OTR Challenge Tour 2025
Thank You for Making the OTR Challenge a Success!
What an incredible day! The OTR Challenge: Walk, Roll, or Ride for Independence brought together our community for fun, fitness, and purpose. With the support of participants, sponsors, volunteers, and friends, we celebrated independence and raised vital funds to support OTR’s mission of providing safe, affordable, and accessible housing for adults with physical disabilities.
Special thanks to the Northwestern basketball players and our partners at GLASA for bringing extra energy and spirit to the day. Together, we built awareness around disability inclusion while enjoying a truly inspiring celebration of community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, you made this event unforgettable!
A Place to Live Independently, Fully Seen as a Human Being, Forrest’s Story at OTR
“Spaces like this allow people like me to live independently. Even going back 60 years, people with disabilities were often put somewhere else. We’re among the first generations who can truly live our lives fully.”
From Firefighter to Finding Independence: Will’s Story at Over the Rainbow
Will Sullivan once lived a life full of adventure, he was a firefighter, loved extreme sports, and thrived on challenges. But nearly ten years ago, a car accident changed everything.
Life After the Game: Mike Williams’ Story
On November 29, 2009, everything changed. In a matter of minutes, Mike went from being a strong, independent man to fighting for his life after a devastating injury left him paralyzed. “One moment I was fine,” Mike says quietly, “ten minutes later, I wasn’t.”
Finding Home Again: Kathy’s Journey to OTR
At OTR, Kathy finally has what she was missing for so long: a safe, affordable home that supports her independence. Wide doorways, roll-in showers, and accessible layouts make daily life manageable, while neighbors offer community and connection.
Finding Independence at Over The Rainbow: Michael’s Story
“This place is by far the best place I’ve ever lived with a disability. It’s not a hospital or a nursing home. It’s a place where you can live independently, with dignity, and do what you want,” Michael said. “It’s more than accommodating; it really changes people’s lives.”
Finding Home: Valerie’s Journey to Independence
With nowhere to go and no family to turn to, she spent the next nine months living in her car.
From Challenge to Confidence: Victor’s Story at OTR
Victor’s journey to independence at Over The Rainbow (OTR) is a powerful story of resilience. After losing his vision to glaucoma, Victor found new purpose through adaptive living and community support. Read about how OTR empowers him to live life on his terms and embrace freedom, despite the challenges."
A Place to Belong: Where Independence Begins and Love Grows
Mike Haynes’ journey is one of resilience, love, and independence. Raised in hardship and once left with few choices, Mike now calls Midtown Crossing home, where he’s building a life filled with dignity, purpose, and connection.
Lakeview Landing: A New Chapter for Accessible Housing in Chicago
Located two blocks east of Wrigley Field, this project was born in 2020 in partnership with the LakeView Lutheran Church, in the midst of the Covid epidemic, which certainly added to the time of inception-to-completion, but we're getting close to the finish line. Construction is at 90% and we hope to be at completion by the time you receive this newsletter!
The 37-unit, 100% barrier-free construction is custom designed for persons who can live independently and are non-ambulatory, especially those who use wheelchairs for mobility. Apartments are 650 square feet with very open floor plans and equipped with disability-friendly appliances, large turning radiuses, and other assistive technology.
The building fits beautifully into the Lakeview Wrigleyville community and has been very fortunate to have strong community and aldermanic support. The generous community room will serve the church for services on Sundays, and be available to neighborhood groups on a scheduled basis.
Celebration Concert! An evening of elegance, music, and meaning.
Join Us for a Night to Remember at the Celebration Concert.
Step into an unforgettable evening of elegance, music, and meaning at Celebration, Over the Rainbow’s signature event, now in its 36th year. Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Michigan at Northwestern’s exquisite Galvin Hall, this one-of-a-kind night is not to be missed.
No Limits Music Festival: Stay Tuned for 2026!
Presented by the OTR Junior Board, this high-energy event featured performances by local bands, a dynamic art show, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and great food, all for a great cause. Thanks to your support, we made meaningful progress toward our goal of installing automatic door openers for residents, giving them greater freedom and independence.
The OTR Challenge Tour 2025: Walk, Roll, Ride for Independence
Join Us and Make a Difference
Together, we can create a future where adults with physical disabilities can live independently and with dignity. Every action you take helps provide accessible housing, essential support, and vibrant community for those who need it most. Join us for the OTR Challenge 2025 and make a real difference in empowering lives.