Opportunity Knocks

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United States
River Forest, IL
Opportunity Knocks

OK is a community based, person-centered program serving individuals with developmental differences OK will be guided by the interests of the individual.
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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 c

ommunity 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.

06/03/2026

🌽🍅🥒 The Riverside Farmers Market is BACK! 🌻🎉🌱

Today is the first day of the Riverside Farmers Market, and we’d love to see you at our stand! 💚

Wednesdays 2:30-7:00 PM from June through October. (10 Pine Ave, Riverside)

Stop by our stand for fresh produce straight from the farm, knockout plants, Knockout Pickles 🥒, and much more. Everything is proudly Warrior Made! 🤩🙌🏼

Come shop local, support a great cause, and enjoy all the fresh flavors of the season. We can’t wait to see you! ☀️😎👋

05/29/2026

Kicking off our Summer Session the best way we know how! ☀️ Shouting out a staff member who brings the best energy, lifts everyone up, and makes every day a little brighter. Your good vibes and true passion don’t go unnoticed — they set the tone for our whole community 💛

Cheryl says “my daughter started me on this path. Bev has Cerebral Palsy and I have been mom/OT/PT/teacher for her since birth. When I went back to school to become an occupational therapy assistant I saw how many ways my new degree could be utilized in skills that relate to basic activities of daily living,” noting her daughter as her biggest personal and professional inspiration, stating, “She is going to need OK when she gets older. Excelling here and collaborating with staff and Warriors fills me with such pride and comfort that a space like this will be available to her in the future.” We’re so glad to have Cheryl on our team ❤️

05/26/2026

Longest session ever and maybe the BEST one yet 🎉🤗
Adventures ✔️
New friends ✔️
Learning & laughing ✔️
Sprinter was amazing… now bring on the summer!! ☀️🌴

05/22/2026

Last Friday was one for the books 🌞💛
We’re still smiling thinking about all the joy our friends from CITE, Lyons Township, , and brought to the Farm!

The day was overflowing with laughter, drum‑circle beats 🥁, adaptive biking adventures 🚲, Hawaiian‑shirt fun 🌺, and the most delicious hotdogs 🌭

But the best part? Connecting with so many amazing people — new friends, familiar faces, and a whole lot of community love! 🤝✨

05/15/2026

A phenomenal Program Leader and an even more phenomenal person 💫

Your energy is contagious, your creativity keeps everyone engaged, and you have a way of making every single person feel included and valued. Whether it’s leading activities, encouraging participation, or bringing the fun wherever you go, you make a lasting impact on our warriors and staff every day. Thank you for always showing up with enthusiasm, kindness, and heart.

Amy says “After my first day at Opportunity Knocks, I remember going home and telling my family how much I loved it. It is such a special place to be involved in. The warriors bring so much energy and joy and they always know how to make me smile. My favorite part of my job is seeing the warriors get active. I love when I create an adaptive fitness game and the warriors continue wanting to play it even after the program time is over.” Opportunity Knocks is better because of you 💙

05/11/2026

Don't let this cool weather fool you, it's about to heat up! 🔥 Sign up for OK Programs Summer Session now! 🏖🌞🍧 Session Dates | 6/2/26 - 8/14/26

This session's theme is Choices! This session is all about empowering Warriors to explore what truly matters to them. Every day is full of choices: big ones, small ones, and everything in between. From picking new activities to deciding how to express creativity, move our bodies, or contribute to the community, Warriors will get to discover their own interests and lead the way. Through hands-on programs and real-life decision-making moments, we’ll celebrate independence, confidence, and the freedom to choose your own path. Get ready to try new things and make choices that feel uniquely you!

Head on over to the OK Programs Webpage on our site to learn more and register now! 🌐 https://www.opportunityknocksnow.org/ok-programs/

For our friends viewing this on Instagram, head over to our Linktree to find the link there! As always, Linktree Link in our Bio! 🌳

05/08/2026

Teacher appreciation week was a SUCCESS 💥📚
We loved handing out coffee, cocoa, and donut holes to the incredible Irving teachers who work so hard all year long! ☕️💛🍩
Teachers, you’re the real MVPs!! 🥇

05/04/2026

Happy Monday from some of your fave warriors 🌈💛
Sending good vibes, big smiles, and a little color to kick off the week right!✨

05/01/2026

Today we’re shouting out the one and only ANNA CARMODY! 👏

From your start as a Part-Time Program Leader to now serving as Program Director, you’ve grown so much alongside Opportunity Knocks and we’re so lucky to have you. It’s hard to fully capture the impact you make. You create opportunities, build confidence, and bring people together in ways that truly matter. Thank you for being such a constant, inspiring presence at Opportunity Knocks 💛

04/29/2026

A PHOTO FINISH @ THE GALA | PHOTO BOOTH PICS! 📸✨

Silly, Sweet, Serious, or even Saucy, relive all the memories by viewing the pictures captured at the super-fun and zany photo booth!

To download your photos, get the KRUU app on your phone and use event code 16a78u2

You can view all the Photo Booth pics in our Google Album at the link below!
🌐https://photos.app.goo.gl/JqRhm53q9hjssrcx9

Address

8020 Madison Street
River Forest, IL
60305

Website

http://www.opportunityknocksnow.org/, http://www.theokclassic.kintera.org/, https://twitter.com/OppKnocks

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