Over The Rainbow Association
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Workforce Development Program  In previous years, the workforce development program has been subsidized by corporate sponsors. However, with the down turn in the economy such sponsorships are hard to come by. To replace the lost subsidies OTR has created a virtual store which sells discounted gift cards. The idea is that by selling your donated gift cards at up to a 20% discount, we create a win-win for both you and the workforce development program.
To donate your unwanted gift cards simply fill out our non-cash donation form, keep a copy for yourself, and send the original and your gift cards to Over The Rainbow Association, Attn: Workforce Development Program, 2040 Brown Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201.
If you would like to buy and take advantage of our discounted gift cards click here. |
Arboretum Business Center
For many of our residents, being able to live independently is a once in a lifetime experience. To be able to take that independence one-step further is a dream come true.
In 1994, OTR opened the Arboretum Business Center, which is located in a 4,500 square foot wing of the Hill Arboretum Apartments in Evanston. For several years the business center conducted a mail fulfillment business, which employed many residents. As times changed and the demand for such services decreased, OTR shifted the focus of the center.
Today, the business center serves as a resource center open to all OTR residents who are interested in becoming employable or exploring opportunities to become involved in their surrounding community. Common examples include assistance in finding a job – perhaps their very first, enrollment in vocational classes at local schools, and volunteerism. Additionally, OTR has staff specifically devoted to teaching basic and intermediate computer skills, including how individuals with physical disabilities navigate the computer. We have had many residents who, after completing the computer class and/or medical billing class, have moved on to pursue classes at local colleges and/or permanent employment with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.
Other exciting news for the Arboretum Business Center includes the creation of its own revenue stream through the sale of items in its virtual store. Items include discounted gift cards that have been donated by national and local retailers. Residents who are involved in OTR’s Workforce Development Program (discussed below) solicit the gift cards and other items and then handle the sales process.
Should you want to donate any unused gift cards to the virtual store, please contact OTR by emailing info@otrassn.org.
Workforce Development Program
 Recognizing that some residents may want and/or need direct work experience, OTR created the Workforce Development Program. The Workforce Development Program operates out of the Arboretum Business Center. It offers paid positions to residents within the OTR organization. These positions require the performance of general office duties such as greeting visitors, answering the phone, typing, assisting with mailings to supporters, soliciting gift cards and other items for sale in the virtual store by way of letters and phone calls. Other responsibilities include assisting with OTR’s newsletters and website, and assisting development staff with grant requests and special events.
These in-house job opportunities provide residents with real work experience, confidence in their ability to communicate effectively in a business setting, income, and the overall satisfaction of a job well done.
If you are interested in sponsoring a resident in our Workforce Development Program, you may contribute to our opportunity grant pool. Please contact OTR at info@otrassn.org to help.
Resident Nutrition Program
 To maintain a healthy community OTR hired Campus Cooks, a reputable food service company in the Chicago metropolitan area. Campus Cooks provides an on-site cook to prepare and serve a nutritionally-balanced meal in the dining room of the Hill Arboretum Apartment Community. Each resident pays $6 to have their dinner prepared on-site and served each day. Over The Rainbow supplements the cost of that one meal (about $12,000 annually) with donations.
Having at least one nutritional meal prepared eases the burden on our residents of having to prepare their own meal or directing their personal care assistants to handle that task. Additionally, the meal is served in the dining room, which provides a family-style atmosphere for the residents to enjoy.
OTR welcomes any financial contribution to this program.
Massage Therapy Program
In 2008, Ted Weil, a resident at our Hill Arboretum Apartment community, and his family initiated a weekly therapeutic massage program. The Massage Therapy Program continues to be successful and well-received by our residents, who cite significant benefits such as the reduction of muscle spasms, enhanced mobility, stress control, and overall emotional well-being.
OTR welcomes any financial contribution to this program.
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