Vo l u m e 6 N u m b e r 3

Opening Doors & Developing Opportunities

THES E R V I N G A D U LT S W I T H I N T E L L E C T U A L A N D D E V E L O P M E N TA L D I S A B I L I T I E S

VoiceVoiceMAY/JUNE 2020

During the COVID-19 pandemic and the “stay at home” order, most of us are struggling to find some

sense of normalcy while also maintaining our physical, emotional and mental health. There is the continual struggle

adhering to healthy eating habits, maintaining personal relationships and the need to frequently combat boredom, while constantly seeking that “little something” to help spark a sense of joy during what is a very difficult time. Can you think of any better way to spark that sense of joy than a parade?

To show “Open Door Spirit” and let the individuals we support and the live-in staff members who are selflessly sacrificing know that they are not alone, Open Door chose to have a socially distanced “Parade/Dance Party” at each of our group homes. Administration, management, and caseworkers each loaded up in their personal vehicles and paraded from group home to group home with concert speakers in the back of a pickup truck, blaring a special “COVID-19” playlist. We danced and sang along with some classics like “I Think We’re Alone Now” by Tiffany, “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer, and “Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats, to name just a few. The feedback we received from the individuals we serve and staff within the homes was that it was a great surprise and they all loved it. But, to be honest, I believe the staff members performing

Staff singing and dancing to lift people’s spirits at Ash House.

Everyone loves a Parade!

Everyone joined in on the fun to show their love and support.

FUN & RECREATION

Opening Doors & Developing Opportunities

The Voice is the bi-monthly newsletter of Open Door Rehabilitation Center, a not-for-profit organization serving adults with developmental disabilities.

405 South Wells Street Sandwich, Illinois 60548 Phone: (815) 786-8468Fax: (815) 786-6241 Web: www.odrc.org

Contributors:Rita Potter Laurie Wisdom Terra Stetz Kourtney Herren MaryKay Longwell

Becky ClemonsGene StephensDaniel Wehrli

Founders of ODRCWilliam & Virginia Squier, Sr.David & Juanita Graf

Executive DirectorRita Potter

Board of Directors

PresidentDick Banning

Vice PresidentChris Carpenter

SecretaryDenise Mestemaker

TreasurerRichard Randall

Susan Bill Larry FrenchThea HernandezTom Hohmann, Jr.Becky LuekenMichael O’ Flynn

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in the parade enjoyed it even more. Overall, it was a huge success and a great break to the monotony, as well as a great stress reliever for everyone involved.

Since then, news of our little parade has been nationally recognized in a professional periodical and mentioned in a statewide email by the Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities, Allison Stark. We were also excited to receive a shout-out from Governor Pritzker during his public update on April 26th! Visit our Facebook page to watch the video clip. All this attention just goes to prove...everyone loves a parade!

Laurie W. showing her team spirit.

Rob H. dances to the parade music as Karen L. and Beth G. look on.

The gang at Rose House thought it was a beautful day to see a parade.

WORLD OF TECHNOLOGYWORLD OF TECHNOLOGY

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With everyone staying indoors, our clients enjoy seeing new faces from time to time and love to keep up with friends and family. Most of the individuals we serve do not have cell phones, so we needed to brainstorm how they can utilize technology, something that most people have in their pockets at any given moment. Dana Grant, case manager, came up with the idea to set up tablets in each of our group homes and load the devices with an application that would allow for video chat. Dana’s idea has proven to be a brilliant way for clients to easily connect with others face-to-face!

The results have been so much fun and entertainment for the clients and case managers alike. Video conversations are providing a much-needed distraction for our clients who have been sheltering in place at home. It has also been a great tool for the case managers who are trying to adjust to the new normal during this pandemic.

Julie O. at Ash House has been able to chat with her friends living at Cedar House. Dean S. has been able to talk to his girlfriend, Angie H., at another group home. Client family members have also been able to reach out using video chat to see their children smile. What a relief to be able to see your loved one in this unfamiliar reality we have all been thrust into.

The intention of using this new technology has been to give people that feeling of comfort, to see for themselves that someone is doing okay. The joy of just being able to see a friend or family member can give us all a lift and fill us with the love and happiness we all need right now. There have been so many smiles exchanged with our new video chat project, which has definitely helped enrich the lives of our clients at a time when they are feeling most vulnerable.

