From Challenge to Confidence: Victor’s Story at OTR
Pictured: Sacha, Victor and Property Manager, Gloria
“When I first heard about OTR, I thought it was a nursing home,” Victor said with a laugh. “But once I toured the building, I realized—these are real apartments where I can live my own.”
When I first met Victor, it was clear he had a story worth sharing.
He’s warm, funny, thoughtful, and fiercely independent. But like many of the incredible residents at OTR, Victor’s journey to get here wasn’t easy.
Eight years ago, Victor began losing his vision due to glaucoma. A chef and athlete who had always been on the move—on the basketball court, in the kitchen, and out and about in his neighborhood he suddenly found himself facing a completely different reality. After multiple eye surgeries, he became totally blind.
“I kept asking myself, ‘Why me? How am I supposed to live like this?’” he told me. But he didn’t let those questions linger for long.
Victor decided to take action. He enrolled at the Chicago Lighthouse, where he learned how to adapt to daily life without sight. With the help of a dedicated social worker and a lot of personal determination, he began rebuilding his confidence and independence. That same determination led him to Over The Rainbow.
“When I first heard about OTR, I thought it was a nursing home,” Victor said with a laugh. But once I toured the building, I realized—these are real apartments where I can live on my own.”
Now living in OTR’s Gustafson building, Victor has everything he needs close by: his gym (he’s a fan of HIIT workouts), the grocery store, his church, and even the mall. All within a mile.
“I like that everything I need is close,” Victor said. “I just grab an Uber and go it makes it easy to get around when I need to.”
Hearing him say that made it all click for me: this is what OTR is really about, not just a roof over your head, but the chance to live life on your own terms, independent, comfortable, and in control, with the support of Resident Services every step of the way.
Victor, who cooked professionally for over 15 years, still loves being in the kitchen. “I can make anything with my eyes closed,” he said with a smile. And he does, from Latin favorites to Asian fusion, his apartment is often filled with the sounds and smells of home-cooked meals. He enjoys preparing meals for his friends, casual get-togethers with good food, and laughter. He often forgets to turn on the lights, and his friends joke, asking, “Are you going to turn on the lights?” knowing full well that he doesn’t need them to make a delicious meal.
Living alone without sight hasn’t been without its challenges. But as Victor explained, “I had to learn how to ask for help and how to really listen. “I’m not dependent. I’m independent.”
Victor played football, basketball, and worked as a chef. He was always on the move. Losing his vision changed a lot, but it didn’t take away his drive. Today, he’s still cooking, still doing his workouts, and still living life the way he wants to.
Victor’s story is exactly what Over The Rainbow is all about: providing adults with physical disabilities a safe, affordable, and empowering place to live life on their terms. Not in institutions, but in real homes, with real independence.
Life didn’t go the way Victor expected, but with OTR, he’s living with purpose, independence, and hope for what’s next. He dreams of a workout space at OTR where he can help other residents stay active and strong. We hope that, with ongoing support, added resident service providers, and other essential services, opportunities like this can become a reality for Victor and others.
