Arboretum Business Center (ABC)
Individuals with physical disabilities have lower income and employment levels then individuals without disabilities. In fact, according to the Census, 90% of individuals with severe disabilities are not even in the workforce. Individuals with disabilities can face a myriad of challenges  getting to and from work, working a traditional work schedule, or in communicating with co-workers. And yet, most of our residents really want the opportunity to be gainfully employed.

The 4,500 square foot ABC was completed in 1994 as an addition to the Hill Arboretum Apartments in order to provide our residents and community members employment opportunities. ABC is proud to provide training and work opportunities through the following initiatives:

Job Training
During 2009, our business center manager will teach two semesters of basic/intermediate computer skills to residents at Hill Arboretum Apartments. The purpose of these classes is to provide residents, many of whom have not worked with computers before, with basic computer skills to equip them to participate in today's electronic business world and create more opportunities for employment independence. The semesters are 16-weeks each with 2 hours of classes, 2 days a week. The curriculum includes:

• 1st 4 weeks: computer navigation, folder structure, typing skills
• 2nd 4 weeks: continued development of typing skills and computer knowledge, data entry
• 3rd 4 weeks: introduction to spreadsheets and word processing
• 4th 4 weeks: advanced spreadsheet and word processing techniques

Last year, ABC held medical billing classes. One graduate of those classes is now working at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and several other graduates are working for ABC.

Assessment/Outplacement
Over the Rainbow's portfolio of barrier-free properties will grow to encompass seven buildings, housing over 140 individuals, across the Chicago metro area by year end. In order to facilitate resident's efforts to find employment outside of our Evanston center, ABC has partnered with Jewish Vocational Services (JVS). JVS has expertise in providing employment assistance and on-site support that our residents can leverage.

In-House Business
Historically, ABC has provided mail fulfillment and product assembly services to local businesses. While we continue to service current customers, the Center is transitioning to support an eBay virtual store. This enterprise better utilizes the current and developing computer skills of our residents and enables us to go national with our business. Our transition timeline is as follows:

• February 2009 - Conduct test eBay auctions
• September 2009 - Debut virtual store webpage
• February 2010 - Assess business viability and expansion possibilities

One of our Hill residents completed her first successful auction with the sale of Herman Wouk's War & Rememberance. Residents are also employed by the organization as caretakers, receptionists, and website technical support.