Open Door loves our newfound technology so much that we are making plans for how we can expand on this once life returns to normal.

PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

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Kyle V. and his mother appreciate catching up

with Becky C.

STEPPING INTO THE

Conversing via JusTalk is a great way for Angie H. and Dean

S. to connect.

Julie O. and Kelly B. enjoying a good laugh.

When teachers from a neighboring school began instructing via e-learning, one 4th grade teacher suggested that her students practice writing by sending letters to Open Door. Her pupils would have the opportunity to sharpen their writing skills and brighten someone’s day in the process. It wasn’t long before mail from students and families began to arrive addressed to “Open Door Individual.” Receiving and opening mail is a ton of fun for individuals in the group homes. Letters produce wide grins and excitement for all!

“I hope a picture would make you happy,” wrote one young boy on his page of carefully drawn smiley faces. Another 7-year-old boy sent a letter that was carefully folded into a paper airplane; he asked if [the reader] was able to get outside, writing that he can go outside, but he can’t play with friends. A poster extolling the virtues of soap in battling the COVID-19 virus certainly perked up the gentlemen living at Pine House! Another card read: “Everyone deserves to have a little brightness in their day; hope this letter makes your day a little brighter.”

Once shared on Facebook, more cards, letters, drawings, cut-out flowers and even word-search games have begun arriving—as many as nine envelopes in one day, addressed from Sandwich and other local communities! Mail contents are colorful and heartfelt, some including fun quotes from Dr. Seuss: “Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one,” with the wishes: “Hope you are well; sending you positive thoughts.” One family sent a garden of vibrant, hand-painted “Happy Spring” flowers, enough for every home to enjoy. An area 4-H Club sent brightly colored cards with similar spring wishes. Staff at one financial institution sent 17 bright-colored, cut-out Easter decorations with the hope that the pictures would “put a smile on… faces during this difficult time.”

The wonderful men and women living here at Open Door are very fortunate to have received such a stream of kindness and cheer in the mail during such challenging and uncertain times. Our entire Open Door family sincerely thanks the senders!

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Caring Community Releases a Stream of Kindness and Cheer

Billy R.’s smile shows how much he enjoys his mail.

COMMUNITY &

SERVICE

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The individuals we serve LOVE receiving mail

This poster, drawn by a nine-year-old boy, is being enjoyed by the men at Pine House.

I got mail! Cindy S. is one happy woman.

If you would like to add to this

stream of cheer, mail may be sent to:

OPEN DOOR INDIVIDUAL

405 S WELLS ST

SANDWICH, IL 60548

Did you know that listening to a cat’s purr is a proven way to reduce stress? It is also a sure way to enjoy a stay-in-place order, because it’s all fun when there are cats in the house and the houses have cats!

When the stay-in-place order came into effect, Open Door was fortunate enough to have staff who were willing to come forward to move into our group homes, a gesture that we felt would best protect our consumers. A great perk to this new living arrangement was that a couple of the staff brought their furry kids along!

Meet Prescott, who lived with the ladies of Cedar House. Prescott loved spending time exploring the house and would often be found relaxing on laps or enjoying a good scratch. Kelly B. figures that “Prescott is a good cat and can sleep on me anytime.”

Laurie P. came up with a song for Prescott that goes, “Kitty kitty kitty, what would I do without kitty?”

Prescott also enjoyed monitoring the neighborhood with Evelyn S. “I just want you to know that I like this cat,” said Evelyn.

Cosmo lived at Ash House and was instantly adored by all! We think Steve D. is part cat, given how comfortable the two look together!

Dean’s favorite thing to do with Cosmo was to tell Heather K. (Cosmo’s fur mom) that “He’s family, ain’t he?” after he gave Cosmo his treat.

Having cats in the houses was a great success, and we are sure there are more tails to tell! We are so grateful to our staff for bringing their fur babies to work. Me-wow, it was pawsome!

HOME & PERSONAL SPACE

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It’s Been PurrfectIt’s Been Purrfect

Steve D. & Cosmo are snuggle buddies.

