About Us

The Center meets all requirements of these organizations and is regularly monitored by DHS, DMH/DD and Public Aid.

Accredited by CARF, The Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission.

A member of IARF, Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities.

A member of People First of Illinois.

Funding Sources

• Department of Human Services program service funding Illinois State Board of Education
• Intermediate Care Facility/Developmental Disabilities Bogard Class Funds
• Participant family payments (tuition)
• Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities program service funding
• United Way of Rock River Valley and United Way of Boone County
• Contributions
• Sales of goods & services
• ORS
• Home Based Support (HBS)

Donations

As a Not For Profit Agency, the Barbara Olson Center of Hope relies on the financial support of individuals, foundations, service clubs, businesses and other organizations. All gifts directly benefit the teens and adults with developmental disabilities enrolled at the Center.

Affiliations

• The Illinois Department of Human Services
• Local School Districts and the Illinois State Board of Education
• The Illinois Department of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities
• Residential Providers: Milestone Inc., Frances House, Mosaic, Stepping Stones, Singer Mental Health Center, Lawson Children’s Home, RocVale Children’s Home.

Referrals

• Anyone who is age 16 years or older who has a primary diagnosis of a developmental disability.
• Resident of Winnebago County, Boone County and surrounding areas as approved by Board of Directors.
• Intake information indicates that our services are appropriate and that the individual will profit from his/her involvement with our agency.
• Medical condition is stable and physician approves participation in program.
• Must have a physical exam within twelve months prior to admission.

How Are Referrals Made?

Referrals shall be accepted from any source including but not limited to, the Department of Human Services, Department of Public Aid, Office of Rehabilitation Services, school systems, clergy, parents and relatives, residential providers, Access Services, and self referrals, etc. Once the referral is made, the Participant Services staff will gather appropriate information through personal contact and consultation with other service agencies that will help in determining the eligibility of the applicant.

The Center of Hope shall not deny admission for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, age, ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, marital status, or unfavorable discharge from military service, and shall be in compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended by the Equal Opportunity Act of 1972 and all other laws, rules and regulations pertaining to Civil Rights. Such admission shall be accomplished on availability of program space and funding. If all eligibility requirements have been secured, admission will be by the earliest date of application/referral.

Parents Group/Auxiliary Group

The parents group began in 1948. The goal of the group was simple: “…interested in having our retarded child educated to the greatest of his ability…” (taken from minutes of the May 31,1950 meeting). Their children were “rejected” by the public schools and so the parents and other community members pulled together with a goal to provide a place for their children to learn and grow. “Our parents group meetings bring us all close to one another as we all face similar problems. They help us broaden our views and make us realize that we are not the only individuals with like problems of helping and education our children. We want to learn to teach our children on how to get along in this world and make the most of it.” (also, taken from minutes of the May 31,1950 meeting).

Today the parents group and the auxiliary group are basically working on those same principles. The Parents Group meets quarterly with the directors at the Center of Hope so that they stay in-touch with what is going on here. The Auxiliary Group also meet regularly and hold fundraisers for two fun events for the participants each year, the Summer Bash, and the Christmas Dance. The Auxiliary Group is open to any community member interested in enriching the lives of our participants.

If you would like more information on either of these groups, please email us at jthompson@b-olsoncenterofhope.org and I will pass the information on to the appropriate person!

Staff

Each participant is assigned a case manager and a QMRP (Qualified Mental Retardation Professional). The QMRP meets all State of Illinois requirements including annual continuing education credits.

The Center of Hope employs nursing staff that are Licensed Practical Nurses or Certified Nursing Assistants.

All Center of Hope staff receive 120 hours of training and are then placed on the State of Illinois registry as DD Aides. In addition, all staff are annually recertified in CPR and First Aid and on all health and safety issues according to OSHA standards.

The Center of Hope conducts four all-day in-services annually to ensure that all staff receive training that is up to date and appropriate.

For a look at our agency flow chart click on the following link: Agency Organizationation Chart

Participant Services

The Participant Services staff are responsible for intake, assessment and evaluation for new participants. They collaborate with the participant, family, guardian and other professionals in the enrollment process. Funding information and other documentation are handled in a confidential manner. Staff are available to help with any questions or concerns. If you would like more information about intake or referrals, please contact Becky McClone at BMcClone@b-olsoncenterofhope.org or call her at 815-964-9275.

Nursing Services

Our Nursing department consists of licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants that monitor medical concerns and provide exercise programs and health and safety education classes for participants. Licensed practical nurses provide medication administration. Our nursing staff are American Red Cross First Aid/ CPR/AED instructors and respond immediately to all medical concerns.

Transportation

The Participant Services staff are responsible for setting up and providing transportation for the participant at the time of intake. The transportation eligibility, funding and provider are determined prior to enrollment. Modes of transportation include Paratransit, RMTD, Septran, Laidlaw Bus, some residential providers, and families. Depending on the funding eligibility, some families who transport are reimbursed for mileage. Once individuals are enrolled, the COH Transportation Manager is responsible for monitoring routes and addressing any transportation changes, issues, etc.

School Transition Services

Teenagers starting to make the transition from special education in school to adult services can participate in vocational training and other services at the Center.

Behavior Management

Individual plans are created for any participant who is working on specific behavior skills. Staff work collaboratively with other professionals in implementing behavior management programs.

Social and Recreational Opportunities

Community outings, dining out, special events, holiday activities, Participant Awards Banquet/luncheon and dances are among some of the social opportunities available to participants.

Outreach and Advocacy

The Barbara Olson Center of Hope is committed to awareness of issues affecting the lives of citizens with disabilities within our community. If you belong to an organization that would like to know more about the Center and the people we serve, please contact us. We conduct tours of the Center and are available to speak at your organization’s meetings.