Out and AboutOpportunity House, Inc.

Winter 2015

Inaugural Court of Honor Ceremony for Venture Crew 202 of Opportunity House

The Inaugural Court of Honor Ceremony for Venture Crew 202 of Opportunity House was held on the afternoon of October 29th in the gym at 357 North California Street in Sycamore. Invitations to this very special event were extended to Crew 202’s families and Opportunity House staff and Board of Directors. The Court of Honor Ceremony was planned by Anna and DJ Kurtzman, the leaders of Venture Crew 202.

In 2012, Boy Scout’s Three Fires Council administration approached Anna and DJ to take on the challenge of developing an adult program for Opportunity House modeled after the Boy Scout youth program. The program would be offered to both men and women with developmental challenges. Anna and DJ determined that the various programs offered in Boy Scouts would be effective in teaching life skills at different levels. Currently, three Venture Crews meet weekly.

• Crew One focuses on learning life skills mostly by using crafts. Members of this crew earned segments at the Court of Honor.

• Crew Two was set up to teach more advanced life skills, such as money management, but has evolved into a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) group. Members of Crew Two earned NOVA awards at the Court of Honor Ceremony for their accomplishment in STEM related fields, as well as segments.

• Crew Three meets after the work day on Thursday afternoons and is the largest of the Venture Crews, sometimes having nineteen members in attendance. Because of the size of Crew Three, the members are now divided into two patrols with members having specific responsibilities during meetings. Crew Three works on citizenship, camping and outdoor skills. Members of this Crew earned merit badges and segments at the Court of Honor.

Anna and DJ work with all three Crews to develop the values of the Scout Law, which is “A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent”. Crew 202’s Mission is to provide a safe environment for intellectually challenged adults and to enhance their life skills and community participation through use of the Boy Scout Oath and Law.

Speakers at the Court of Honor Ceremony included Nick Roberts, Director of Field Service for Three Fires Council, Jim Lyon, member of the Kishwaukee District Committee for Three Fires Council and Anna and DJ Kurtzman, Venture Crew 202 leaders. The Ceremony was a great recognition of the achievements of each Venture Crew participant!

Court of Honor: Anna and DJ Kurtzman, Steve Stanko, John Carroll, Casey Lingwai, Tim Sitowski, Mark Clausen, Sam Siciliano

and Matt Rowan reciting the Scout Oath.Tim Sitowski preparing to receive 21 segments and patches

he earned in Venture Crew meetings from DJ and Anna Kurtzman.

If you would like to receive

future newsletters by email, please send your email address to

blaird@ohinc.org

Board of DirectorsJim Dombek .......................... ChairSarah Tobias ..............1st Vice ChairJeff Richardson ..................SecretaryTom Matya .......................TreasurerNick Lee ......................... Past Chair

MembersLisa Becker

Tim ConklinBrian Gregory

Betsy HullChristy KylerKevin Poorten

Karen SimmonsJohn SpinosoTom SullivanHelen Traglia

OH is a not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 organization providing services to disabled adults since 1963.Our mission is “To help people with disabilities work, live in homes of their choice, and enjoy community life.”We offer a wide variety of services including residential, day program, supported employment, recreation, and Special Olympics. For more information about our programs check out our website at www.ohinc.org or contact us at 815.895.5108. Opportunity House is funded in part by DeKalb County Mental Health Board.

Opportunity House, Inc.

Main Office & Workshop202 Lucas Street, Sycamore.

Please Remember Opportunity House in Your Estate PlanningContact Bob Shipman at bshipman@ohinc.org or 815-895-5108

to learn how you can leave a legacy of support for the people we serve.

Welcome New Directors!Tim Conklin, Betsy Hull, Christy Kyler, and John Spinoso were elected to the Opportunity House Board of Directors at the November 5th Annual Meeting.

Commencement 2015Congratulations to our Learning for Life students who successfully completed the educational requirements to earn a Level I certification or Level II medal. On November 9th, a ceremony honoring those participants took place in Jenkins Auditorium at Kishwaukee College. Congratulatory remarks were provided by Bob Shipman, Executive Director of Opportunity House, Inc.; Commencement Address and Calling of Candidates provided by Carla Raynor, Instructor of Kishwaukee College and Presentation of Certificates and Medals by Thomas L. Choice EdD, President of Kishwaukee College. This is the 4th year qualified Level I students were presented certifications and the 1st year qualified Level II students were presented medals. To date 34 individuals have earned a Level I certificate and two individuals have earned their Level II medal. Great Job Students!!!!

Back row left to right: Carla Raynor, Thomas Choice, Elizabeth Weaver, David Roberts, Robert ShipmanFront row left to right: Laurel Berg, Sheila Buchholz, Dana Dombrowski, Jason Meyers, Ann Wallin

Opportunity House Receives DeKalb County Community

Foundation GrantOpportunity House was awarded a $5,000 Community Needs Grant from the DeKalb County Community Foundation to offset the costs of remodeling a bathroom at the Alden Home to be accessible to a resident with mobility impairments who lives there. Bob Shipman, Executive Director, receives the grant check from Dana Stover, DeKalb County Community Foundation Board member.

