Orchard Village Announces Winners of the 2026 OV Blossom Awards

Orchard Village, a Skokie-based nonprofit that has supported individuals with developmental disabilities since 1972, has announced the winners of its 2026 OV Blossom Awards. The awards recognize staff members who were nominated by their co-workers for going above and beyond in living out the organization's mission and values.

The winners were invited to attend Orchard Village's Annual Board of Directors meeting, where they were formally congratulated and presented with a trophy and a gift.

This year's honorees are:

Quality of Life: Carlos Cabrera, Maintenance Team Member

Carlos goes above and beyond to make sure everyone served has the support they need, not just to meet life's basic needs, but to live a life that feels meaningful and important to them.

Making a Positive Impact: Jennifer Shapiro, Manager of Community Day Services

Jennifer works hard to ensure Orchard Village's services make a positive difference in the lives of the people served and the staff who work there. She promotes a positive attitude and builds partnerships with clients, students, families, and the community that make a real difference.

Dignity & Respect: Dahlian Neil-Jackson, ICILA Community Advocate

Dahlian strives to make sure the people she supports have choices in the things that affect their lives. She offers guidance and encouragement to help people make responsible decisions, and she treats others with courtesy, kindness, and grace.

Integrity & Responsibility: Deidre Stallworth, Direct Support Professional

Deidre holds herself to high moral and ethical standards. She makes sure that agency and client resources are valued, protected, and used responsibly, and she brings honesty and goodness to her daily work.

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Founded in 1972, Orchard Village is a charitable social services organization located in Skokie, Illinois. The agency empowers children and adults with developmental disabilities to achieve fulfilling lives in their communities. It partners with families and communities to ensure that people with developmental disabilities have choices and a voice in their lives, and, that they receive support to reach their goals. Orchard Village services and programs support the housing, day program, employment, behavioral and mental health, and home-based needs of nearly 330 participants, who range in age from children to mature adults. For more information about Orchard Village and its services, visit www.orchardvillage.org.