Opportunity Knocks

THE MISSION: The Opportunity Knocks (OK) mission is dedicated to providing opportunities and resources for individuals with developmental disabilities so they may pursue their educational, occupational and social interests. VISION: We envision a community where individuals with DD have an active and supported presence. The people we serve are Warriors and it is our belief that their place in the community is both valuable and necessary. Our socially interactive programming, places consistent emphasis on the value of self-advocacy and community. The goal is to provide opportunities for self-enrichment in the life of the Warrior, in turn giving the Warrior an opportunity to enrich the fabric of their community. GUIDING PRINCIPLE: Warriors have unique and exceptional abilities that diversify and strengthen their communities. Our Warriors will be equal architects and their self-advocacy will serve as the foundation of all program development. OK GOALS:
In all of our programming initiatives, we will focus on four primary goals:
1. Build Independence
2. Foster Self-Advocacy
3. Broaden Life Experiences
4. Instill & augment a sense of community

THE STRATEGIC PLAN:
Our Plan will be realized with simultaneous and successful operation in the following three phases:
1. The After-School Program
2. The Day Program
3. Community Integrated Living Arrangements

KEY CONCEPTS:

• Infuse the values of self-advocacy, self-enrichment, self-sufficiency and self-esteem into each individual’s approach to their program.
• Incorporate parents and family members to assist in maximizing each individual’s program experience.
• Establish a family atmosphere that encourages Warriors to initiate and develop relationships with mixed-ability peers.
• Cultivate a partner network of community agencies, i.e. businesses, churches and schools in effort to create a continuous collaborative relationship.
• Offer opportunities for volunteering to both the community and the program’s participants.