Job FairOn September 16th, Opportunity House was represented at the Kishwaukee College Job Fair.  Representatives from OH included:Jennifer Mangino (pictured), Residential Director, Carol Parsons, Program Director, and Joan Breiling, HR Manager. A number of interested students stopped by our booth requesting more information and we obtained several qualified candidates.

International Opportunity

OH and Northern Illinois partnered for an international experience on October 9th at our Work Services program. NIU was hosting 21 international students from Southeast Asia who were learning about civic engagement, civic activism and human rights in the U.S. The students, ages 21 -25, were part of a five week U.S. State Department funded program and were from several countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and the Philippines. The NIU students were given an overview of OH programs, disability rights and a tour of our WS program and then participated in two activities paired with an OH client. One was our US tradition involving Halloween craft and candy and the other using the trendy adult coloring books. Everyone had a great time learning about one another. We hope to see another group next year!!!

David and Ed work with their international buddy

Shari surrounded by her Southeast Asian friends

Healthy MattersOn November 4th, the Hy-Vee dietician and her NIU intern did a presentation on healthy snacks for the Health Matters class. The banana with peanut butter in a low-carb tortilla and the blue corn chips with salsa were the favorites of the presentation.

Family MattersFamilies and friends can enhance the quality of services offered byOpportunity House. If you would like to find out more about what you can do, please check out the “Wish List” on our website or contact a member of the OH management team for information.Beverly and Guy Augsburg - purchased a new 40” TV for the Living Room at the CLF.Steven and Pamela Schupbach - hosted a Thanksgiving dinner party at the Linden group home for those clients and their families.Ray Hott - assisted in the purchase of cupcakes to sell during the DT Craft Sale fundraiser and Terry Petit baked and donated the Carmelita for the event.Lynne Roberts and Doug Roberts - donated a dryer and chairs for use in our CILA homes.Lorna Lingwai and daughter Ginnifer Daugherty - made the pattern and sewed 40 “Brag” vests for our Venture Scouts.

Wish ListOpportunity House staff recently updated our “Wish List”. This isa list of items that would benefit programs and clients posted throughout the year. Items on the list range from inexpensive personal care items up to bigger ticket items such as TV’s or game systems.

www.ohinc.org

Developmental Training Craft and Bake Sale

The Developmental Training Program held a craft and bake sale on Friday and Saturday, October 2nd and 3rd. It was held at the DT Center and was open to the public. Shoppers could choose from a variety of items such as scented soaps, lotions, lip balms, seasonal craft items, hand painted decorative signs, dog collars, candles, pillows, luminaries, and baked goods. The sale was well attended, most of the merchandise was sold, and there were additional orders for the decorative signs. The sale raised just over $1,000 and the proceeds from the sale will be used to purchase listening center equipment for the Developmental Training Program classrooms.

The DT Program wishes to thank the following people for their contributions to a successful event: Ray Hott, The Oregon Soap Shop, One Love Bath & Candle, JJ Hamilton, Stephanie Hill, Terry Petit and Debbie Hurst.

DT staff tour Helping Hands Autism Program in Hodgkins, IL. on Institute Day 9/25/15

Shawnee Meltzer, Caryn Lehocky, Patti Ramos, Bruce Washington, Chuck DeGraf, Heather Butts, Erika Banks, Shaneka Carpenter,

Sally Oleson, Marilyn Bell, Sara Fee

DT Craft SaleClaire Petit, (staff Marilyn Bell), Jenny Hott

DT Pumpkin Fest Display – Carol Chmielewski , Laurel Berg and Matt Rowan

DT attends Special Olympics McGladrey Golf Skills Experience in RockfordSara Killey, Matt Marler, (staff Bruce Washington) Claire Petit,

Tim Sitowski, BJ Berkheimer & Mark Clausen

Staff Caryn Lehocky & Matt Marler

L to R: Kathy McVicker, Carla Raynor, Sue Way and Paul Larson excited to display their artwork for family and friends.

Featured artist, Shari Schramer, displaying her artwork.

Artist, Kris Lindstrom, taking a moment to pose for a picture with her cousin, Cheryl Countryman.

DeKalb Harley-Davidson

Raises Over $1,000 for Opportunity HouseCarol Parsons, Program Director, accepts a check in the amount of $1,078.00 from Cari Phillips, DeKalb Harley-Davidson Marketing Coordinator. The funds donated to Opportunity House were raised at the November 7th Chili Cook-off held at DeKalb Harley-Davidson on Peace Road in DeKalb.

Thank YouKnights of Columbus!

The St. James Parish Knights of Columbus Council #15153 in Lee donated $1,619.11 to Opportunity House November 16th. The money was raised from the Knights Annual Tootsie Roll Drive to support programs that help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are truly grateful to organizations like the Knights for their support and commitment to the people we serve. Pictured is Bob Shipman, Executive Director, accepting the check from Steven Voris of the St. James Parish Knights of Columbus.