Cosmo loves receiving belly rubs from Julie O.

Laurie P. sharing her recliner with Prescott.

Executive DirectorRita Potter

Founders of ODRCWilliam & Virginia Squier, Sr.David & Juanita Graf

Officers:

PresidentDick Banning

Vice PresidentChris Carpenter

SecretaryDenise Mestemaker

TreasurerRichard Randall

Directors:Susan Bill Larry FrenchThea HernandezTom Hohmann, Jr.Becky LuekenMichael O’ Flynn

Administrative Offices:405 South Wells StreetSandwich, IL 60548Tel: (815) 786-8468Fax: (815) 786-6241www.odrc.org

Proud Member:

I A R FIllinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities

A C C S E SAmerican Congress of Community Supports and Employment Services

Open Door is a private tax-

exempt 501(c)(3) corporation

“We are living in unprecedented times” has become an overused cliché, but I don’t think I can express it any better. In my nearly 30 years at Open Door, there has never been a time quite like this, nor have I faced as many leadership challenges.

In early March, information began to trickle in about this new coronavirus, and by mid-March the trickle turned into an open firehose. Soon we were overwhelmed by too much information, much of it contradictory. What we did know is that we had the responsibility for the well-being of the vulnerable individuals that we serve.

I wish I could say that every decision we made was a perfect one, and that no mistakes or bad decisions were made. I cannot say that, but I can say that ODRC’s team put careful consideration into everything we did and always strived to make the best decision for the individuals we serve and the staff who care for them.

I set out in this letter to thank all of the amazing people who have gone above and beyond, and who are the everyday heroes for Open Door. I wanted to be able to tell the incredible stories of generosity and sacrifice that so many have made to ensure the safety of the disabled adults in our care. Unfortunately, I was only given one page to do this, and I soon discovered that to tell all the stories would fill the entire newsletter ten times over. So I started again to tell some of my favorite stories, only to realize it would be a disservice to all the other stories that I would have to leave out. I finally settled on listing all the heroes who have made my job just a little easier as we travel these unfamiliar roads.

Thank you to:

- The individuals we serve: Who have shown incredible resilience and growth as they adapted to the new “normal.” I believe in many ways the individuals we serve have weathered this storm better than the rest of us.

- The families of the individuals we serve: The willingness to do whatever is needed to help us get through this time has been truly inspiring. We thank you.

- Open Door Staff: There are no words to describe how incredible the staff of Open Door has been. There are SO many stories I would love to tell, and know I will be telling years from now, about the incredible sacrifices and spirit shown by so many. All I can say to you is it has been my privilege to have the honor of leading you, and I hope I have adequately shown my appreciation. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

- The Open Door Board of Directors: Who have supported our endeavors and allowed us the freedom and flexibility to get the job done. I thank you for your confidence in our team.

- The Community: Every day I am astonished by the outpouring from our community. We are truly blessed to live in such an amazing and generous community. It is you who reminded me on some of our darkest days that there are GOOD people in the world. With every delivery of baked goods, gift cards, cloth masks and so much more, you lifted our spirits, and we thank you for that.

It truly takes a village. We could not have done it without any of you. “Thank you” will never be enough, but I sincerely do thank everyone.

Rita Potter, Executive Director

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CONTRIBUTIONS, DONATIONS, HONORARIUMS & MEMORIALS

...with contributions, donations, honorariums, and memorial gifts. Your ongoing support enables Open Door to

continue to provide quality training, residential, and home care support for our clients. Thank you so very much – we

are deeply grateful for your support. For your convenience, we have enclosed a donation envelope in this newsletter.

We hope you find this to be helpful, and we look forward to acknowledging your generous gifts in future newsletters!

*We try very hard to acknowledge every gift.The donations included in this issue are those received between March 1, 2020 and April 30, 2020.

We deeplyappreciate all

of your support!

ENGRAVED BRICK COMMEMORATIONOpen Door’s customized, engraved bricks are a onetime donation and will last

a lifetime as a permanent piece of our tranquil paver area. Personalize a brick

with names, dates and messages to honor an exceptional person, in memory of a

loved one, or to recognize a special occasion. Personalized granite bricks can be engraved with 3 lines of text for $100 or with 6 lines of text for $200.

