Out and AboutOpportunity House, Inc.

Fall 2016

Chip Into CharityThe 8th annual Chip into Charity Golf Outing presented by KishHealth System was held Friday, August 26th, at the Sycamore Golf Club. Seventy-six golfers representing various sponsors took part in the annual outing benefiting Opportunity House, Inc. and our clients. With the help of participants and our loyal sponsors, Chip into Charity raised awareness for Opportunity House, Inc. and $12,685 to help individuals with disabilities in the DeKalb County. Opportunity House, Inc. would like to extend a big thank you to all the sponsors who made the outing a success. In addition to the loyal sponsors, Opportunity House, Inc. would also like to thank the numerous staff, clients, and board members who gave their time to run the outing.

2016 Chip into Charity Sponsors:Presenting Sponsor – KishHealth System

Grand Slam – Zea Mays Holdings, Upstaging, Inc.

Eagle – Dahlquist Inc, Charles Rose, Timberland Financial, First Midwest Bank, First National Bank, The Melissa Mobile Team – Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell, Foster, Buick, Conklin, & Lundgren, LLC.

Birdie – C & H Plumbing, Inc., Pinkston-Tadd, Ken Spears Construction, Manufactured Packaging Products Sycamore, Curran Contracting Company, CMJ Technologies

Par – Slingerland & Clark, Pardridge Insurance, Edward Jones, Olympia Chiropractic & Physical Therapy, Kiwanis Club of DeKalb, Swedberg & Associates

Cooler – Floor to Ceiling – Doug & Carolyn Reifsteck, Forthright Financial Planning

Lunch – Tom & Jerry’s Featuring Catering by Diann

General Donations – Soft Water City, Virgil Cook & Son, Inc., Bob Klotz, Gismondo Family, Gray Hunter Stenn, LLC, Priority Promotions, Roger Kyler Photography, Opportunity House, Inc. Board of Directors

2016 Chip into Charity Outing Presented by the KishHealth System Contest Winners:1st Place Team – Zea Mays Holdings Foursome (Tom Matya, Dan Matya, Dean Bourdages, and Matt Hoyle)

2nd Place Team – Foster, Buick, Conklin, & Lundgren Foursome (Chris Calbow, Timmy Johnson, Andrew Morreale, and Devon Walker)

3rd Place Team – The Melissa Mobile Team – Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell Foursome (Bruce Washington, Andrew Weckerly, Frank Slowinski, and Josh Garland)

Longest Drive (Men) – Andrew Weckerly

Longest Drive (Women) – Lindsay Engelsman

Closest to the Pin – Nick Lee

If you would like to receive

future newsletters by email, please send your email address to

info@ohinc.org

Board of DirectorsJim Dombek .......................... ChairJeff Richardson ..................SecretaryTom Matya .......................TreasurerNick Lee ......................... Past Chair

MembersLisa Becker

Tim ConklinBrian GregoryChristy 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.

Direct Service Professional WeekSeptember 11th- September 16th

For the past several years Illinois has set forth a proclamation signed by the governor to recognize the vital role of Direct Service Professionals (DSP’s) in enhancing the lives of individuals of all ages with disabilities. Each year Opportunity House likes to recognize employees during DSP week and we encourage our clients, their friends and families to do the same this week and throughout the year.

DSP’s provide the foundation for community living. They ensure the health, safety, and well-being of people with developmental disabilities by providing daily personal care, teaching life skills, and supporting people to be actively engaged and working in their community.

DSP’s are the front line staff working with our clients, depending on the department they work in they may be referred to as: Developmental Trainers, Residential Trainers, Workshop Supervisors, Medical Assistants, Recreation Assistant or Job Coaches. All Case Managers, House Managers and Program Managers go through DSP training if they have not been certified as a DSP previously. The DSP training program is a 130 hour program that combines classroom time with on-the-job training. • 70% of our staff work as DSP’s.• 92% of our staff are DSP certified.• DSP’s must clear at least four background checks: Health Care Worker Registry, IL State Police, DCFS and the Illinois Sex Offender Registry.• DSP’s are registered on the Health Care Worker Registry the same as CNA’s.

O.H. is fortunate to have staff who are caring and passionate about helping others. Sometimes the faces may change over the years but the commitment to serving our clients always remains.

THANK YOU- DIRECT SERVICE PROFESSIONALS !!!!

Make a Planned Gift to Opportunity House!

Planned giving enables an individual to make a charitable gift of estate assets to an organization of their choice during their lifetime or through a will or testament. Planned gifts provide enhanced tax benefits and many types of planned gifts are designed to give income back to the donor during his or her lifetime. Almost all planned gifts provide a tax deduction, either as an income tax charitable deduction now, or an estate charitable deduction later. Consider making a gift to Opportunity House of cash, stock or real estate. You could also consider designating Opportunity House as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy, retirement plan, or in your will.

If you would like to learn more about how you can make a charitable gift to Opportunity House please contact Rick Pesavento, Director of Community Engagement at 815-895-5108 X 130

Terry’s New BikeMany of you probably know Terry. He does a tremendous amount of collecting and recycling as he picks up items around the community on his bike. Well, his current bike had seen better days, so our supporters stepped up. Lynn Bute, Budda Bute and Gene Walsh purchased a new bike and the good people at Blue Moon Bikes assembled it for him. It never fails that our local community steps in, showing their generosity when they see a need.

Ron Lancasteis celebrating his 10 year employment anniversary at Voluntary Action Center. Ron takes pride in working hard at washing dishes and keeping up with the demands of the busy kitchen at VAC. His smile and sense of humor brightens up everyone’s day in the kitchen. The Opportunity House Vocational Program and staff and VAC would like to congratulate Ron on a job well done!

David Roberts is celebrating 10 years at Culver’s! David’s supervisor says that “David is such a joy to have on our team. His unwavering positivity is contagious. His hard work and motivation is a great example for new and fellow team members.”

10 YEARS!

Safety Matters

Thanks to Amanda Corona from Culver’s of Sycamore for generously providing 140 free 2-scoop sundae coupons to help us reward our employees for a strong safety record over the past year. Thank you Amanda and everyone at Culver’s of Sycamore!

Shadow Gentry, VP of Aktion Club, is pictured presenting a $500 Leaf a Legacy pledge to Ted Strack, VP of Sycamore Park District, at the Sycamore Park District

Board meeting on Tuesday, August 23rd.

Mary Cosentino, Mark Clausen, Sara Killey, David Roberts, Steve Stanko, Andy Schupbach, and Roger Scott are pictured on NIU campus after visiting the NIU Anthropology Museum on Saturday, August 27th. The group then

enjoyed a picnic lunch at the Rochelle Train Park. 

OH Aktion Club members pictured with the Sycamore Park District board members after the board meeting on Tuesday, August 23rd, where Aktion Club

presented a $500 pledge to the Leaf a Legacy Campaign.

Family Matters

Al and Rosemarie Gismondo donated laundry detergent and vinyl gloves to the Developmental Training program.

Steve and Pam Schupbach donated meat from Inbodens and have made a financial contribution towards adding a lower level bathroom at the Linden Home.

Clients enjoy Zumba classes with instructor Cathy Pivonka

Developmental Training

Happenings

Staff Sara Fee helping with the car wash to raise money for educational supplies for DT

Art class with volunteer instructor Doug Burroughs

Visit to DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport to see Flying Legends B-17

Clients took a walk back in time at the Sycamore Threshing Bee

Clients enjoy spending the day at Phillips Park Zoo

Sara Tobias –stops in for a class about Frogs & Toads

Clients enjoyed exhibits and food at the Boone County Fair

Clients look forward to a monthly visit from Pawsitive TAILS

Corn Fest 2016

Kathy McVicker clownin’ around at the Illinois Railway Museum on August 21st.

Richard Schaefer is always willing to lend a helping hand. Richard volunteered, handing out napkins during the Corn Boil,

at Corn Fest 2016. He received a Corn Fest T-Shirt and a voucher for a free ice cream cone from McDonalds for his efforts.

Rachell Koss riding the tilt-a-whirl at the carnival. Several clients from the Community Supports Program went to Corn Fest. They participated in the

Historical Bus Tour, a guided tour through some of DeKalb’s oldest buildings, roadways and landmarks. They also did some downtown shopping and had

lunch at Lincoln Inn restaurant. Of course, they could not end the day until they had some fresh corn on the cob!

Train enthusiasts, Michael Reding, Richard Schaefer, Kathy McVicker (from L to R) went to the Illinois Railway Museum to see the

“Thomas the Tank Engine” exhibit on August 21st.

Illinois Railway Museum

Special OlympicsThe 2016 Special Olympics Area 1 Bowling Tournament was held the weekend of August 20-21 in Freeport. Opportunity House/KSRA Special Olympics had 28 athletes compete for a chance to earn gold medals and continue their bowling season. Results for the bowling tournament are below. Congratulations to all the Opportunity House/KSRA Special Olympics bowlers.

BJ Berkheimer ..........6th PlaceSheila Buchholz .........Gold MedalMark Clausen ............Bronze MedalJacob Collingbourne ..Gold MedalJane Freegard .............5th PlaceShadow Gentry .........Gold MedalMary Guild ...............4th PlaceParish Hammond ......Gold MedalAlvin Haynie .............4th PlaceRon Hendle ...............6th PlaceRosie Hudak ..............Bronze MedalMarc Isabel ................4th PlaceSara Killey .................Silver MedalJoanna King ...............4th Place

Rachell Koss ..............4th PlaceKris Lindstrom ..........8th PlaceRoss Olson ................Silver MedalClaire Petit ................6th PlaceMatt Rowan ..............Silver MedalSam Siciliano .............Bronze MedalFrank Slowinski .........4th PlaceMichael Thayer ..........5th PlaceCraig Titus ................Silver MedalSandra Walker ...........8th PlaceRick White ................Bronze MedalAndy Whitwell ..........Gold MedalJosh Whitwell ............Gold MedalChristian Zellar .........Gold Medal

Bowlers Alvin Haynie, Parish Hammond, and Craig Titus celebrate their bowling accomplishments.

Jane Freegard, Sara Killey, and Sheila Buchholz are happy to have competed so well.

Brothers Andy and Josh Whitwell display their gold medals.

Venture Crew Participates in

Camp Fire ProgramOn August 6th, the Thursday Venture Crew participated in a Camp Fire Program at Sycamore Rotary Park led by Ryan Cowan, a Life Scout working on his Eagle Scout Rank. The program included a group game followed by a Flag Retirement Ceremony. When a flag is no longer suitable to represent our country, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner. Venture Crew learned that the stars and stripes should be cut apart and the sections burned separately.

Table Top Machine

Josh Garland is getting ready to use the Workshop’s new Table Top Strapping machine. The strapping machine was purchased to meet the requirements of long-time customer Manufactured Packaging Products. It will also allow the Workshop to offer other customers another option of service. 

Spring and Diane preparing for the ceremony

Matt R. burning a stars section of the flag

Ryan Cowan handing Kris L. stars to be

destroyed

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Opportunity House, Inc.

5th Annual Fall Festival& Chili Cook-off

Sunday, September 18th12:30 to 4:00pm

357 N. California St.

Institute DayOpportunity House

Day Programs ClosedFriday, September 30th

OH Holiday Craft & Bake Sale

Thursday & Friday October 6th & 7th 10:00am to 6:00pm357 N. California St.

Columbus Day HolidayOpportunity House ClosedMonday, October 10th

Venture Scout CourtOf Honor Ceremony

Thursday, October 20th 6:00 to 8:00pm

357 N. California St.

Halloween Party & DanceFriday, October 28th

6:00 to 8:30pm357 N. California St.

Turkey Toe DanceFriday, November 4th

6:00 to 8:30pm357 N. California St.

Upcoming EventsAlfio and Rosemarie Gismondo

Andrew AlmburgBecky ZantoutBetty JohnsonBeverly StoneBob ShipmanBonnie LairdBrian and Deanna BazanBrian GregoryChanette OeserChristie KylerDan and Mary CurranDaniel and Kathleen ScheweDave and Suzanne JudayDavid and Kathy SmithDr. Robert and Diane HammonEllen RogersFranklin's Frames and ArtGary and Sally ScottHenry OeserIdeal Industries FoundationJames and Charlotte KirbyJames and Sandra QuiramJames RyanJean ErlenbornJeanne IsabelJerrold and Carol ZarJerry and Sue BemisJim and Kathryn DombekJoan BreilingJohn and Cheryl CountrymanJohn HoniotesKathy HottKay RileyKen and Jaunita Mundy

Kevin and Patty PoortenKishHealth SystemsKristin and Scott MillerLarry and Stephanie ForsbergLaura FrankiewiczLinda and Ray HeinischLisa and Brad BeckerLisa GorchelsManuela GutierrezManufactured IndustriesMary Jo JohnsonMichele KeithNewman Catholic Student CenterPatricia WincklerPatsy and Bill LundbergPenny RosenowPhil and Barb AmbergRay and Irene BockmanRick PesaventoRobert and Dee SheridanRobert and Mary KeilRon CeruttoRonald and Nancy ProeselRonald KleinSt. Catherine of GenoaSteve and Mary Ann SteinbisSteve and Pam SchupbachSwedberg and AssociatesSycamore Kiwanis CharityTim ConklinTom and Karen MatyaTom and Pamela SullivanUpstaging Lighting and TransportWalter and Janet RaischZea Mays Holdings

MemorialsIn Memory of Tom Zucker

Ellen Rogers

In Memory of John KleinRoger and Irene Klein

In Memory of Pete LyonsHelen Traglia

Mary ComefordRobert and Donna Brown

Opportunity House Donors

TributesIn Honor of Sandy Elias

Ellen Rogers

In Honor of Kathy DeSandreHank and Peggy DeSandre

202 Lucas Street • Sycamore, IL 60178

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDSycamore, IL

Permit. No. 118

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

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