NAPA Auto Donation Participating NAPA Auto Care companies raised $473.00 for Opportunity House in September through the NAPA Auto Care Center Oil Change Charity. Bob Shipman, Executive Director, accepts the big check from Tim King, owner of the NAPA Auto Parts store, and John Volkert, owner of Barb City Auto.

Client’s Display Artwork

at Art Show held on 10/14/15

Autism Awareness Fundraiser

Caprisha Williams independently organized a fundraiser to benefit Opportunity House and increase community awareness and knowledge of Autism. She raised $517. The venue was held at the Sycamore VFWand catered by Country Store and Catering in Sycamore. Through donations, Autism Awareness T-shirts and jewelry sales, and the generosity of vendors, funds were raised and presented to Executive Director, Bob Shipman. A special thank you goes to shirt designer Joe Dwizonnik; photographer Jeff Anderson; Caprisha and her family - Pamela, Gary and Tamia Jackson; and the wonderful people from The Country Store.

Bob Shipman accepting a donation from Caprisha Williams

Caprisha Williams (in red dress) surrounded by her family, clients and staff of Opportunity House.

T-shirts designed by Joe Dwizonnik

Fourth AnnualFall Festival & Chili Cook-off Successful!!

The fall festival/chili cook-off held on October 3rd at the DT Center was enjoyed by the many folks who came out for a bowl of delicious chili and all the fixings. The chili cook-off winner was Marc Johnson, our Special Olympics Coordinator. During the event many clients and their families enjoyed dancing and swinging to the band, Ukulele Moonshiners. Thanks to the many who made the event a great success.

Eagle Scout Project in Progress!

Boy Scout Matthew Moon from Troop 13 identified Opportunity House as his preferred location to make a difference in the community. Matthew is a senior at DeKalb High School and is working toward becoming an Eagle Scout. He has coordinated the grounds improvement at two of our group homes - Rich Road and Alden Place. The work completed to date has included removal of bushes, trees and vegetation overgrowth, tree trimming, repair or replacement of railroad ties, purchasing and painting two new planters, and purchasing solar lighting and yard ornaments. The project looks amazing and considering his busy school schedule and the weather it is coming together beautifully.

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Opportunity House, Inc.

Opportunity House Donors

Memorials

3-D Auto RepairArcher AlignmentB-95/WDKB FMBarb City AutomotiveBarbara ParsonsBetty Jean JohnsonBockman’s Auto CareCaprisha WilliamsDale & Leanne VestaDaniel & Kathleen ScheweDavid BonneyDawn CosentinoDeKalb Harley-DavidsonEdward HospitalHelen TragliaIllini Tire of DeKalb Inc.

In Memory of William HawksMary Comford

In Memory of Joyce VillersJames Villers

James & Karen BuckJane Downs-OvitzJohn & Rita HenneKeith SmithKnights of Columbus St. James Parish Council #15153Lisa BeckerLutheran Church WomenM Nadine ZimmermanManuela GutierrezMary Jo JohnsonMike’s Auto & Truck RepairNapa Auto PartsPC Net Consulting Inc.Ray & Irene BockmanRaymond Hott

In Memory of Paul MobleyFamily & Friends of the annual Tailgate Party/CWS Game fundraiser

Upcoming Events

Client Christmas PartySaturday, December 12th

6:00 to 9:00pmMVP’s Regal Center

Christmas HolidaysOpportunity House Closed

Thursday & Friday December 24th & 25th

New Year’s Holidays

Opportunity House ClosedThursday & Friday

December 31st & January 1st

Presidents Day HolidayOpportunity House ClosedMonday, February 15th

Institute DayAll Opportunity House Day Programs ClosedFriday, March 18th

Thank You George & Betty Dutton Foundation

A generous grant of $5,000 from the George & Betty Dutton Foundation was given to Opportunity House to help with the costs to re-design our website.

Check it out at www.ohinc.org!

Community FundraisingOn June 23rd, Opportunity House participated in a fundraiser with the

Sycamore McDonalds and raised $200. Thank you McDonalds Corporation.

Ritz’s Southtown AutoRiverside MarathonRobert & Mary PritchardRobert Clarner & Sharon LyonSoft Water City Inc.St. Catherine of Genoa ChurchSycamore Kiwanis CharityThe Motorworks of DeKalb Inc.Todd & Susan ShaverUnited Way of Genoa-KingstonUnited Way of KishwaukeeUniversity Shell Inc.Upstaging Lighting & TransportW.O.T.M. Sycamore Chapter 745

Giving TreeOpportunity House is grateful for our partnership with the Sycamore branch of the National Bank and Trust. For over 10 years they have sponsored a Christmas time “Giving Tree” that has the name of clients in need with suggested gift items. Individuals selected have limited financial resources, limited family assistance or may not have any family. Items are typically clothing, personal care items and various recreational items. If you are interested in supporting an OH client, please stop by the State Street branch of the National Bank and Trust or Opportunity House at 202 Lucas Street and select an ornament. If you would like to find out more call 815-895-5108.

202 Lucas Street • Sycamore, IL 60178

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDSycamore, IL

Permit. No. 118

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

We’re on the Web!www.ohinc.org

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