NSSRA Program Guides Fall 2019 | Page 3

Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) was formed in 1970 and is an extension of ten park districts, two cities and one village in the northern suburbs of Chicago. This partnership includes the Park Districts of Deerfield, Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park, Lake Bluff, Kenilworth, Northbrook, Northfield, Wilmette and Winnetka; the Cities of Highwood and Lake Forest and the Village of Riverwoods. NSSRA has been creating an environment of belonging through play for nearly 50 years, and has the distinction of being the first Special Recreation Association in the country. NSSRA’s mission is to enrich the lives of people with disabilities in our partner communities through quality recreation services. NSSRA’s vision is to be leaders in recreation by providing innovative and exceptional services for people with disabilities. NSSRA’s core values are Compassion, Respect, Quality, Flexible, Accountable and Ethical Practices. NSSRA’s services include traditional, inclusive, cooperative and summer camp programs. Special events, trips, overnight camps, Gator Athletics/Special Olympics, adaptive sports and more are also available. More information on Inclusion opportunities can be found on page 11 of this guide, as well as in our partner agencies’ program guides. NSSRA collaborates closely with each partner agency to ensure consistent information and that awareness of Inclusion opportunities is available to every resident. This program guide offers recreation activities for preschool, youth, teen, young adult and adult participants with disabilities. Our program guide is published in fall, winter, spring and summer. Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of information contained within this program guide. However, errors can occur and circumstances may require adjustments to fees, schedules, locations or other information. NSSRA reserves the right to make such adjustments and apologizes for any inconvenience these errors or adjustments may cause. How We're Funded Funding for NSSRA comes from three sources: 1) Partner agency contributions 2) Program fees 3) Outside support from NSSRA Foundation Contributions from partner agencies are made proportionately based on community size and collected through a property tax levy issued by each partner. In addition, the NSSRA Foundation Board of Directors commits significant support, both personal and from outside sources. This support provides scholarships and transportation for participants, sponsors several large special events allowing participants to attend for free or at a reduced rate and grants financial assistance to meet the growing demand for new services and programs offered by NSSRA. To learn more about NSSRA Foundation, flip to pages 61 - 62. NSSRA’s partner communities are integrated in our programming, with activities happening in all partner communities, and through the employment of nearly 500 community members who serve residents with disabilities while growing their resume for college, career or giving back to the community and earning a competitive wage. Partner Agencies & Board of Directors City of Lake Forest Sally Swarthout Deerfield Park District Jeff Nehila Northbrook Park District Molly Hamer Glencoe Park District Lisa Sheppard Northfield Park District George Alexoff Glenview Park District Michael McCarty Village of Riverwoods Kris Ford Park District of Highland Park Brian Romes Wilmette Park District Steve Wilson City of Highwood Jim Hospodarsky Winnetka Park District John Muno Kenilworth Park District Johnathan Kiwala Lake Bluff Park District Ron Salski As a cooperative of 13 partner agencies, one representative from each partner community serves on our Board of Directors, collaborating to provide leadership and governance to NSSRA. NSSRA families and the community are invited to attend board meetings on designated Thursdays at 10:00 am at NSSRA’s office. The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 12. Call (847) 509-9400 or visit our website at www.nssra.org for details or accommodations. NSSRA | (847) 509-9400 • [email protected] • www.nssra.org 3