For an order form, please call Open Door at 815-786-8468.

MEMORIALSIn Memory of Vanessa Gale Anderson-McInturf Sharon Brue Barbara Johnson In Memory of Wally Bafia Pat CalhaneIn Memory of Dave Baker Greg and Margret Abbott The Don Augustine Families - Gary and Lori, Steve and Jeanie, Bruce and Karol, and DeAnn Baker’s Marketing Group Karen Beers Victor and Kathy Beltran Dave and Mary Ann Benson Stan and Linda Benson Lois Blankenship BOF Corporation Jeff and Nancy Brown Roger and Angie Bryant John Clapper Steve and Julie Cole Jon and Angela Cornelissen Wayne and Debby Davey Dorie Erickson Janet Fanning and Family Walter and Michele Farley First Insurance Group Dave Franckowiak Traci Grandgeorge Gregg and Stacy Gunderson Keith and Nancy Gunderson Joe and Carmen Hann Jesse Hanson Ron and Kim Henrich Matt Hill Rick and Debby Hill Bill and Karen Horoszko Chuck and Rita Johnson Lane and Donna Kapela Bill and Mary Keeton and Family Joseph and Linda Klinger Dwight Klotz Nancy and Charles Knight Richard Konow Lindsay and Kathy Legner Gary and Mary Leonard Rick and Linda Madsen Ken and Denise Mestemaker Wilma Metz Carol Meyer Mary Meyer Carol Micetich Chuck and Kay Nelson Jacklyn Niles Michael and Christine O’Flynn John and Donna Ricci

Charleen Seville Robert Shipman Barbara Soderstrom Mary Ann Stevenson Mary Stout Carol Thayer Tom and Betty Thomas Dick Underwood Sandy Webber Doug and Judy Weiss Lynn and Jane Wesson Dorothy Whiteaker Spencer and Opal ZitkaIn Memory of Bob Barding Curt and Laurie UnderwoodIn Memory of Wally and Norma Beardsley Terry and Nyla WinchellIn Memory of Michael L. Breunig, MD Carla Breunig Scott and Karen Breunig Ruth Cortright Nancy LarsonIn Memory of JoAnn Mary Olsen Casner Carla CummingsIn Memory of Lloyd E. Cummings Carla CummingsIn Memory of James Fish Gary and Mary LeonardIn Memory of Patricia “Patti” Fox Gary and Vickie Lemke Cindy Westbrook Mr. and Mrs. Craig ZuegeIn Memory of Ruth Fruland Joann Eike Shirley VogenIn Memory of Patricia Gillen Alison Maguire-PowellIn Memory of Terry L. Greenrod Jim and Josie CastelliIn Memory of Gordon Greenwood Sandwich High School Class of 1947In Memory of Dorothy Gurzynski Bill and Karen HoroszkoIn Memory of Ruth Hartman Barbara Johnson Carol Meyer Mary Ann Stevenson Dave and Barbara VossIn Memory of Donald Jesse “Don” Hash Greg and Karyn Grandgeorge

In Memory of Eugene W. Hash LaVerne and Anna Fox Greg and Karyn Grandgeorge The Jelm Family Barbara JohnsonIn Memory of Richard Haupt Chuck, Linda and Julie HickeyIn Memory of Vernon Edward Herrmann Tim and Anita DrendelIn Memory of Charles Hilliard Hazel HilliardIn Memory of Aimee Jonassen Joyce BernardIn Memory of Jami Knowles Dan and Patty KnowlesIn Memory of Lawrence Kotecki, Sr. and Larry Kotecki, Jr. Irene KoteckiIn Memory of Gilbert Krause Marlene DiehlIn Memory of Gordon Lowery Hazel HilliardIn Memory of James “Jim” D. Meier Janice MeierIn Memory of Betty Jane Otto Carol Meyer Mary MeyerIn Memory of Glenda Parr Rodney ParrIn Memory of Lee Patterson Keith and Norma TuckerIn Memory of Mary Jo Perrot Larry and Jackie Dannewitz Glen and Cindy ReuterIn Memory of Nicholas Peters Roger and Angie BryantIn Memory of Bonny Rankin John and Sue Allen Susan Amacher Beverly Anderson James and Ann Back Lois Blankenship Bud’s Citgo and Eric and Debra Honkala Carole Cronin Larry and Jackie Dannewitz Terrence and Karen Duffy

