News
Our Place Open House, Meet and Greet New Executive Director William Johnson
January 4, 2012 -- Please join us for a party to welcome William Johnson, our new Executive Director. The party is Saturday, January 14, 2012, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
We will gather in the first floor lounge at Our Place of New Trier Township, in the Community Church of Wilmette building.
Drop by to say a quick "hello" or stay the entire time! You will also have an opportunity to meet with the Board and Staff. Feel free to bring the family. Beverages and appetizers will be served.
Saturday Social attendees will carry on upstairs, as usual, and will join us for cake at 8:30 p.m. We hope to see you there!
Winter Session 2012 Registration is Now Open!
December 15, 2011 -- Our Winter Session Programs begin January 3rd and registration is now open. We have many exciting activities planned, all described in detail on the downloadable flyer.
As a reminder, the maximum number of participants for our community outings is 12 and is on a first come basis so please get your registrations in early. Please have your registration and payment submitted by Wednesday, December 28, 2011.
We wish you all a Happy Holiday and look forward to seeing everyone in the New Year!
Winter Break 2011 Registration is Now Open!
December 12, 2011 -- The holidays are quickly approaching and so is our WINTER BREAK SCHEDULE. We are offering a flexible schedule over the Winter break that allows families to sign up by day from December 19-30th.
If you haven't already done so, please see the downloadable flyer and complete the "Winter Break Add-On" box which begins Monday, December 19th.
We Welcome Executive Director William Johnson
November 29, 2011 -- Please join the Board of Directors and Staff in welcoming William Johnson to Our Place of New Trier Township as the new Executive Director.
We are excited about this new phase in our development and think that William is the perfect person to help us achieve our goals, as we continue to build this model of community integration for teens and adults with intellectual / developmental disabilities.
William brings the perfect mix of management experience, team building expertise and enthusiasm for our mission to this new position. Most importantly, he shares our view that our participants are interesting, engaging and inspirational, and that they can make a solid contribution to this community that we all call home.
Stacia Swan continues as Program Director, and said she is looking forward to the opportunity to work with William in expanding the program and developing staff to meet our continued growth. “Our Place is such an amazing program and our participants have grown in so many ways that it’s exciting to have such an experienced and enthusiastic professional join the team.”
The Management Committee, which has been handling all executive functions, will assist in the transition. This volunteer team of Jackie Dienstag, Mary Louise Schram and Jane Gallery has given strong leadership and professional expertise to set Our Place on a strong course and are committed to ensuring continued stability as they pass the torch.
We will host a welcoming event in the coming weeks and know that you will be as impressed as we are with William’s wisdom, leadership, warmth and humor. He joins us next month and will be enjoying lunch, warm-up exercises, community jobs, interactive games and getting to know our management system in the first weeks. Please introduce yourself and personally welcome William as you see him at Our Place.
Winter-Holiday 2011 Registration is Now Open!
October 24, 2011 -- Our Winter-Holiday Programs begin October 31st and registration is now open.
For the convenience of our families, we are offering a Holiday Beak schedule which grants the opportunity to sign up by day for the last two weeks in December. We have some exciting activities and field trips planned, described in detail on the downloadable flyer. As a reminder, the maximum number of participants for our community outings is 12 and is on a first come basis so please get your registrations in early. Please have your registration and payment submitted by Friday, October 28th.
2011 Halloween Party!
September 15, 2011 -- Please join us for our annual Hallowwen Party.
Sweet or Scary,
Ghost or Fairy,
Dead or Alive, but don't be late to arrive...
Saturday Social, October 29th 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Monster Mash Dancing, Wacky Games and Spookalicious Food!
For details, see the attached flyer.
Fall 2011 Registration is Now Open!
August 16, 2011 -- Our Fall Programs begin August 29th and registration is now open.
Please see the downlaodable flyer and registration form which includes 3 pages with detailed information on the programs offered. As a reminder, the maximum number of participants for our community outings is 12 and is on a first come basis so please get your registrations in early. Please have your registration and payment submitted by Wed, Aug 24th.
