Your May update from the Center of Hope This month, we’re excited to share what we’ve been up to out in the community, our time spent enjoying nature, a spotlight on staff member Michael Whittie, two new grants – plus much more. Community Moments Last month
May 13, 2026 ROCKFORD COSMOPOLITAN CHARITIES FUNDS COMMUNICATION TOOLS AT BARBARA OLSON CENTER OF HOPE Barbara Olson Center of Hope is proud to announce it has received a $1,000 grant from Rockford Cosmopolitan Charities to purchase electronic notepads that will help strengthen communication skills for participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These devices provide
May 13, 2026 BARBARA OLSON CENTER OF HOPE RECEIVES $10,000 GRANT FROM THE HELEN BRACH FOUNDATION TO ENHANCE TECHNOLOGY AND SAFETY FOR PARTICIPANTS The Barbara Olson Center of Hope is proud to announce it has received a $10,000 grant from the Helen Brach Foundation to upgrade essential technology and safety equipment for its participants
Meet staff member Michael Whittie Michael Whittie is a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at the Center of Hope. In this month’s Q&A, he shares a few reflections on his time at the Center and what he enjoys most about supporting participants. Please describe your role at the Center. My role
Your April update from the Center of Hope In this month’s edition, we take time to recognize Autism Acceptance Month, celebrate the joys of spring, spotlight staff member Ed Fleming, and share a preview of upcoming events and activities. April is Autism Awareness Month, a time
Meet Ed Fleming Ed Fleming is a QIDP (Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional) at the Center of Hope. We asked Ed to share some of his thoughts about the time he has been at the Center. Please describe your role at the Center. My role here at COH probably would depend on
Your March update from the Center of Hope In this month’s edition: Dive into what National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is all about, explore the fun activities our participants have enjoyed, get to know staff member Loretta Shambrook, and discover even more happening at the Center! March
Meet Loretta Shambrook Loretta Shambrook is Program Specialist at the Center of Hope. We asked Loretta to share some of her thoughts about the time she has been at the Center. Please describe your role at the Center. I started as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in a classroom in 2024.
Your January/February update from the Center of Hope In this month’s edition: Get ready! This month’s edition is packed with exciting outings, fun activities, a spotlight on one of our newer staff members, special recognition from community organizations, and so much more!” Facebook Fun and Highlights Another
Meet Tammy Tufly Tammy Tufly is a direct support professional (DSP) and job coach at the Center of. We asked Tammy to share some of her thoughts about the time she has been at the Center. Please describe your role at the Center. I am a DSP and I support the