News

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 ...

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 ...

Dear Friends, Staff, and Families of Orchard Village, This summer has been filled with participant outings, special events, employee recognition, and even a new home. Earlier in the summer, Orchard Village unveiled its inaugural Blossom Awards at the 2024 Annual Meeting in June. The Blossom Awards recognize Orchard Village employees who were nominated by their colleagues for representing the core values of our organization. These include: Quality of Life; Dignity and Respect; Making a Positive Impact; and Integrity and Responsibility. The winners of the Blossom Awards were Sharon ...

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 ...