Summer Program Announced
April 18, 2011 -- Our Place of New Trier Township, Inc., announces its 2011 Summer Program! The program will run for 12 weeks, from Monday, June 6 through Saturday, August 27, 2011. Weekday program hours will be from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
The options to attend will include:
full afternoon, from 12:00 till 6:00
early afternoon, from 12:00 till 3:00
late afternoon, from 3:00 till 6:00
any combination of the above to provide maximum flexibility
Tuesdays will require full-afternoon registration for all participants to allow time for extended field trips.
We will have Saturday socials every week, and will include some outings to places in our community.
Enrollment will be by the day, to provide maximum flexibility. Costs will be representative of our current pricing options.
Lunch is provided and we will prepare and eat a healthy snack every day around 3:00.
Summer Program registration forms will be made available shortly.
If you are new to Our Place, contact Stacia Swan, Program director, to schedule an intake interview. Call (847) 630-9840 or e-mail her at sswan@ourplaceofnewtrier.org.
A Night in Italy With the Palio
Thanks for making our fundraiser so successful!
We had a fantastic time at this year's fundraiser! Click here for details.
Winter 2011 Registration is Now Open!
December 8, 2010 -- Our great programs continue after the holidays. Please sign up using the Winter Programs 2011 Registration Form. Forms are due in by December 20, 2010.
Below is a summary of the kinds of activities we will be enjoying during January 3 through March 25, 2011:
Weekday hours are 12 to 6, with three separate options: 12 to 3:30, 3:30 to 6:00 and 12:00 to 6:00. Lunch is included for participants starting at 12:00, and will involve preparing a meal and eating
together, using our repertoire of healthy menus.Monday afternoon we go bowling at Wilmette Bowl.
Barry Siegel, our resident poet, continues on Tuesday afternoon with his expressive poetry program “heARTwords”.
Wednesday early afternoon we go to community libraries and other cultural centers and will be doing group reading and discussion projects.
On Thursdays we continue the popular tradition of eating out in the community. Participants are responsible for bringing their own money to pay for their lunch.
Art with Sally Dobroski continues on Thursday afternoon, with even more creative projects.
Friday afternoons we play basketball with Jacob and Joe at the Wilmette Rec Center.
In addition to our specialized programs, we will continue our social activities and interactive games every day for the late afternoon sessions.
Saturday Socials will be held every week. We will alternate pizza and healthy dinner prep, but have dancing, games and activities every week. We will go out for dinner or activities several times throughout the session.
We will continue our Service Program, volunteering at area agencies, including Manor Care, North Shore Senior Center, New Trier Township Food Pantry and others.
We’ve indicated the days off and early release days at New Trier High School so you can sign up for any of the three time options.
With our van we will continue to do outings in the community.
Our Place Featured in the Chicago Tribune!
November 17, 2010 -- The Chicago Tribune published a feature article on Our Place of New Trier Township today! It appeared both online and in the "Chicagoland Extra - North" section of the printed paper.
Click here to see the online edition of the article.
We could not be more thrilled with this article. The reporter, Lisa Black, really captured the essence of what Our Place is about. This story provides invaluable help in spreading the word about who we are and what we do.
Winter 2010 Registration is Now Open
October 13, 2010 -- We're offering some great programs this Winter, and adding exciting community outings over the upcoming two week holiday break. Please note that the maximum number of participants for all community outings is 12 and will be based on a first come first served basis. Please complete the registration form and send it with your payment immediately to reserve your spot. Programs begin November 1st.
Please sign up using the 2010 Winter Program Schedule and Registration Form. Forms are due in by October 22, 2010.
Below is a summary of the kinds of activities we will be enjoying during Winter 2010:
NEW: Friday late afternoon we will do basketball drills at area park districts, explore Evanston and improve our dance moves with wii Just Dance.
