Each day at the Barbara Olson Center of Hope is a chance for someone to learn, belong, and thrive.

Our Mission: Help individuals with developmental disabilities reach personal goals through individualized skill development, vocational opportunities and community service.

Our Vision: Assist people with developmental disabilities to live as participating members of the community, providing choices for training, employment, education and friendship in a setting where everyone shows respect and appreciation.

Our Values: The Barbara Olson Center of Hope will: Provide a respectful, cheerful environment; Create equal and valued opportunities for participants and employees; Communicate effectively to promote teamwork; and Maintain safety for everyone.

The School of Hope was founded in 1948 by Mrs. Barbara Olson, a mother whose daughter with a developmental disability could not attend public school in Rockford because she and other children like her were considered “uneducable.”

In 1972, the Federal Government passed a law guaranteeing every child the right to a free, appropriate education in public schools. The School of Hope changed direction from schooling for children to vocational opportunities for teens and adults with IDD.

The agency was renamed the Barbara Olson School of Hope in 1974 to acknowledge the work of Barbara Olson who was the driving force behind the creation and expansion of the school.

The Barbara Olson School of Hope was renamed the Barbara Olson Center of Hope in 1992 to reflect the agency’s work with adults.

Our success over the years, with the support from our community, has been built on continually evaluating and providing more choices and options for all the participants that we serve so they can live the lives they desire.

MANAGEMENT TEAM

Pamela Carey, Executive Director
Susan Greer, Director of Finance
Tom Lasley, Director of Development
Kelley Peterson, Director of Participant Services

OFFICERS

Stewart Magnuson, President
Magnuson, Inc.

Dr. Bradley Johnson, Vice President
Retired from OrthoIllinois

Cole Winsett, Treasurer
Walmart

Lynn DeLacey, Secretary
Retired from Rockford Public School District 205

DIRECTORS

Katie Bryant
CoyleKiley Insurance Agency

Melissa Johnson
German American State Bank

Gene Maule
Retired

Sue Mullins
Retired from Harlem School District

Steve Slowinske
Parent of Participant

LaVonda Timm
Parent of Participant