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. Our direct care staff are fully trained in First Aid, CPR and behavior management.
We will be starting building renovations starting the week of October 14 as we have been talking about generally over several months. This is very exciting for us to be able to update and renovate all of the restrooms to be more accessible for all of the our individuals with developmental disabilities and staff who assist them throughout the day.
For those who attend services we will be communicating any areas that will affect your son or daughter directly. There will also be a spot on our website home page for any updates or information that may need to be communicated.
We ask for patience and we will try and communicate any changes that may affect programs or transportation as soon as we are aware. As we all know, with any construction project, there may be unexpected issues that arise. There will be 4 phases, so we can still remain open. In specific areas that work will be done, classrooms will be moved temporarily into new spaces we have set-up for this part of the project.
Please reach out with any specific questions. pcarey@b-olsoncenterofhope.org or 815-964-9275 ext. 244.
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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Columbus Day Holiday (COH Closed)
Veteran’s Day Holiday (COH Closed)
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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.