Thinking “Outside The Box” For Special Needs

Writer  /  Kara Kavensky Reibel

Photography provided

“It’s a whirlwind all the time,” says Kelly Hartman, President and CEO of Insight Consulting, of her life. She is also founder of Outside The Box (OTB), which offers day program supports to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their best possible lives.

The Founders and staff of OTB created an amazing example of what’s possible for the special needs community. This is accomplished through three areas: day services, employment services, and their art program, Studio OTB.

“I first met Kelly Hartman and Outside The Box when OTB applied for an Impact 100 grant,” states Barbara A. Fleming, President of BAF Corp, and OTB board member. “I’ve never met a more energetic and dedicated person or organization. Outside The Box continues to grow and do more with less which is amazing to me. A need was seen and completely filled!”2

Recently, at a fundraiser held at the Lucas Oil Estate, Kelly Hartman addressed the crowd of 500+ and said that Outside The Box is about “empowering people to live their best lives”, and after meeting many of the staff who work at OTB, it is clear that she is speaking of both the participants as well as the staff.

The fundraiser at the Lucas Estate featured local food and beverage vendors, including FoxGardin Kitchen & Ale Chef/Owner Jeff Burgess, who shares, “We had an incredible time! The night had a vibe in the air that was felt by all. It was an honor to be a small part of such a great cause. We can’t wait till next year!”

Outside the Box was inspired by the supports Hartman and her team at Insights Consulting, provide, which is behavioral and residential programming for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Stakeholders suggested that they start day programming. “There was a need for ‘outside the box’ thinking to creatively meet a need in our community, so we started the not for profit, and Outside the Box, was born,” says Hartman. “When we started this, I had no idea it would become what it is today.”

From inception in 2008, Outside The Box has had a wait-list for participants. They rapidly outgrew the 400 sq ft borrowed conference room in the back of the Insight Consulting offices. Today, OTB services more than three hundred and fifty participants and are at maximum capacity in their 15,000 sq ft building.

1One of the first significant grants that gave us (OTB) a huge boost was the Impact 100 grant,” says Kelly, who is now on the Board for Impact 100, “Impact 100 gives grass roots initiatives much needed infusion and it transformed everything for us at Outside The Box.”

“We knew what we were doing was right for people (with special needs). Outside The Box is just the most amazing thing,” says Kelly with tears in her eyes. “It’s not easy working with a Medicaid-funded program, which is why we rely so heavily upon generous donations, and thanks to wonderful people like Forrest and Charlotte Lucas, who help us with our annual fundraiser, we are able to keep our doors open.”

A recent addition to the Outside The Box programming is an after school program supporting special needs students within Hamilton Southeastern Schools, ages 13-22 held at Christ the Savior Lutheran. This enables families to continue their normal work day and know that their child is with a supportive peer group. This specialized after school program did not previously exist. One of the facilitators of the program is a former participant with Outside The Box.

Outside The Box is based upon a foundation of collaboration, not competition. There is such a demand for their curriculum, OTB is considering starting consulting services to help other programs build their organization based upon the Outside The Box model. “People are successful at Outside The Box who have been kicked out of other programs around the city,” shares Kelly. “More individuals need to experience the type of programs we offer.”

Government funding, even when supplemented with fundraising, does not adequately support OTB to continue to grow to other facilities, but the curriculum based program, could help others to flourish and improve their lives. “Our future expansion will absolutely be dictated by the needs of the people we serve,” says Katy Bird, Executive Director. “As with any human services organization, there are sometimes regulatory and funding barriers to doing the right thing for people, which is why we have to think “Outside the Box, ” she continued.

“We are privileged to work with such amazing, talented, and dedicated participants,” says Kelly. “OTB’s success is measured by the success of our participants!”

Outside The Box is committed to promoting a culture built upon a foundation that promotes capabilities, self-advocacy, innovation, integrity, collaboration, professionalism and acceptance. for more information, visit OTBonilne.org.

Comments 1

  1. Judy Wolven says:

    It is a wonderful place, and my sister is part of the Silver Bullets group and she loves every minute of it and her friends she has made. So thankful for this group.

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