NWSRA Announces Expansion
Rolling Meadows, IL: Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) recently unveiled its plans for expanding programming space to serve the physical, social, emotional and recreational needs of children and adults with disabilities. As a partnership of 17 Northwest suburban park districts, NWSRA provides innovative recreational programs and services for children and adults with disabilities. This year, NWSRA will open its third recreational programming space in cooperation with the Mount Prospect Park District at its Central Community Center at 1000 W. Central Road, in Mount Prospect.
NWSRA Executive Director Tracey Crawford stated "We truly appreciate the outstanding partnership of our Member Park Districts to collaboratively improve the lives of individuals who need services throughout the suburbs."
Through the expansion of programming space in collaboration with partner park districts, current and future NWSRA sites will provide a diverse range of recreational options. Certified staff will provide the tools and leadership for individuals with disabilities to achieve their personal goals, including social skills, community integration, health & wellness, sensory integration and more.
"We have many donors, advocates, families, friends, staff and volunteers and community organizations committed to the idea that children and adults with disabilities should have access to safe and innovative recreational programming within their communities. They are truly the heart of the community" Crawford added.
Due to a generous grant from the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters, the new location will also host the third PURSUIT Adult Day Program, to be opened Fall 2018. As a collaborative program between Clearbrook and NWSRA, the PURSUIT Adult Day Program provides continued growth through enriching recreational activities. The current PURSUIT programs, hosted at the Rolling Meadows Community Center and Hanover Park Community Center, have received much fanfare from the community, and currently has a waiting list that highlights the success of program while making the need for additional services evident.
The STAR Academy After Care program is also a collaborative program between Clearbrook and NWSRA, and provides year round after care for children and teens with disabilities, providing each individual with activities designed to meet their personal goals. The STAR Academy After Care is currently hosted in Rolling Meadows, and will be opened in Hanover Park in 2018. Future plans include opening STAR Academy at the Mount Prospect location as well.
Mount Prospect Park District Executive Director Dan Malartsik stated "This is an excellent opportunity for our community and Park District to collaborate with NWSRA and Clearbrook to provide industry leading recreational programs for children and adults with disabilities here in Mount Prospect. We are very excited to call PURSUIT 3 and STAR Academy home to Mount Prospect!"
NWSRA and its fundraising arm, Special Leisure Services Foundation (SLSF), are also committed to the building of a Snoezelen® Sensory Room at each location. Through technology and innovative design, the Snoezelen® room is a controlled multi-sensory environment that helps to create a therapeutic alliance between the participant and staff as well as a safe place to develop life skills. In addition, all locations will a host a variety of recreational programming, unique to the interests and needs of each community and their surrounding area.
It has been reported that throughout the nation, 1 out of 10 individuals has a disability, and over 79% of individuals with disabilities reported barriers to physical activity in spite of legislative requirements and existing accommodations. NWSRA Superintendent of Recreation Andrea Griffin stated "We are extremely grateful to our collaborative partners including the Mt. Prospect Park District, Clearbrook and the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters for making this dream a reality." Through the collective efforts of donors, volunteers and advocates, accessible recreation that is integral to the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in our communities will be made possible.
About NWSRA:
NWSRA has enriched the lives of children and adults with disabilities as a partnership of 17 northwest suburban Park Districts by providing outstanding recreational opportunities for over 40 years. NWSRA holds the distinction of Distinguished Accredited Agency from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, and won the National Recreation and Park Association Excellence in Inclusion Award for national leadership in diversity and inclusion initiatives. If you are interested to learn more about NWSRA's programs and success stories, please visit our website: www.nwsra.org, or contact Brian Selders at 847-392-2848.
About Clearbrook:
Today, Clearbrook serves over 7,000 children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities in over 160 communities throughout Chicago and the suburbs. Clearbrook is committed to being a leader in creating innovative opportunities, services and supports for people with disabilities. With a staff of 900+ and more than 50 locations across Chicagoland, Clearbrook reports that 92 percent of every dollar raised goes directly into their programs and services.