View our interactive digital newsletter to read all the latest news from One Vision! In this issue of One Voice, we showcase our innovative Smart Living service model and highlight some of our recent inclusion success stories!

View our interactive digital newsletter to read all the latest news from One Vision! This issue, we reflect and celebrate all the achievements in 2022.

A newsletter for families, friends, and supporters of the One Vision community.
There's Always Hope--Jim's Story: Cover
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion--Page 3
You’re Invited! Navigating the Waters of Inclusion--Page 5

When you support these local businesses, you are helping promote diversity inclusion in our community!

The Spring 2022 e-Voice interactive newsletter for families, friends, and supporters of the One Vision community.

Pizza and Praise has returned with Fellowship, Song, Food, and of course... BINGO!! Feel free to contact us if your church is wanting to invite others in, host something similar, or would like to hear how you can best help the people we support in their spiritual journey. 

Because state reimbursement rates have only increased 3.55% (effective July 1, 2021) in the past 30 years, each year, One Vision must make up this growing gap to ensure our employees are paid a fair wage and that the people we support have access to the quality of services and supports they need to live their best person-centered life

Today, Sam enters the CAC’s waiting room, greets his therapists, and settles in behind the Candyland board game. “I’m going to win,” he confidently tells his long-time therapist. “I know you will, Sam. You usually do,” replies Laura Korth, Clinic Director at the CAC. Sam and his family have been making the 44.7 mi trip from their home in Charles City to the Children’s Autism Center in Clear Lake, “since it was Opportunity Village.”

The Winter 2021 e-newsletter for families, friends, and supporters of the One Vision community.

In honor of #GivingTuesday, a national day of giving which took place on November 30 this year, Day Hab took some of their pop can money and donations from staff and purchased items for the Homeless Shelter

Our Golden Heart Winner for November 2021 lives the 4Cs: Community Involvement, Courage, Competency & Courtesy

Joyce has been a volunteer with the Fort Dodge General Store since before it even officially opened. It was 10 years ago when she was looking for something to keep her busy that the opportunity presented itself to Joyce. She had tried some other volunteer positions around the area, but when she heard that a store was opening up in town she knew she had to do it. 

Established in 1971, we have been providing disability services for 50 years. Families that were looking for meaningful lives for their children had conversations that led to the concept of our organization–then named Handicap Village–and the evolution to One Vision. The organization has grown into various services that include independent living, small group settings, supporting children with autism, and employment services.

CQL has a wealth of resources, innovative ideas, and supports to guide One Vision towards organizational growth. CQL will challenge and support us to continue to find those systems and practices that need enhancement to improve services for people. They will also celebrate with us in the accomplishments that are achieved.

The Summer 2021 e-newsletter for families, friends, and supporters of the One Vision community.

Elaine says she never dreamed about moving to Clear Lake, but now is so happy she did.  As her home in Glenwood started to need a lot of upkeep and work done to it, and Lisa was traveling the 8 hours to help her, Lisa and her siblings started to look at other options.  Lisa said her mom was not the one needing care or assistance, as she was independent, but it was her house that was needing a lot of attention.

We are delighted to announce Jennifer Bauer has rejoined our organization as Chief Operating Officer as of April 5, 2021. With over 20 years of experience working with people of all ages who experience a range of disabilities, she will oversee OV’s Disability Services

Early diagnosis and therapy make all the difference in the world for kids with Autism and their families.

Our organization began as a vision. An idea that the lives of people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and Brain Injuries deserved to be so much more than what most of society in the 1970s and before thought them to be capable of.  Our founders believed in the right to live with opportunities for dignity for all people with disabilities.

Read the latest issue of our One Vision Newsletter--wherever you are! We are excited to announce our 8th Annual J. Brooks Walk-A-Block for Autism Awareness is back this April. Learn about our OV award winners and new staff, PLUS we will be having a big celebration this fall!

One Vision's Virtual Fall Fundraiser 2020

Fall update from One Vision's CEO Mark Dodd

Gardening brings joy and tasty eats

Grant

Fort Dodge, Employment Solutions

Chief Development Officer

COVID, teamwork

Gaining independence while connecting to wider world

One Vision and Exceptional Persons, Inc. have concluded that at this time it is not in the best interest of the organizations, their constituents, or the advancement of their missions to create a partnership.

