WHO WE ARE
The Barbara Olson Center of Hope has a mission to help individuals with developmental disabilities reach personal goals through individualized skill development, vocational opportunities and community service.
The Rockford Parents Group started the School of Hope in 1948 to provide education for children who were not considered able to learn. In 1972, the federal government passed a law guaranteeing every child the right to a free, appropriate education in public schools. At this time, the School of Hope changed its direction from schooling for children to vocational opportunities and employment for teens and adults with developmental disabilities, renaming it the Barbara Olson Center of Hope in honor of Mrs. Olson’s outstanding commitment to the organization.
Who do we serve? We serve anyone who has a developmental disability, in need of active treatment, and who is appropriate for our programs as determined through Services, Inc. and our referral system.
We work with the school districts and provide services through our School Transition program.
The Center of Hope provides developmental training, which includes Community Employment Services and Volunteer Opportunities. We do not provide residential services.
We serve individuals with behavior issues and/or medical problems. We have a fully staffed nursing department, and our direct care staff are fully trained in First Aid, CPR and behavior management.
To Super Shredders Customers:
After many years of providing documentation services in the Rockford area we have decided it is no longer financially feasible to continue. The original goal of Super Shredders was to supplement funding that we do not receive from the state to provide services to individuals that attend our Community Day Service program. At this time, it is taking financial resources and staff away from our daily programs.
This is a very difficult decision. We have had many dedicated staff that have always gone above and beyond to provide the best possible service.
The Center of Hope is working in conjunction with Paper Recovery to ensure a seamless transition. You will continue to use your existing bins. For those of you that have your paper and/or cardboard picked up at your place of business, they will continue to provide that same level of service. Paper Recovery will be reaching out to you soon to discuss the transition and your scheduling needs. The transition will be effective as of August 1, 2022.
Paper Recovery has an excellent reputation in the Confidential Document Destruction business. They have been servicing the Northern Illinois/Southern Wisconsin areas since 1995. Paper Recovery is N.A.I.D certified and we are confident that they will provide outstanding service to our customers. They offer a full range of services including on-site, off-site or drop off document destruction, cardboard recycling, recycling of various grades of paper, secure mobile computer hard drive and cell phone shredding, plant-based laptop, hard drive, and cell phone shredding and scrap metal and aluminum recycling. They have two locations. Their recycling drop-off center located at 7972 Crest Hills Dr, Loves Park, IL 61011 and 10400 N 2nd Street, Machesney Park, IL 61115, corporate office.
If you would like to reach out to Paper Recovery they can be contacted at 815-636-2329 and visit their website at www.paperrecovery.com.
Thank you for your continued business over the years!
Pam Carey
Executive Director
OUR VALUES
Make a Difference.
The Center of Hope always has need for items and equipment for our programs and participants.
By making a donation, you are helping the Center provide valuable vocational and educational opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
You can have a positive impact on someone’s life at the Center of Hope.
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CHANGE A LIFE TODAY
It doesn’t take much to change a life. Get in touch today and start making the difference.