Members of NSSRA’s Board of Directors and full-time staff celebrate the purchase NSSRA’s new facility
at the recent Board meeting on Thursday, September 12.
We Have A New Home:
NSSRA Purchases Former Lakeside Congregation Building
in Highland Park for New Recreation Facility
NSSRA ended its six-year
search for a new facility on
Thursday, August 29 when
its purchase of Lakeside
Congregation for Reform
Judaism was made official.
“The opportunity to preserve the building and turn it over to a
nonprofit organization that provides such outstanding services for
the community is of immense value and is consistent with our Judaic
teachings of tikkun olam (repairing the world),” said Schuster.
Roughly half of the funds to purchase the Lakeside came from a capital
reserve account created in 2013 when NSSRA’s Board of Directors
Set back on Lake Cook Road identified the need for a new facility. The remaining finances needed
near the Edens Expressway, were provided thanks to significant donations from a generous NSSRA
the 5.5 acre campus and family and NSSRA Foundation.
Lakeside Congregation for Reform Judaism, 30,000 square foot facility
recently purchased by NSSRA as the home was put on the market by NSSRA hopes to begin renovations in early 2020 and expects to
Lakeside last November transition operations and programming to the facility within the next
of its new recreation facility.
in preparation for its June 12 – 18 months.
2019 merger with Congregation Solel (1301 Clavey Road). For NSSRA,
Lakeside’s location is ideal, in the heart of the northern suburbs and “After so many years of working towards this goal, the Board is
central to NSSRA’s 13 partner agencies.
thrilled that NSSRA finally has a new home for NSSRA participants
to call their own,” said Board Chair Kris Ford, a trustee with the
“This is an important step in our nearly 50-year history,” said NSSRA’s Village of Riverwoods. “This new home is a tribute to all those who
Executive Director Craig Culp. “We set a goal in 2013 to find the most have supported our mission over the last 50 years, and to those who
suitable, permanent home for NSSRA, and this new facility will not continue to support creating an environment of belonging through
only accomplish that goal, but also shape the next 50 years of fun, play for children, teens and adults with disabilities.”
friendship and community for NSSRA participants and families.”
NSSRA is partnered with the Park Districts of Deerfield, Glencoe,
Speaking on behalf of the newly combined synagogue, Makom Solel Glenview, Highland Park, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff, Northbrook,
Lakeside, Executive Director Rick Schuster explained that the sale of Northfield, Wilmette and Winnetka; the Cities of Highwood and Lake
the building to NSSRA has brought a sense of comfort to members of Forest; and the Village of Riverwoods.
the Lakeside Congregation community, many of whom harbored fond
memories of significant events spanning several years if not decades
into the past.
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Winter 2020 Program Guide • Celebrating 50 Years!