Over The Rainbow Association

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Over The Rainbow Association OTR HISTORY:

Over the Rainbow Association began with the dreams and tireless work of a few parents of adult children who had severe physical disabilities.

OTR is dedicated to increasing the quality of life for individuals with physical disabilities through the creation of affordable, accessible, barrier-free housing solutions and person-centered services that encourage independent living. These parents, who were not wealthy, were faced with the dilemma of where their children would live as they reached adulthood and could no longer live at home with their aging parents. After visiting the only existing options -- state-funded nursing homes and other assisted-living facilities, these parents were heartbroken. Residents could not come and go as they pleased. They could not choose when to get up, what to eat, and could not choose their own personal care attendants. Also, work or further education in these settings seemed impossible. After years of fundraising, research, and determination to develop a better housing solution, Over the Rainbow Association was born. OTR pioneered a new housing concept with the completion of an affordable, barrier-free, eight-unit apartment building in the trendy Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago in 1982. The Belden Apartments was the first of its kind in Chicago, and received the 1982 Governor's Award for Excellence in Housing for the Disabled and the American Architect’s Award for Disability Design. Today, OTR owns, manages, and provides person-centered services to 12 apartment communities and 5 more in progress serving over 350 adults across Northern Illinois.

Excited for this feature. Thanks, Evanston RoundTable
07/27/2026

Excited for this feature. Thanks, Evanston RoundTable

Over The Rainbow hosts a 5K and 2K walk and run for Disability Awareness Month, honoring a longtime resident and supporting independent living programs.

Thank you to the Evanston RoundTable for this wonderful feature on the Val Nora 5K for   . We are incredibly grateful fo...
07/14/2026

Thank you to the Evanston RoundTable for this wonderful feature on the Val Nora 5K for . We are incredibly grateful for everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored, and donated to make this event such a success. Take a look at the article below!

This article also features our amazing community partners Educating Outside The Lines and Misericordia's Hearts & Flour Bakery

Over The Rainbow hosts a 5K and 2K walk and run for Disability Awareness Month, honoring a longtime resident and supporting independent living programs.

07/10/2026

Join us Sunday! Support our residents, promote and celebrate
Thanks to our sponsors:
Skender Epic Burger Northwestern Neighborhood and Community RelationsWhole Foods MarketGym 1801

THIS IS INDEPENDENCE ❤️🤍💙Making a phone call.Creating art.Pursuing a passion.Spending time with neighbors.Playing a game...
07/04/2026

THIS IS INDEPENDENCE ❤️🤍💙
Making a phone call.
Creating art.
Pursuing a passion.
Spending time with neighbors.
Playing a game.
Enjoying a quiet moment.
Living in accessible housing.
Building a community.
Living life on my own terms.
No Barriers.
This is all possible with accessible housing and our resident service program. Join us Next Sunday to celebrate and support our residents!
Happy !

July is  . Meet Michael. His story is a powerful reminder of why accessible housing, community, and support matter. Join...
07/01/2026

July is . Meet Michael. His story is a powerful reminder of why accessible housing, community, and support matter. Join us on July 12 to celebrate Disability Pride Month and help make a difference. https://tinyurl.com/otrhousing

We're honored to be featured in the Evanston RoundTableJoin us on July 12th!For a fun, family-friendly morning celebrati...
06/29/2026

We're honored to be featured in the Evanston RoundTable
Join us on July 12th!

For a fun, family-friendly morning celebrating with a 5K or 2K, food trucks, music, face painting, balloon twisting, a bounce house, and a special appearance from the Northwestern Men's and Women's Basketball Teams.

Most importantly, every registration helps support Over The Rainbow's Resident Services Program, providing programs and services that help residents live healthy, connected, and fulfilling lives.

Register by July 6 to guarantee your T-shirt size!

A big thank you to the Evanston RoundTable for sharing our story, and to our sponsors Northwestern Neighborhood and Community Relations Gym 1801 Epic Burger Skender Whole Foods Market

Over The Rainbow Association will celebrate Disability Pride Month by hosting a "walk, run and roll" food truck festival at 9:30 a.m. July 12 at Hill

With Whole Foods Market – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉
06/26/2026

With Whole Foods Market – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

Address

2040 Brown Avenue
Evanston, IL
60201

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+18473286633

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