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 Access Services and our referral system.

We work with the school district 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.