors to develop and lead program activities.
Rich partnerships in the community allow us to venture out and connect programs to new spaces and places.
All abilities welcome, no matter the support required. All financial capabilities accommodated, no matter the aid required.
We believe high quality technology enhances individual and group experience in programs. We have great tech.
Constant volunteer/intern presence supplement staff and create human connections that enrich the program experience.
We take pride in offering a quality experience. We direct our energy toward this effort through the programming and in the staging of strategic partnerships. Numbers don’t always tell the whole story, but they shed a bit of light on the experience and we are proud of the light that shows through with these results.
Let’s connect and have a conversation. If you are a Warrior, a guardian or supporter of a Warrior, please use this form to reach out to us and we will be in touch promptly with the right person from our team to carry the conversation forward.
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