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.
continues to grow and do more with less which is amazing to me. A need was seen and completely filled!” 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!”
“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 Outside the Box was inspired by the person or organization. Outside The Box 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. One of the first significant grants that gave us (OTB) a huge boost was the Impact 100 grant,” says Kelly, who is now on