Who We Are

In partnership with families, Overbrook Friedlander Programs foster independent quality lifestyles while ensuring the safety, welfare, and health of our residents.

Residents share a home in the community or in the Wynnewood Apartment Complex on the campus of Overbrook School for the Blind where staff members are uniquely qualified to serve individuals with blindness or deafblindness. Each resident has a private room within a two or three bedroom home with family-oriented sitting/living areas that have been modernized to accommodate the needs of the residents. Our apartments feel like home — family style dining tables, comfy couches, cozy bedrooms and personal touches — with ramps to navigate a few steps, grab bars to provide safety in the bathrooms, and wide hallways and doorways to allow room for walkers and wheelchairs. 

OFP is a Provider of residential programs and day programs for persons with intellectual disabilities. It includes nine residential homes (each with 2-3 bedrooms) in Philadelphia and Delaware County and nine bedrooms on the first floor of the Wynnewood Apartment Complex on the historic Overbrook School for the Blind campus in West Philadelphia. 

MEET OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Newly appointed Executive Director Michele Rhodes has been employed by Overbrook Friedlander Programs since the start of the program in 1986. Michele initially was hired as a Direct Support Professional for the new community homes that were established for individuals moving out of Pennhurst State School into the community and for students with deaf blindness graduating from Overbrook School for the Blind.

Prior to OFP, Michele worked at Overbrook School for the Blind, where she was a Houseparent for the Independent Living Project during the school year and for the Deaf Blind Programs during the summer.

Michele has held numerous positions within the organization; Site Supervisor, Program Support Supervisor, Trainer, and her most recent being the Program Administrator for the last 16 years. Michele has her bachelor’s degree from Mansfield University and holds certifications from the Office of Developmental Programs for Certified Investigator and Quality Management.

As a team member for the individuals, Michele collaborates with the individual’s Intellectual Disabilities county office, Support Coordination Organizations, the Office of Developmental Programs, Human Services Licensing, and the Department of Health to ensure the men and women of Overbrook Friedlander Programs are receiving the highest quality of care available. Michele has a passion for the community she serves, the individuals in the program and their families.

OFP BOARD OF DIRECTORS 
F. Howard Braithwaite (President)

Members
Joan Coll
Jackie Brennan
Naomi Harris
Vince McVeigh
Mark Steciw
George Vermeire, DO

OFP STAFF CONTACTS:
Michele Rhodes, Executive Director
michele.rhodes@ofp86.org

Stacy Grant, Human Resources Administrator
stacy.grant@ofp86.org