One Vision announced today the development of a partnership with long-term collaborator Exceptional Persons, Inc., headquartered in Waterloo. The partnership comes as a direct result of dramatic changes in the service and funding environments, both at state and national levels. 

During the annual J. Brooks Walk a Block for the Children's Autism Center, families shared with local television station KIMT News 3 their experience with a autism.

Jeff Osmanson has joined One Vision’s executive leadership team as chief business development officer. Jeff started his role in February.

Representatives from the Rabiner Treatment Center (RTC) Board of Directors on March 11 presented One Vision with $17,000 in funding to support two different areas of the organization’s realm of services. 

While Christine Golden has many different and unique responsibilities at her job at Redeemer Preschool & Daycare in Ventura, her favorite day to go work is Friday.

The walk, planned April 13, 2019, will raise funds for the One Vision Children’s Autism Center, raise awareness for families affected by autism.

As construction on Glen Oaks Community in Clear Lake continues through the winter months, three townhomes comprising the Terraces at Glen Oaks are complete and ready for tours.

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) issued One Vision a three-year accreditation following a three-day, on-site survey this past October, commending the organization for its dedication and commitment to improving the quality of the lives of the people it supports.  

As 2018 draws to a close, several One Vision services are commemorating growth through expansion into new Iowa communities. Among these are supported community living, employment, and autism services. 

The Children’s Autism Center in Clear Lake relocated to its new permanent home this month, located in the former Ralph Schroeder Group Home at 1020 Buddy Holly Pl. In Clear Lake. The move was effective Monday, Sept. 10. 

Brad Klug, former CEO of Rabiner Treatment Center in Fort Dodge and experienced human services professional, recently joined the One Vision executive leadership team as director of Region IV. Klug started in his new role in late August. 

As I look back at my first two years as One Vision’s spiritual resources coordinator, I am very thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to support people in their journeys toward connecting with a fulfilling, spiritual purpose. 

Jeff Nichols, who joined One Vision as its chief executive officer in 2014, has announced his resignation from the position. His last day with the organization is Sept. 30. 

Many apt combination of words exist to describe Joele Case, but a strong, social self-advocate may perhaps be the best choice.

For Steven Colby, discovering a new career at Diamond Jo Casino in Worth County, Iowa, has provided a new sense of meaning and value to his days.

With the vestiges of winter and spring behind us, I’m looking forward to all the positive efforts and momentum happening throughout our organization.

In a ceremony at its April 17 annual meeting, the ANCOR Foundation inducted former One Vision Chief Executive Officer John Severtson into its Legacy Leaders Circle.

A familiar face around Clear Lake celebrated his birthday among friends and received a gift that truly embodied his involvement in his community.

As One Vision moves toward spring, it’s encouraging to watch the organization busy with efforts that fall directly into the various goals outlined in our strategic plan.

Jennifer Grimm of Osage is One Vision’s most recent recipient of the Golden Heart Award, recognizing Jennifer for the significant impact she’s had on her community, her family, our organization, and herself.

The campus in Clear Lake soon will begin transforming into a planned neighborhood with a focus on active senior living. As the result of the campus redevelopment, a number of trees will need to be removed.

If you recently paid a visit to the Children’s Autism Center (CAC) in Clear Lake, a friendly new face was likely there to welcome you. This month, Josh Dempsey will mark six months of employment with the CAC.

‘Because of you’ is an incredibly apt and appropriate description of why One Vision continues to be successful despite the changes and challenges we face. And because of you, we face these challenges together.

Mahaffey, chief development officer for One Vision, recently was honored as 2017 Boss of the Year by the Mason City Chamber of Commerce.

Samantha Rodningen, a behavior technician at One Vision Children’s Autism Center in Clear Lake, is the recipient of the Stephen Tsai Award for Excellence in autism education from the Autism Society of Iowa.

The events will be held Oct. 10 in Fort Dodge and Oct. 17 in Ventura.

Employees, families, supporters, and friends of the One Vision community came together Sept. 16 and Sept. 17 for our 48th annual Benefit Walks in Clear Lake and Fort Dodge.