CONTRIBUTIONS, DONATIONS, HONORARIUMS & MEMORIALS

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CONTRIBUTIONS, DONATIONS, HONORARIUMS & MEMORIALS

Jim Elliott Jon and Judy Eriksson LaVerne and Anna Fox Fritsch Family Charitable Account Jim and Sharen Gerlick Phyllis Glover Greg and Karyn Grandgeorge Traci Grandgeorge Roger and Judy Hatfield Ray and Judy Hendron Hinckley - Big Rock CUSD 429 Chuck and Rita Johnson Ron and Barb Johnson Gary and Vickie Lemke Jerry and Donna Leonard Rick and Linda Madsen Mary Meyer Patricia Myers Dova Olson Glen and Cindy Reuter Curt and Laurie Underwood Dick Underwood Shirley Vezain Dave and Barbara Voss Patti Webber Cindy Westbrook Dealas and Connie Wiley Dennis and Susan Wiley Wayne and Dianne Zmolek Mr. and Mrs. Craig ZuegeIn Memory of Ardi Raske Mary DeMeulenaereIn Memory of Eleanor Salisbury Marlene DiehlIn Memory of Lewis Schultz Mary Ann StevensonIn Memory of Joyce Sebby Frances SebbyIn Memory of Joyce Stevenson Brian and Carrie PilonIn Memory of Keith Taylor Greg and Karyn GrandgeorgeIn Memory of Richard E. Vines Guillermina Vines and FriendsIn Memory of Ralph Zimmermann Mary DeMeulenaere

In Memory of Agnes, Harvey and Jean Zobott Joan Higbea

MEMBERSHIPSODDO’s FanLori BahdeRobert BaileyKaren BeersEarl and Mary Ellen BushnellCarla CummingsRon CunzMary Ann DoetschmanLyle and Mary FrolaIda HansonJoanne Harkins In Memory of Stanley “Dutch” HarkinsWalter and Rose HuffmasterConstance MatiasElisabeth MielandMilford and Karen MikkelsonOtto Machine CompanyJim and Connie PetersenSid and Carole PetersonMike and Carol PruskiWendell and Sylvia VatlandMary Walz

ODDO’s SupporterBetty Burke and Joseph ChromyRon and Sharon CiboroskiSteve and Angela CopelandLinda CurryBrad and Colleen DarflerDon and Mary Ann EhmkeJudith FishTerry and Judy HapkeVirginia HannNewell and Jean HarmonRoger and Judy HatfieldChuck and Linda HickeyDon and Donna KiesoM&P Packaging Inc.Gary and JoAnne ParrisMitch and Pat PazdroYvonne PetersonRoger RankinJanet SchorVernon and Melva Sebby

Butch and Etta StahlEd and Ann StahlJim StriegelKeith and Norma TuckerDave and Kathy TuntlandTim and Beth WestbrookDealas and Connie Wiley

ODDO’s FriendAnonymous (2)Don and Connie BakerStan and Linda BensonLois BlankenshipPatricia BoydNoreen and Bob BussJanell and Jerry ClelandBeverly DelpMarlene DiehlAl and Kristy DolphJim and Sharen GerlickSteve GillenDennis and Virginia GregoryHenrich Lawn Care and LandscapingClarence HoldimanVicky and Kyle HussJeff and Sandy JelmChristine Johnson - DeKalb County TreasurerJeff and Beth JohnsonDwight KlotzRichard KonowLite ConstructionLaVerne MattsonCarol MeyerDon and Peg MeyerDan and Sharon MikelsonRobert and Julie MortensenDavid and Jamie PackleyMr. and Mrs. Robert Palaski In Honor of Julie HickeyPhyllis PeckJim RatosRoger RitzmanRichard and Kay ScottMr. and Mrs. Ray Taylor

ODDO’s PartnerChris and Jennifer CarpenterJay and Liz EastoMargaret GristKim KazarianFred and Mary SchepplerDonald and Janeyce Smith

