News

More than 175 Orchard Village staff members, program participants, and their family members came together on December 14 at the Skokie Holiday Inn to celebrate the holidays. Everyone enjoyed games, crafts, dinner, and dancing. There were also many pictures taken with a jolly man in a red suit. Guests were also treated to a musical performance by a string quartet from the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers who made this event possible, and to all the guests who came to our party! A special thank you to Kathy and Greg Popp for sponsoring the musical ...

Orchard Village, hosted a Halloween party on October 23 at the Orchard Village Activity Center. It was a night of fun, laughter, and tasty treats. Attendees, including program participants, staff members, families, and community supporters, came dressed in an array of creative costumes, such as Dracula, Wonder Woman, Bob Ross, and more! With fun activities and crafts for all, the event was filled with laughter and entertainment. From tasty treats to a lively dance floor and a photo booth, there was no shortage of enjoyment for everyone. The highlight of the night was the costume contest, ...

On September 7th, Orchard Village recreational therapy program participants showcased their talents and brought joy to the community with a heartwarming interpretation of the beloved Friends TV-show episode, "The One with the Late Thanksgiving." The play took place on the stage of the Petty Auditorium in the Skokie Library and was enjoyed by Orchard Village staff, other residents and program participants, family and community members. Orchard Village recognizes the importance of recreational therapy as an integral part of its comprehensive programs. This unique performance ...

Please join us in welcoming our newest board member – Shari Daw. Shari joined the Orchard Village Board in November.  Shari is the CEO of The Daw Group, LLC. She has extensive experience in finance and risk management, having served at Discover Financial Services, Freddie Mac, Bank of America/LaSalle Bank, JP Morgan Chase/Bank One, and Sears Roebuck and Co. Besides her work in the corporate world, she has also served on the boards of several non-profit organizations, including Big Brother, Big Sisters Chicago, and Goodwill Industries of Metropolitan Chicago. Shari lives in Evanston ...

Check out our Special Olympics basketball team, a diverse and dedicated group of athletes who have shown remarkable spirit and determination throughout their season! The co-ed team, comprising ten players aged between 22 and 64, has demonstrated the power of sports to transcend barriers and foster a sense of community and empowerment. Under the guidance of coach Carly Bell, Therapeutic Recreation Manager, and the invaluable assistance of a devoted family volunteer, these athletes have not only improved their basketball skills but have also built lifelong friendships and ...

This fall, Orchard Village launched an online artists’ shop and began a program with Evanston Arts Center. Both programs showcase the exceptional talents of our participants. The new website, located at orchardvillage.threadless.com, offers a variety of products, including clothing, tote bags, notebooks, and framed prints, each adorned with original artwork crafted by Orchard Village's residents and day program participants. In collaboration with the Evanston Art Center, Orchard Village provides enriching art classes as part of its day programs, fostering an environment ...

Happy New Year! This fall and winter at Orchard Village has been full of activities and improvements to our buildings, homes, and programs. In September, we cut the ribbon on our newest building at 7620 Gross Point Road, and we took occupancy of the building in November. The new space is allowing us to grow and provide new opportunities to those individuals we serve. Recently, Orchard Village developed and implemented an agency-wide performance management system designed to support decision-making and continuous performance improvement. All departments created meaningful goals and ...

Dear Friends, Staff, and Families of Orchard Village, This spring and summer have been packed with plenty of activity and growth for Orchard Village. We are grateful for all your gifts of time, treasure, and talent. In April, we held the 36th Annual Blossom Gala, with the theme of Blue Skies. More than 170 people took part in an elegant evening of fine food, entertainment, and dancing to help us raise more than $170,000. Thank you to the chair of the event, Doug Miller, and the silent auction chair, Mary Robbins, for all their hard work and dedication. Also, thank you to all the guests, donors, and ...

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Diona Lewis as the new Orchard Academy principal. Dr. Diona Lewis holds an EdD in Educational Leadership Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix, an M.A. in Special Education from Northeastern Illinois University, an administrative endorsement from Aurora University, and a B.S. in Secondary Education from Northwestern University with a concentration in art and social sciences. Dr. Lewis is a Fellow with the Georgetown University Center for Juvenile Justice Reform, earning a certification through the School and Justice ...

At the June board meeting, Orchard Village honored the memory of the late David Ellis, a longtime board member and supporter. Board Chairman Stephen Green presented the engraving for the Orchard Village Hall of Fame to Marcia Ellis, David’s wife of 46 years. David served on the Orchard Village Board of Directors from 2010 until his passing in 2022. He served as Treasurer of the Board and chaired the Finance Committee. “David Ellis was always concerned that, in addition to the residents, the staff were taken well taken care of.  He was concerned about staff turnover, addressing issues he ...