News

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 ...

At the June meeting, the Orchard Village Board applauded and recognized the many years of service of board member Donna Pleason with the gift of a beautiful crystal sculpture. A loyal volunteer, donor, and the sister of a family member supported by Orchard Village, Pleason has served in the past as the Board President, sat on many committees, and chaired the annual Blossom Gala several times. Over the years, Pleason and her husband Gary have been wonderful ambassadors for the agency, raising many dollars and friends for the cause. The board elected Pleason to Emeritus Status, where she will ...

Orchard Village celebrated the life and legacy of Ilene B. Sievert on July 15th with a dedication of our farm and sensory garden in her honor. The ceremony featured remarks from Orchard Village President and CEO Susan Kaufman, a tribute from Ilene’s husband Paul, and the unveiling of the plaque dedicated to Ilene. A luncheon with family, friends, and OV staff followed the ceremony. Ilene, who passed in 2012, was a dedicated gardener, mother, wife, amateur herpetologist, writer, and friend to many. She was always one to share the gift of her green thumb, providing plants and seedlings to ...

Orchard Village is starting a new group called Village Volunteers. This informal group of family and community members will be available to help with client events (like the holiday and summer parties), building and grounds improvement projects (like painting decks, planting flowers, and improving our homes), and helping with special events (such as our golf outing, gala, Cocktails for a Cause event, and Tootsie Roll Tag Days). The Village Volunteers is a great place to meet other family members, make friends, and socialize. At least once each quarter of the year, there will be a project ...