NEW: Thanksgiving eve we will put our healthy cooking to work making a feast and eating together.
NEW: Winter break we will visit Adler Planetarium, Winter Wonderland at the Botanic Garden, Museum of Science and Industry and Lincoln Park Zoo. On these days only the full day option is offered. Sign up early as we can only take 12 participants.
We continue weekday hours 12 to 6, with three separate options: 12 to 3:30, 3:30 to 6:00 and 12:00 to 6:00. Lunch is included for participants starting at 12:00, and will involve preparing a meal and eating together, using and expanding our healthy menus and our eating etiquette practice.
In addition to our specialized programs of Bowling on Monday, HeARTwords with Barry on Tuesday and Art with Sally on Thursday we will continue our social activities and interactive games every day for the late afternoon sessions.
On Thursdays we will continue the popular tradition of eating out in the community. Participants are responsible for bringing their own money to pay for their lunch.
Saturday Socials will be held every week. We will alternate pizza and healthy dinner prep, but have dancing, games and activities every week. We will go out for dinner or activities several times throughout the session.
Service continues with volunteering at area agencies, including ManorCare, North Shore Senior Center and others.
We’ve indicated the days off and early release days at New Trier High School so you can sign up for any of the three time options.
New Office, New Telephone Number
October 13, 2010 -- We are pleased to announce that Our Place of New Trier has moved into its new offices adjacent to the programming rooms. In addition, we have implemented a dedicated telephone number. From this point on please contact us at (847) 630-9840. We will be available between the hours of 10:30am-6:30pm Monday-Friday, and 4:00pm-9:15pm on Saturdays when a Saturday Social is taking place.
We may not be able to answer the telephone when a program is taking place. Voice mail will be checked regularly, but if you need immediate assistance during programs, please send us a text message to that number.
You may also send an e-mail to info@ourplaceofnewtrier.org, but responses to e-mails may take 24 hours.
Special Kids Foundation Awards 2010 Grant
September 23, 2010 -- Our Place of New Trier was one of seven recipients of grants from the Special Kids Foundation. At a ceremony held at the Winnetka Community House, the grant was presented to our representatives, participant Jesse Chez and Management Committee member Mary Louise Schram. Special Kids Foundation is a charitable institution whose mission is to provide financial assistance to agencies that treat, educate or foster inclusion for children with developmental disabilities.
Our Place Holds Annual Kick-Off Party
August 29, 2010 -- We held Our Place's annual kick-off party and had a great time. There was a big turnout of participants, parents, friends and volunteers. We heard short presentations from President Jane Gallery and Program Director Stacia Swan about plans for the Fall. Stacia recognized our wonderful Summer Program volunteers and interns (below), presenting them with Memory Book souvenirs. Our new Program Coordinator Sami Bodenheimer was introduced. Ans there was swimming, other sports and refreshments. When it came time to leave, no one wanted to go.
Annual Kick-Off Party To Be Held on August 29, 2010
August 13, 2010 -- Our Place of New Trier Township would like to invite you to our annual get together to Kick-off the 2010-2011 season. We have come a long way in just one year and have so much to celebrate. We will meet at on Sunday August 29th, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., where we will enjoy swimming, lawn games, refreshments and more. We will recognize all of our wonderful volunteers and interns who have made Our Place so special and will also introduce our new Program Coordinator Sami Bodenheimer.
Everyone who wishes to attend must RSVP to Stacia Swan by Friday, August 20th to let us know who is coming.
ALL ARE WELCOME!!
We hope to see you there!
Our Place at the Community Church Ice Cream Social
August 8, 2010 -- The Community Church of Wilmette, which rents space to us, held its annual ice cream soacial today, and Our Place of New Trier Township, Inc. was there.
We set up an information table on the front lawn along Wilmette Avenue along side those of other programs in the building, and helped educate visitors about Our Place.
