History of Orchard Village


History

Orchard Village began with the same mission it continues today. Bernard Saltzberg, a father of three sons with disabilities, decided to create a nurturing community where his sons and other children with disabilities to thrive after schooling ended at age 21. Bernie wanted to create a residential facility in which people with disabilities could live in as close to a normal setting as possible and in a warm and caring environment.

After much hard work to fund the project, Bernie Saltzberg, Ed Melia, and other parents from around the community purchased the six-flat white apartment building located on a small cul-de-sac in Skokie. In September of 1973, the Orchard Association for the Retarded appointed Mr. Saltzberg as the first Executive Director.

1972 Orchard Association for the Retarded/Orchard Village incorporated
1974-1975 Orchard Village becomes a reality with First Community Living Facility established at 7660 Marmora Avenue.
1978-1979 Orchard Village’s Vocational Department established. 4 residents enter competitive employment.
1979-1980 Parents & Friends of Orchard Village open Potpourri Thrift Shop in Skokie.
1980-1981 Respite Center at 7638 Marmora Avenue opens. 40 families and adults with disabilities receive short term respite care.
1981-1982 Supervised Living Arrangement Program opens. Seven residents graduate from residential program to live in the Skokie community semi-independently.
1982-1983 Intermediate Care Program opens at 7671 Marmora Avenue. Residential program expands to serve 62 people.
1985-1986 Intermediate Care Facility receives 6 Star rating for two consecutive years from the Quality Incentive Program (QUIP) administered by the Illinois Department of Public Aid.

Association for Retarded Citizens of Illinois honors two employers statewide as “Employers of the Year” for their assistance in the Supported Employment and training of clients with developmental disabilities served by Orchard Village.
1986-1987 Orchard Village begins In-Home Respite Program providing short term care to children and adults in their own homes. More than 50 families served in the first year.

Completes new kitchen/assembly building with the reorganization and expansion of the food service department.
1987-1988 Orchard Village, Evanston Township High School and Park School initiate a pilot Transition Planning Project to study and evaluate the needs of special education students graduating from high school as part of a statewide study.

Six residents graduate to more independent levels of residential care while Orchard Village initiates two new residential programs: the Interim Supervised Living Arrangement Program at 7638 Marmora for 4 men and a third Supervised Living Arrangement Program for 2 women. Residential program expands to serve 67 people.
1989 Orchard Village receives grant to begin Community Integrated Living Arrangements.
1993 Orchard Village helps establish the Transition Resource Agency Council (TRAC) and consequently received statewide recognition for its Employee Mentor Program
1997 Person-centered interviews based on 21 Personal Outcomes become foundation of support.
21 Personal Outcomes
  • People choose personal goals.
  • People choose where and with whom they live.
  • People choose where they work.
  • People have intimate relationships.
  • People decide when to share personal information.
  • People use their environments.
  • People live in integrated environments.
  • People participate in the life of the community.
  • People interact with other members of the community.
  • People perform different social roles.
  • People have friends.
  • People are respected.
  • People choose services.
  • People realize personal goals.
  • People are connected to natural support networks.
  • People are safe.
  • People exercise rights.
  • People are treated fairly.
  • People have the best possible health.
  • People are free from abuse and neglect.
  • People experience community and security.
2000 The Orchard Village community grows to 325 individuals with the acquisition of Options, Inc.
2005 Salubris™, our healthy living initiative, is implemented in its first 24-hour home.
2007 Orchard Academy welcomes it inaugural class. Orchard Academy is only the 2nd school of its kind in Illinois providing the vocational, independent living and social skills necessary for students with special needs to transition successfully into life after high school.

OrchardVillage.org has a new look!

Take a look around and enjoy the brand new website, which was designed and built by Chicago Producers, Inc.


Win a New Toyota Scion XD!

The Orchard Village Ride in Style Raffle is back, sponsored by Schaumburg Toyota. Buy your ticket today!


OV Charity Golf Classic

The 16th annual golf outing will be held at Ivanhoe Club on August 25, 2008. Sign up your four some now!


Mark your calendars!

Blossom Gala returns to the Westin Chicago North Shore on April 26, 2008!


Orchard Academy welcomes its first students.

Orchard Village is proud to announce the opening of Orchard Academy. Learn more.


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