News

Caleb and Isaac are the newest success stories in Orchard Village’s InnOVations program, a vocational training and job placement that teaches independence and workplace readiness. Through partnerships with the community and the guidance of vocational team member Megan Green, these two young secured new jobs—Caleb at DD’s Discounts and Isaac at Five Below. Isaac joined Five Below in April and has quickly adapted to his role, stocking items from candy to water bottles. When he wore his Five Below uniform for the first time, he smiled with pride at this new step toward independence. ...

Orchard Village always seeks creative ways to support the people it serves, and this year, the powerful role of music therapy takes center stage. Sharon Lord, Training Coordinator,  whose passion for music has been lifelong leads this new program. She learned piano at just seven, picked up guitar a year later, and eventually learned the flute, viola, and several other instruments. Her talent and dedication led her to DePaul University, where she studied music therapy. After a 25-year career as a music therapist, Sharon began working at Orchard Village as a Qualified Intellectual ...

In September, Orchard Village partnered with the Knights of Columbus Skokie #3243 and Nile #4338 for the annual Tootsie Roll Tag Days. Staff, OV participants, and volunteers collected funds for programs. Volunteers collected donations and handed out Tootsie Rolls and bookmarks at Jewel-Osco in Niles, Fresh Farms in Niles, and Jimmy John's in Skokie. Additionally, the Burke Scholars at Notre Dame College Prep School collected on behalf of Orchard Village. The Burke Scholars Program at Notre Dame College Prep provides an inclusive Catholic high school education for young men with mild ...

Excitement filled the Orchard Village Activity Center on October 29th as our Special Olympics team, the Blossoms, hit the court to challenge Orchard Village (OV) staff in a high-energy basketball showdown. Cheers erupted as players showcased skill, teamwork, and love for the game. Guided by coach and Therapeutic Recreation Manager Carly Bell, the Blossoms launched an impressive game strategy. Coached by Carl La Mell, dedicated board member, the staff team, which included Josh Kinser, Femi Matimoju, Robert Murphy, Treadious Brown, Connie Ball, and Temi Atetayo, brought their best, ...

Since 2012, Therese Rakushin has been a vibrant part of Orchard Village, dedicating her time to making every event special. She’s staffed the Blossom Gala, cheered on models at fashion shows, organized holiday gift-giving, and brought festive spirit to Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day, and seasonal parties. She has even stepped in as a hairstylist at our residential homes, adding a personal touch to her volunteering. But where Therese truly lights up is during bingo games, watching clients beam with excitement as they call out “Bingo!” Therese’s journey with Orchard Village ...

What do you get when you mix a sun-soaked day, a stunning golf course, and golfers with a heart of gold? Orchard Village’s 32nd Annual Golf Outing at beautiful Westmoreland Country Club! This year’s event wasn’t just about hitting the perfect drive; it was about driving change and making a real difference in the lives of the people with developmental disabilities whom we support. Clear skies and a gentle breeze set the perfect stage for a day of friendly competition and unforgettable moments. As golfers navigated the fairways, they knew that each swing was more than just a shot at a ...

A warm and welcoming atmosphere filled the air on July 11 as Orchard Village celebrated the opening of its newly established client residence in Skokie. The lovely three-bedroom, three-bathroom home is the 10th community-integrated group home in Orchard Village’s residential services program. Orchard Village provides supervised and independent housing for nearly 70 individuals living in Skokie, Morton Grove, Park Ridge, and Glenview. Guests were offered tours of the house and future residents were especially enthusiastic, as they explored what would soon become a new home. ...

The Orchard Village Activity Center transformed into a tropical paradise for our annual Summer Bash! The luau-themed event featured vibrant decorations, delicious food, and lots of community fun. Participants indulged in a taco feast, while music filled the air, setting the perfect mood for a summer celebration. Partygoers competed in limbo, bean bag toss, and dancing. They also created works of art and became works of art themselves, thanks to a talented makeup artist who painted faces, hands, and arms with favorite designs and tattoos. These activities kept the energy high as ...

We are incredibly fortunate at Orchard Village to have volunteers who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of our participants. One such volunteer is Faye Oskin, whose generosity and enthusiasm were on full display at our day program. On a special Friday, Faye celebrated our participant's July birthdays by purchasing pizza for everyone, turning lunchtime into a joyful occasion. The participants were excited to share a meal and enjoy the festivities together. Faye’s commitment to Orchard Village is remarkable. She often comes in to play Uno with the participants, ...

Orchard Village’s Farm and Gardening Program enjoyed another strong growing season during the Summer of 2024. An amazing list of nutritious crops were harvested in our onsite, urban farm. Program participants enjoyed working outside in the beautiful Skokie summer. They worked diligently to grow cabbage, onions, kale, lettuce, cucumber, herbs, squash, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, bok choy, and carrots this season. Using vegetables from the Farm, Orchard Village again provided Garden Membership subscription boxes. This season, 19 families or individuals received a box of fresh ...