Participants enjoyed bright sunshine, a miniature bocce ball court and other lawn games, live music, delicious baked treats, and -- of course -- ice cream. This was the good stuff, too, from Homer's Ice Cream! Lucky winners received coupons for free pet goldfish and goodie bags. Everyone had a lot of fun.
Blog Covers Summer 2010 Program
June 7, 2010 -- Our Place of New Trier Township, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has begun a blog that will highlight some of the great events taking place in our first summer program! Check out the blog by clicking "Blog" on the menu at the left or the bottom of the page, and keep up with what we're doing.
Our Place's First Fundraiser a Big Success!
April 17, 2010 -- More than 150 supporters gathered at Our Place for our first fundraising event, "A Night In Italy At Our Place." Our goals were to fully engage our participants in planning and hosting a really fun evening for everyone, to spread awareness and build community, and to raise $10,000 - $15,000. We surpassed all of these goals. We sold 150 tickets, more than the 100 - 120 we planned for, so we increased our community and spread awareness of our program. We raised close to $15,000 that night, which was effectively doubled by a matching grant from an anonymous donor. We also received well-wishes and a check for $5,000 from one of our families that had been called out of town at the last minute. All told, we raised a total of $35,000 at our first fundraising event!
Our short history is one of family involvement and generosity for this important cause and with this, our first formal outreach event, we've shown again how a small group of dedicated people can make a big difference. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make our first fundraiser a reality, and to all who gave so generously. Congratulations to all of you on helping to build a program that supports our teens and young adults so they can live meaningful, productive lives in our home community.
Our Place Opens On-Line Store
February 4, 2010 -- Our Place has opened an on-line store where you can buy apparel with the Our Place logo. We are featuring a wide variety of apparel such as t-shirts (short-sleeve and long-sleeve), sweatshirts and hats. We also have buttons and stickers, as well as water bottles, mugs, and a tote bag. Click on "Shop" to go to the Our Place of New Trier Township Merchandise Store and buy some items to show your support for Our Place!
Save the Date for Our Place's 2010 Fundraiser
December 15, 2009 -- On Saturday, April 17th, 2010, please plan to join us for a fun-filled evening to support Our Place of New Trier Township! We will be holding "A Night in Italy at Our Place", a Little Italy-themed fundraising event for the entire family that will include dinner, dancing and games. You will also be able to participate in a raffle for excellent prizes!
The future at Our Place has tremendous potential; however, we are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with limited funds. In order to keep program cost down for families who participate in our programs, and to assist in the development of future programs, we need help from the community. All proceeds to this event will directly benefit the enhancement of the programs created for the participants at Our Place of New Trier Township!
If you are interested in serving on this event's committee, please contact Stacia Swan. The first committee meeting is scheduled for February 11th at 7:00 p.m. and will be hosted at Our Place.
Stay tuned for more information as our plans are finalized and further announcements are made. It's going to be a fun time for everyone!
NTHS Volunteers Partner With Our Place
November 13, 2009 -- The New Trier Social Service Club selected Our Place as one of 17 local agencies to receive volunteers through its program at New Trier High School. This supplements the support given by the ELS Club volunteers, who have been joining our participants since programs began in October 2009. It's a collaboration that benefits all partners and furthers our goals of community integration.
Our Place Supports Trot For Turkeys Fundraising Drive
October 25, 2009 -- Our Place families supported the annual Trot for Turkeys 5K Run/Walk of the Community Church of Wilmette's Brennan-Hart Turkey Ministry. As part of our commitment to have our participants take part in volunteer opportunities within our community, we handed out t-shirts before the race and manned the water station for the runners. The event raised funds to be used toward the purchase of 1,000 turkeys for needy families.
Our Place Finds a Home
The Community Church of Wilmette opened its doors and welcomed Our Place, providing a home for our weekday programs, Saturday socials and Sunday afternoon drop-ins. The community center, in Room 207 of the Church, is bright and cheerful, fully accessible and centrally located in our home community at 1020 Forest Avenue, near downtown Wilmette. It's great to formally have a place we can call our own.
