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 Lord, Training Coordinator; Nancy Palella, Director of Community Day & Home-Based Services; Jaime Rojas, Direct Support Professional; and Tina Sullivan, Senior Accountant, Payroll, A/P. Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to everyone who participated in the nomination process. At the Annual Meeting, we also discussed Orchard Village’s Annual Report, the Strategic Plan, and the exciting year ahead. It was wonderful to see all the clients, family members, and staff there to receive the updates and meet our wonderful Board of Directors.
In July, we opened a new client residence for six women in Skokie. At the official housewarming event, future residents, staff, and community members enjoyed each other’s company and took tours of the home. This home is much larger and accessible than the women’s previous residence and is a wonderful enhancement to their lives.
Growth at Orchard Village also extended beyond our residential services program. This summer, we planted another spectacular garden with help from the Talking Farm. Thank you to everyone who supported the program by subscribing to the Garden Membership boxes. Staff members and Farm Program participants also sold about 50% of these vegetables at the Skokie Farmers’ Market.
Volunteers are an important part of the Orchard Village family and hold a special place in our hearts. Faye Oskin, a volunteer in the Community Day Services program, treated Orchard Village to a special pizza lunch to celebrate participants who have July birthdays. Thank you, Faye and our volunteers, for sharing your time and talents with Orchard Village. We love spending time with you each week!
In August, we held the 32nd Annual Orchard Village Golf Classic at the beautiful Westmoreland Country Club in Wilmette. 65 golfers helped to raise over $90,000 to support the amazing programs at Orchard Village. Thank you to the event co-chairs, Jake Goldstein and Corey Noland, and the committee members for their leadership in this successful event. Thank you to all the golfers and staff who made the event possible.
Our annual Summer Bash took place in the Activity Center for clients, their families, and staff. During a sunny day, more than 100 people enjoyed tacos, games, face painting, arts and crafts, and music. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers who helped make this a fun event for Orchard Village families and program participants.
Thanks to all of you who help support us and enhance the lives of the people and families we serve. We are truly grateful.
Warmly,
Susan Kaufman
President & CEO
Please save these dates on your calendars:
- Giving Tuesday, December 3 – join us for one day of raising support for Orchard Village programs.
- December Holiday Gift Drive for clients – become a Santa for our clients and help purchase holiday gifts. Look for our wishlist on Amazon.
- February 22, 2025 – Join the Associate Board at Barcocina in Chicago for an evening of fun at Cocktails for A Cause.
- April 26, 2025 – The 38th Annual Blossom Gala at the Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel.