December 2019

Kishwaukee College Hosted Opportunity HouseLearning for Life Commencement November 4

Receiving a Certificate of Completion for Learning for Life I are Carol Chmielewski, Ashtion Atkins, Lolita Bennett,Adam Nimerfroh, Salvatore Siciliano and Angela Waters. (not pictured, David Nerge) Also pictured, Laurie

Borowicz, Kishwaukee College President, Robert Shipman, Opportunity House Executive Director, Carla Raynor,Opportunity House Developer & Instructor of Learning for Life.

Kishwaukee College and Opportunity House, Inc. held a commencement ceremony on November 4,2019 to honor Opportunity House clients who completed the Learning for Life I, Learning for Life IIand Learning for Life III programs. Eighteen graduates from the program were presented witheither a certificate, medal or plaque signifying the level they completed and recognizing theiraccomplishment and hard work. This year The Learning for Life program celebrated its 10 yearanniversary. To date there have been 93 total graduates since the first Learning for Lifecommencement was held in 2011.

To complete each level in the Learning for Life program, Opportunity House clients must complete adesignated number of core and elective classes. Each level in the program takes approximately twoyears to complete. Additionally, Level III students must complete a service project or designatedcommunity volunteer hours as part of the curriculum requirements.

The graduates and their guests were welcomed to the College by Dr. Laurie Borowicz, President ofKishwaukee College, and Robert Shipman, Executive Director of Opportunity House, Inc., whooffered congratulatory remarks. The National Anthem was sung by Brian Perkin, maintenance staffat Kishwaukee College. Learning for Life Developer& Instructor Carla Raynor delivered thecommencement address and called the candidates. Dr. Borowicz presented each graduate withtheir certificate, medal or plaque.

Funding for Learning for Life is provided by the Kishwaukee College Foundation through the DouglasC. & Lynn M. Roberts Family Foundation and The Francis Meyer Charitable Trust. Opportunities tocontribute to the Learning for Life endowment are available. Please contact the Kish Foundation at815-825-9803 for more information.

For more information on the Learning for Life program, contact developer and instructor CarlaRaynor at craynor@kish.edu or call Opportunity House at 815-895-5108 ext. 152.

Receiving a Medal of Completion for Learning for Life II are Laura Bosshardt, William Berkheimer, Diane Ostrom,Matthew Rowan and Joanna King. Also pictured, Laurie Borowicz, Kishwaukee College President, Robert Shipman,Opportunity House Executive Director, Carla Raynor, Opportunity House Developer & Instructor of Learning for

Life.

Receiving a Plaque of Completion for Learning for Life III are Sheila Buchholz, Mary Guild, Alice Craig, Sara Killeyand Jason Meyers. (not pictured, Sandra Walker) Also pictured, Laurie Borowicz, Kishwaukee College President,

Robert Shipman, Opportunity House Executive Director, Carla Raynor, Opportunity House Developer &Instructor of Learning for Life.

Community Supports Program

Each year CSP clients and staff gather together for a celebration of thanks for all the wonderfulblessings received throughout the year. It is a celebration we all look forward to!

Developmental Training Program

DT toured the Sycamore Fire Department.They take time to pose in front of the first fire

truck from 1923.

Kerry and Carol took a Heart Healthy Cookingclass at the Leishman Center and enjoyed the

salad that was prepared.

Vocational DepartmentDid You Know

The Vocational Program, within Opportunity House, helps clients acquire jobs in the communityrather than having a job within OH (i.e. workshop); although, our clients may want to do both.

Having a job in the community allows our clients to earn more and identify as a workingcommunity member. The Voc department serves clients with any type of disability as long as theyare referred to us through the Division of Rehabilitation Services.

Our job coaches help them put together a resume and submit applications in order to obtaincommunity employment. Once they have gained employment, coaching is provided to learn theneeded job skills and often the necessary transportation. We also act as the liaison between theemployer and the needs of the client.

Beth Celebrates 9 Years

Opportunity House's custodian, Beth celebrates 9 years with us.Beth is a reliable, independent and a focused individual that we are happy to have as

one of our employees. Thank you and congratulations Beth!

Residential

Amanda Wacker, surgical nurse at SwedishAmerican Hospital, collected over $100 in gift

cards donated to Opportunity House clients forthe holidays. This fundraiser was a volunteer

project for hospital employees to participate into give back to their community and make sure

the holidays are special for everyone.

Best Buddies Program

Andrew Schupbach bowling with his buddy,Kyle, at the Best Buddies Bowling Party. Theylove to spend their spare time together playingsports, going out to eat and just hanging out.

Recreation DepartmentThe Recreation Department celebratedThanksgiving by hosting their annual

Friendsgiving. Each year they prepare atraditional Thanksgiving meal together and

before eating, share what we are thankful for.To top it off, they devour a slice of pumpkin

pie and watch “A Charlie BrownThanksgiving”!!

Employee SpotlightSierra Ashley

Celebrates 18 Years

Sierra is the Lead DSP at the Alden group home, and has beenemployed with O.H. for 18 years. She has taken on many rolesthroughout her years here, and she is most famously known for

her home cooked meals. We appreciate Sierra’s generosity,dedication, inventive personality, and reliability that she brings toeach shift, as well as the care she provides to the individuals we

serve. Thank you and congratulations Sierra.

Opportunity House is Hiring!

Opportunity House Giving Tree

The Opportunity House Giving Tree is officially underway! Those who wouldlike to participate can choose a gift ornament at First Midwest Bank, 230 West

State Street, Sycamore or at Opportunity House, 357 N California Street.

Return the wrapped gift with the ornament attached to either location byWednesday, December 18th.

If you have any questions please call us at (815) 895-5108

Donations

Thank you Sycamore Angels RebekahLodge #106

Thank you to Sycamore Angels Rebekah Lodge 106 whodonated proceeds from a meat raffle they held at Ski’s tobenefit Opportunity House. Wanda Tatum, CommunitySupports Director (center) accepts the donation from

Luanne Fuller (right) and Denise Baker (left).

Thank You to Our Donors!

DonorsKaren DiFiore

Allen & Marian FrerichsAlfio & Rosemarie Gismondo

John HoniotesBetty Johnson

Knights of Columbus St. James Parish Council #15153PC Net Consulting Inc.

Steven & Pamela SchupbachRobert Sheridan

Grant & Michele StanojevRoger Steimel

Sycamore Angels Rebekah Lodge #106James & Tamey Trier

Tribute/MemorialsIn Memory of Rita Holt

Dr. Joe & Norma ThieleLynda Sassaman & Vivian Holt

In Memory of Paul MobleyFamily & Friends of the annual Tailgate Party

Cubs/White Sox Game Fundraiser

Capital CampaignChristine & Roger Kyler

DeKalb County Community Foundation

Upcoming Events

Giving TreeFriday, November 29 - Wednesday, December 18

Sponsored by First Midwest Bank230 Main Street, Sycamore

The tree will be located in the lobby

Gift Card DriveGift cards in any amount

are being collected for the holiday'sDrop off at Opportunity House

357 N California Streetby Friday, December 20

Christmas HolidayOpportunity House Closed

Tuesday, December 24, 2019Wednesday, December 25, 2019

New Year HolidayOpportunity House Closed

Tuesday, December 31, 2019Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Remember Opportunity House in your Estate Planning!

Planned giving enables an individual to make a charitable gift of estate assets to anorganization of their choice during their lifetime or through a will or testament. Considermaking a gift to Opportunity House. Please contact Jackie Espy at 815.895.5108 x130

Sponsors

Board of Directors Make a Difference

You may mail donations to:Opportunity House, 357 N California Street, Sycamore, IL 60178