Join us before our 2017 Benefit Walk for our annual Appreciation Picnic, a way to say thank-you to our hardworking staff and valued families, friends, and community members.

People supported by One Vision are discovering meaningful employment thanks to new jobs created through the opening of Fieldhouse restaurant in Clear Lake — jobs that extend outside the restaurant itself.

One Vision has hired Mark Dodd to help lead the organization as chief operating officer. Dodd’s first day was Aug. 7.

Today we pause to take a moment to not only commemorate but celebrate the 27th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Join us at our signature fundraiser on Sept. 16 and 17 to support One Vision (formerly Opportunity Village).

Golden Heart Award winners are nominated by both staff and peers for displaying courage, compassion and community connections.

Our newest retail venture will help reduce our organization’s reliance on Medicaid funding, provide job opportunities for supported individuals.

The award is given seven times per year to deserving employees in honor of longtime staff member, Tom Thornblade.

Registration is open for the event, which will be held June 10 at Shimkat Motors in Fort Dodge.

In a much-anticipated first step to launching a Children’s Autism Center in the Fort Dodge area, Opportunity Village has hired Kristin Baade to facilitate family support services in Webster County and surrounding areas.

The summit will be held at EB Stillman Auditorium at Clear Lake Middle School, located at 1601 3rd Ave. N.

As of 2014, 47 percent of Iowa's disabled population was employed in their communities.

Organization working to achieve goals of reducing reliance on Medicaid funding and helping supported individuals obtain community employment.

Eight staff at the Opportunity Village Children’s Autism Center are working to obtain certification as registered behavior technicians (RBT).

Three things have kept Donna Peterson at Opportunity Village for 40 years — God, family, and service.

Discounted monthly and annual membership rates are available for those who wish to use both the gym and pool.

The event will be held April 8 at Willowbrook Mall in Mason City.

Carol Segerstrom and Shelly Savoy are the recipients of the most recent Tom Thornblade awards, presented at an all-staff training held in January.

Residents throughout North Iowa are invited to join radio personality J. Brooks of 98.7 KISS Country and the Opportunity Village Children's Autism Center to celebrate autism advocacy at the third annual J. Brooks Walk-A-Block fundraiser on April 2.

In this season of Thanksgiving, I am mindful of so much for which we have to be grateful. Each day, I am privileged to be a part of an organization that directly impacts the quality of life of many.

Are you a Thrivent Financial member or know someone who is? Here are a couple great opportunities to help the Village.

Seminars will be held Oct. 20 and Oct. 27. Both are free to the public.

Individuals supported by Opportunity Village, as well as Village staff and family, will present two special performances Oct. 7 and 9, inviting the community to look beyond appearance and discover what makes us unique.

Abby Howell is only one employee at Tried & True, but she is a unique and valuable asset to Opportunity Village’s third and newest resale store.

As Opportunity Village rolled through the month of August and into September, I continue to be amazed at the amount of change we are facing and the pace at which our organization continues to adjust.

In August, Pastor Scott Sokol stepped fully into the role of spiritual resources coordinator, vacated by Pastor Rich Murray, who retired in July.

Gordon Peterson started working at the Village in August 1976. Forty years later, it’s safe to say, he’s found the place he’s meant to be.

The open house is scheduled Aug. 26 from 5-7 p.m. at the center, located on Opportunity Village’s Clear Lake campus.

The annual fundraiser will be held Sept. 10 in Clear Lake and Sept. 11 in Fort Dodge.

The Tom Thornblade Award is given seven times per year to deserving employees in honor of longtime staff member, Tom Thornblade.

Pastor Scott Sokol of Garner to fill the role of spiritual resources coordinator.

The educational event designed for professionals in the field and families of children with autism spectrum disorders.

Don’t miss our signature event in 2016! The 47th annual Opportunity Village Benefit Walk will be held Sept. 10 in Clear Lake and Sept. 11 in Fort Dodge.

Opportunity Village starts vegetable aggregation to provide employment and make use of closed Kinney Lindstrom Center kitchen.

The inaugural Pedal for a Purpose will be held June 18 at Kennedy Park in Fort Dodge.

A new resale boutique is scheduled to open in Mason City at month’s end.