2009. A Year at Outside the Box.

Once upon a time, a small company called Outside the Box was just getting started…... Outside the Box envisioned customized services for adults with developmental disabilities, activities and jobs that enthralled and empowered, leadership and advocating that made a difference, and finding and creating meaning in each day and each life. When 2009 began, we had made our mark on Indianapolis only months before, and could count the number of staff and group members on both hands.

It seems so long ago that Megan and Rachel introduced me to OTB, and I began working with them so comfortably with 400 square feet and a dream. We have grown so much since then, adding new group members with new goals and potential, new team members who share our passion, a new building for all of us to share, and new ideas and aspirations for a never-ending passion and purpose. We now house 4 small groups in our day services program, and have 12 individuals in employment services, many of whom found employment in 2009.

Our goal for our consumers has always been to find careers, not just jobs, which involves planning, creative thinking and self-awareness. We are so proud of the individuals we work with and the hard work, dedication and determination that they exhibit. We are also very proud to report that every consumer who has been matched with a career by OTB is still employed. Claudine (bottom right), who began working as a Service Associate at Stein Mart last summer, was named Employee of the Month in August of 2009. Jenny (top right), who began working as a Surveillance

Reviewer for a local company last fall, received a bonus after only 3 months on the job for excellence and exceeding expectations. And Danielle began a 4 week internship at Encore Dessert and More in the winter of 2009 and did so well she was offered a permanent position as a Bakery Assistant once her internship was complete. Several other individuals also began new careers in 2009, or were referred to OTB and are currently determining career objectives and seeking employment in the community. We also continue to grow with our day services program, and our 4 small groups, The Celebrities, The Dreamers, The Dolphins, and The Rainmakers, continue to amaze us with their ability to learn, create, and grow.

In 2009 our group members learned many daily living skills through cooking classes, money management classes, and many other activities. Group members also discussed current events globally and in their community, learned and demonstrated many theories such as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Need, and became involved in volunteer work in the community at places such as The Wheeler Mission. OTB group members also make it a priority to be involved in fun and educational outings in the community several times each week, and have gone everywhere from the Indianapolis Art Museum, to the State Fair, to RTV6 for a tour of the studio. OTB also sees immense value in creative arts and expression, and therefore provided art classes, dance classes, and music classes during group hours for all OTB day services participants. We are so lucky to have team members who are trained in various creative arts and willing to share their knowledge through free classes for our participants! Of course it would be difficult to tell you about ALL the places we have been and ALL the things we have done, but I can say with confidence that we have had an amazing year and have made the most of each day that we've spent together.

So many of the things we have done this year have been things that I, and my fellow co-workers, never would have thought of, but grew from an idea that a group member had. This is because each month begins with a planning and brainstorming session where participants can present ideas for things they want to do, things they want to learn, and places they want to go that month. Group leaders often throw in ideas for the month as well, but ultimately the monthly schedule is determined by the thoughtful and creative minds of our group members.

OTB’s art program, Art Outside the Box, has come a long way this year as well. AOTB began with a dream to incorporate creative expression into the lives of the participants we work with, and to give them the opportunity to express their thoughts, feelings, dreams and desires through art. AOTB now has a large studio where individuals of all ability levels can experience art. AOTB artwork has been displayed at multiple art shows and exhibits throughout the community including an exhibit at the Indianapolis Art Center and an art show at Indiana Mentor. Several paintings that were created by OTB participants’ and OTB’s Art Program Director (including bottom right) were also displayed and auctioned at OTB’s first fundraiser, Inside the Bottle for Outside the Box.  AOTB was also pleased to sell it’s first personalized, commissioned piece (bottom left).AOTB also presented an Art Camp last summer, and holds weekly classes that are open to anyone in the community.

OTB has come a long way this year! Turing dreams into reality and never ending efforts of improving the lives of adults with developmental disabilities through education, skill development, creative arts and employment. OTB strives to find the best possible way to provide services to everyone who walks through our doors, and that will never change. I have so much gratitude to Megan for allowing me, and everyone involved in OTB, to take part in her vision and to have a place in this company. Thanks to everyone who has made OTB a success in 2009. To consumers and parents who have believed in us and allowed us to be part of yours lives. To the OTB team I work with; Megan, Rachel, Priscilla, Lauren, Andrew, Ian, Stella, Katy and Jessica (who now supports us from a distance!) who share the dream and vision that has made OTB what it is. To Kelly Hartman and OTB board members who helped us to get where we are today and continue to grow. To Insights Consulting, who support us with resources, advice, and compassion. We would not have had this amazing year, and we would not be where we are today without you. We will continue make it our mission to provide excellent services in 2010 and many more years to come! -Sara