ODDO’s CircleRon and Tarica BarkerForrest and Cindy Farley

CONTRIBUTIONS

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CONTRIBUTIONS, DONATIONS, HONORARIUMS & MEMORIALS

Anonymous (3)Susy AbrahamPatricia AndresenRobinn BlanterArthur and Diane BorchersThomas and Cathy BrooksGregory and Barbara ChristianSteve and Angela CopelandMaria DanielsonRoger DenmanFrank and Carol EvansJulia FullertonNorman GilbertMichelle GouldKeith and Janet HarmsDick and Christel HartJim and Michelle HensonTom and Jeannie HohmannRose Ann HubbardAntoinette and Bernard JokielKenneth and Cathleen KavanaughJosie KrassBonnie LawrenceLindsay and Kathy LegnerJerry and Donna LeonardConstance MatiasShirley MenkRichard and Marjorie MeyerJohn and Karen MezeraMillbrook United Methodist Church - Rachel CircleJean MillerJennifer NelsonRobert O’BrienMichael and Christine O’FlynnCliff and Linda OlesonCatherine OrseskeVirginia PhelpsJames PizziKathleen PlogerDoris PotterJ. Eric and Tammy PowellDavid ReidRobert R. McCormick FoundationKristen and Robert SandersSandwich High SchoolDavid SchiltzDale and Jeannie ShattersEd and Carol SleezerJane Sleezer and Patricia CondonSteve and Pat SmartMatthew SmithSomonauk Lions Club #560St. John’s Lutheran ChurchAl and Cindy StramelMichael SundblomMichael TerryLa Vern and June ThompsonBob and Alyce Voss

Michael and Linda WaltThomas Warren & Friends Fund in care of: the DeKalb County Community FoundationWaterman Community ChestTom WhiteJames and Patricia WhittenDale and Linda WindhamNicole WinterRick and Katie WitalkaJim WoodyMarie YatesMardel and Charles Yonikas

MY BUDDYLarry and Jean Trahant

HONORARIUMSIn Honor of Jim and Sharen Gerlick’s 40th Wedding Anniversary Josh and Leah GerlickIn Honor of The Horoszko Family Lolly VossIn Honor of The Staff at Open Door Kathleen Brown Gary and Marge SchwickerathIn Honor of Those who are sewing face masks Doug and Judy Weiss

IN-KIND GIFTSAnonymous (4)A & B Exteriors, LLCBrenda’s Frozen CustardPaul and Denise BrennanBeth Wyman Butler and FamilyColdwell Banker Honig-Bell Gudmunson GroupColonial Kitchen & Bath CabinetryClaire and Barry DuyJeffry FranklinBernie and Kim FriedersGene and Julie FriedersGene’s Chicken & Pizza & Seafood, Inc.Sue HageThe Staff at Heartland Bank and Trust - Somonauk BranchHeartland Bank and Trust CompanyMichelle HensonThea Hernandez and Adam FergeTom and Tiffany HohmannBill and Karen HoroszkoDonna Irelan

Christina JacobsKinsel’s Collision Center, Inc.The Kleckner FamilyDonna KnaufAmanda Kuntz and FamilyStacy KuntzLake Holiday HomesSherry LeeThe Light PhoneCountry Financial - Kathy MartinSuzette McAllisterMid-Day PlayMidland States Bank - SandwichSheila MorrisNAPA Auto PartsTyler NicholsonThe Ellen Neupert FamilyMichael and Christine O’FlynnResource BankJack and Diane RiffellTeresa RobbinsJim and Judy RohrerSandwich Area Chamber of CommerceSandwich High SchoolKim SmithNicole, Peightyn and Kensie SoloffSplendor and Grace Hair StudioCherri StephensRay and Sandy TaylorSantos C. Toto FamilyTri-County KiwanisValley West HospitalBrian and Regina VanHiseAdam and Becca WilsonMark and Sherry Wisdom

VOLUNTEERSVirginia BanningSt. Mary’s Catholic Church Youth Ministry, Plano Elizabeth Jimenez Brad Kigyos Jenni Monaco Diana Montoya Matthew Silva Brendan Whitmer August Zitt

405 South Wells Street | Sandwich, IL 60548

www.odrc.org

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