News

At the Spring Fling staff appreciation event held on June 13, Orchard Village proudly announced the winners of the new Blossom Awards. These awards celebrate individuals who embody the core values of our community, having been nominated by their co-workers for their outstanding contributions. We are thrilled to recognize the following team members for the Orchard Village values they embody: Quality of Life: Nancy Palella Making a Positive Impact: Sharon Lord Dignity & Respect: Jaime Rojas Integrity & Responsibility: Tina Sullivan (not pictured) Each of these individuals ...

The Orchard Village community gathered in the Activity Center on June 24th for the Annual Meeting, where program participants and Orchard Village Blossom Awardees were recognized and celebrated for their achievements. The evening began with a buffet dinner, followed by highlights of our incredible Special Olympics athletes who proudly represented Orchard Village at the Illinois State Olympiad in Bloomington, IL. Competing in the Track and Field events, Orchard Village athletes, coached by Therapeutic Recreation Manager Carly Bell, took home 7 medals -- 5 gold and 2 silver. The ...

Orchard Academy proudly celebrated its first graduation ceremony on May 22nd at the Orchard Village Activity Center. This historic event was made possible by recent changes in state rules allowing students to finish out the school year rather than age out of the program. The ceremony was attended by family, friends, and staff. Cheryl Hurtenbach, para-educator, gave the opening remarks to the ceremony. Principal Diona Lewis, teaching staff Armon Beladi and Ticia Doughty-Ashcroft, and para-educators Tiffany Riebman, Maalik Todd, and Marilyn Idelman Soglin delivered heartfelt ...

Orchard Village is excited to announce our partnership with the Adopt-a-Street Program in Skokie! As an organization committed to fostering community engagement and making a positive impact, this program is a perfect opportunity to contribute to the cleanliness and beauty of our neighborhood. Skokie Community Day Service participants have taken on the responsibility of adopting Gross Point Road from New Gross Point to Howard Street, as well as Austin Avenue. Twice a year, our OV participants will roll up their sleeves and participate in clean-up efforts along these adopted streets. ...

Orchard Village is delighted to share the success of Cocktails for a Cause, which took place on February 24, 2024, at Barcocina Lakeview. The event raised over $20,000, providing crucial support for individuals with developmental disabilities to help them achieve greater independence and joy in their lives. The funds raised will be used to supply essential services and materials to the individuals supported by Orchard Village. Additionally, the proceeds will help sustain the creative efforts of OV artists, enabling them to continue producing their inspiring work. The evening was ...

On April 27, nearly 200 guests gathered at the Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel for the 37th Annual Blossom Gala. This year featured a special theme, Star Ruby, to celebrate good luck and prosperity in the 52nd year of Orchard Village’s service to the community. The evening began with cocktails and a silent auction followed by the program and dinner in the blossom-filled ballroom. Board President Stephen Green welcomed guests, and Gala Chair Doug Miller thanked the Gala Committee and volunteers who made the event possible. At this year’s gala, Orchard Village was honored to recognize ...

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Sherilynn (Sheri) Asuoha, our new Behavioral Health Clinical Director, to Orchard Village.  Sheri started at Orchard Village in March. Sheri is an experienced, transformational leader of non-profit and human service organizations. She has experience in clinical counseling and consulting, program and staff development, clinical supervision, and policy. She is also a youth ministry leader and an accomplished writer, ghost writer, and editor. Sheri has a passion for teaching and skill-building with children and youth with developmental ...

On April 8, 2024, Orchard Village participants and staff witnessed the rare occurrence of a total solar eclipse! It was a gorgeous afternoon as OV participants and staff gathered on the OV grounds to watch the eclipse move through the Chicago area. While grooving to music and enjoying each other’s company, the group passed around solar eclipse glasses and patiently watched as the moon slowly made its way between the sun and the earth. Then, the glorious moment the group had been waiting for: totality! The moon completely blocked the sun for approximately four minutes and 28 seconds. As ...

The spring sun shined as Orchard Village athletes showcased their strength and determination at the Special Olympics Spring Games. OV participants took on a variety of sports, including the softball throw, 100m walk, 100m run, 50m run, tennis ball throw, and shotput. Under the guidance of Therapeutic Recreation & Education Manager, Carly Bell, these athletes dedicated themselves to training for two months leading up to the games. Their hard work and perseverance paid off as they stepped onto the field ready to give their all. Despite the unusual spring heat presenting a challenge, ...

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 ...