Barbara Olson Ctr Of Hope

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. Founded by the Rockford Parents Group in 1948 as the School of Hope, the organization changed its direction in 1972 to focus on 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. The Center provides developmental training, including Community Employment Services and Volunteer Opportunities, and serves individuals with behavior issues and/or medical problems. Their direct care staff are fully trained in First Aid, CPR, and behavior management. The Barbara Olson Center of Hope serves anyone who has a developmental disability, in need of active treatment, and who is appropriate for their programs as determined through Services, Inc. and their referral system. They work with the school districts and provide services through their School Transition program, aiming to 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.