News

Dear Friends of Orchard Village: The leaves on the trees and the date on the calendar assure me that we are indeed in Fall and racing into Winter. Our summer and fall have been filled with client outings, special events, and new homes. At the end of summer, much was happening at Orchard Village. First, we found relief in the changes in COVID protocols and have been getting together again in person. Many of our staff and most of our clients are now fully vaccinated and boosted. Staff and program participants still wear masks in all program areas, but residents are not required to wear them in their ...

Orchard Village brings people together, and that couldn’t be more true for Anne and Steve. Residents of Orchard Village’s Intermittent Program, they met in an apartment building where they lived right next door to each other. The attraction was mutual, and the community supported their romance. After dating for a while, they married at a church in Skokie surrounded by family and friends. After the ceremony, they celebrated at White Eagle in Niles. They have been married for 23 years as of September. Today, Anne and Steve enjoy spending time together, especially going to community ...

As part of Orchard Village’s “Here We Grow” campaign, we are happy to announce that we’ve purchased two larger, more accessible homes to meet the changing housing needs of our residents. These homes will replace three of our smaller, less accessible, older homes. In May, residents moved into our first new home in Skokie. In August, we held an open house at our second new home, in Park Ridge, and hosted residents, family members, staff, board members, and our neighbors. The neighbors, even the previous owner of the home, stopped by to check out our new renovations. Eight residents ...

In May nearly 200 guests gathered at the Loews Hotel in Chicago for the 35th Annual Blossom Gala. The evening began with cocktails and a silent auction. Guests then entered the flower-filled ballroom for a champagne toast, led by Steven Witz, chair of the 50th Anniversary Committee, to celebrate Orchard Village’s 50th birthday. Gala Chairman, Doug Miller, then welcomed guests and introduced his daughter who receives services through Orchard Village. The evening included highlights of people who have devoted so much time and energy to Orchard Village including Donna and Leonard ...

Do you know who is listed as the beneficiary of your retirement accounts? It’s a good idea to regularly review the beneficiaries of your retirement plans, life insurance policies, trusts, and even bank accounts. The individuals or organizations listed as your beneficiary on your accounts will be the recipient of the balance of these accounts when you die, despite what your will might say. For example, if a will lists a current spouse as the recipient of a retirement plan but the beneficiary form on file lists a previous spouse, the former spouse will be the sole beneficiary of the balance of ...

The Lost Party at the Skokie Public Library In early March, Orchard Village's OVation Players and Still Point Theatre Collective performed The Lost Party at the Skokie Public Library Auditorium. It was a clever, dramatic, fun, and creative theatrical performance that capped a 16-week program held at Orchard Village's Activity Center. The program emphasized movement, expression, self-awareness, empowerment, and social engagement. Still Point's programming had a powerful effect on the performers.  Weekly workshops were collaborative, cumulative, and integrated family ...

Orchard Village Supported Living Coordinator Eva Kelly recently received the NAQ Spotlight Award, an honor given to outstanding professionals in the developmental disabilities field. Kasey Ornelas, Senior Director of Programs, nominated Eva for the many roles she has had during her 30+ years as an Orchard Village employee. Eva started as a Program Manager in the former Janitorial Training Program through the vocational department. She has also been a respite coordinator, helping families recharge by providing in-home respite care using trained caretakers, as well as a Special ...

During our 50th Anniversary year, we are honoring some of the outstanding people who made Orchard Village what it is today. Director of Residential Services, Jennifer Burgess has been a big part of our success over the years. She has been with Orchard Village for half of its existence -- 25 years this month. Jenn says when she interviewed in 1997, she was “blown out of mind how client-focused was. Orchard Village’s philosophy was client-focused. Clients chose their identity, personal goals, where and with whom they lived or where they worked.” Orchard Village recognized ...

In December, Orchard Village was saddened by the death of one of its beloved volunteers, Ellen Sontag. Ellen volunteered as an art instructor at both our day programs and Orchard Academy, helping clients express themselves through beautiful artwork. Nancy Otter, Principal of Orchard Academy, remembers Ellen fondly, "Ellen was one of those few people who touches many lives and leaves a lasting memory for each person. For many of our students, it is challenging to get to school and be engaged during the day. They always looked forward to Ellen and were more than willing to participate in any ...

As we begin 2022, Orchard Village plans to take more steps to be green! In December, Henley House, one of Orchard Village’s 24-hour homes had solar panels installed on the roof. Generously donated by Ailey Solar, the panels will work year-round to provide energy to the house. The installation of the new solar panels will save the house roughly $150 in utility bills each month! Another way Orchard Village is striving to be more environmentally friendly continues to be our farm. During the warmer months, Orchard Village grows fresh herbs and vegetables using organic methods that provide our ...