News

First Midwest Charitable Foundation Contributes $5,000

The First Midwest Charitable Foundation has generously contributed $5,000 to the association. The foundation is a private foundation headquartered in Itasca. Funding for the foundation comes from First Midwest Bank, and is geared toward improving the lives of women and children in their market area. Senior Vice President Liz Myers was present at the January, 2012 Board Meeting to present the check. The funds will be used for summer, 2012 day camp transportation services.

SSSRA Public Relations Coordinator Honored at State Conference

Public Relations Coordinator Anna Broccolo received a Directors Award from the Illinois Therapeutic Recreation Section (ITRS) at their Annual Meeting on January 26, 2012. ITRS Director Peter Pope recognized Ms. Broccolo for her efforts in spearheading and co-leading the new Marketing Division of the section. During 2011, marketing and public relations professionals from the special recreation associations joined together to support the state-wide efforts of therapeutic recreation professionals, in spreading the word about our services. Ms. Broccolo was instrumental in creating a full-page color ad for Chicago Special Parent magazine, and in creating marketing materials for an upcoming Therapeutic Recreation Month throughout our state. ITRS is a section of our state association, encompassing all recreation professionals working in a therapeutic setting. Ms. Broccolo has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has been with SSSRA since August of 2006.

Recent Grants Received Total $23,000

Due to the generosity of the following foundations, program expenses for select programs will be covered, and programs fees will be lowered or free for our residents during 2012:

Edmond & Alice Opler Foundation, Oak Lawn, IL
$10,000 for day camp transportation services

Aileen S. Andrew Foundation, Orland Park, IL
$5,000 for transportation services

Ecolab, Inc., Joliet, IL
$3,000 for Early Childhood programs

George M. Eisenberg Foundation for Charities, Arlington Heights, IL
$3,000 for Early Childhood programs

Sarkisian Foundation, Chicago, IL
$2,000 for Early Childhood programs

Many thanks to these groups for their assistance to our participants, and for their continued support of our valuable mission.

SSSRA Maintains Outstanding Safety Rating

During 2011, SSSRA went through a comprehensive risk management assessment, conducted by the Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA). The review included examination of agency policies and practices in 54 administrative areas and 24 additional areas of special recreation service delivery. Pam Alvarado, Safety Coordinator and Lisa Drzewiecki, Superintendent guided the agency through this process which took place from February through October, 2011. The association attained an overall score of 99.44%.

PDRMA is a self-governed, member owned risk management agency of over 150 public entities. PDRMA staff guide member agencies in taking proactive steps to improve safety and wellness across the organization. This results in safe programs for our participants and family members.

22nd Annual Golf Outing a Great Success

The 22nd Annual Golf Outing was held on Friday, September 23rd, 2011, at the Coyote Run Golf Course in Flossmoor.

Due to the generosity of our golfers, dinner guests, hole sponsors and prize donors, over $8200 was raised at the event again this year.

Thanks to the following individuals and businesses who contributed $250 or more in sponsorship or prizes:
Old Plank Trail Community Bank, Mokena
Walt’s Food Centers, South Holland
Christopher J. Cummings, Attorney, Homewood
Matteson School District 162 Staff
Fred Astaire Dance Studio, Danceworks, Inc., Mokena
Kailen Davis, Davis EyeCare Associates, Oak Lawn
Studio B - Bettinardi Golf, Tinley Park
Coyote Run Golf Course, a facility of the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District
In Memory of Joe Garrison, Lake Station, IN
Company of Kings, Plainfield
Liberty Creative Solutions, Inc., Tinley Park

5th Annual Ricky's Ride

The 5th Annual Ricky’s Ride was held on September 25, 2011, and raised over $10,600.

SSSRA participants were there to meet and greet the riders. It was an emotional send off, as participants waved and gave a “thumbs up” to show their appreciation.

Thank you to everyone involved for your continued support of Ricky’s Ride and our agency. Your generosity helps us to continue to provide quality recreation programs for individuals with special needs.

Thank you to Brian Bergholm for designing the Ricky’s Ride logo.

For more information about Ricky’s Ride, please contact Lisa Drzewiecki, Superintendent, at 815-806-0384, ext. 21, or visit www.rickysride.org.

SSSRA Welcomes New Recreation Specialists

On September 12, 2011 we welcomed Katie Klimek and Jamie Petteys as the new Recreation Specialists to the South Suburban Special Recreation Association.

Katie graduated from Eastern Illinois University in August, 2011, earning a degree in Thearpeutic Recreation. She completed her field work experiences at SSSRA the summer of 2010 and completed her internship at Shriners Hospital for Children in Chicago.

On October 3, 2011, Katie sat for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification exam and is now a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Her primary role at SSSRA is programming, but she is also responsible for maintaining our equipment room.

Jamie graduated from Illinois State University in 2007, earning her degree in Therapeutic Recreation. She came to SSSRA from Pioneer Center for Human Services, located in McHenry Illinois, where she assisted people with disabilities in finding employment. Jamie also worked at a variety of therapeutic recreation programs including Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA) in Crystal Lake.

Jamie's role at SSSRA is to supervise weekly programs and special events, and assist in the outreach efforts for our member community school districts. She will also be responsible for organizing program and special event offerings in the brochure, securing facilities, securing tickets, registering for cooperative events, securing temporary help such as DJs, and preparing the budget sheets for all programs and special events.

Strategic Plan Initiatives Result in Additional Services for Our Families

The association’s short-term Strategic Plan Initiatives, which were implemented over the past 2 years, have resulted in the following positive outcomes and expansion in program services:

Would you like to receive our new bi-monthly e-newsletter to stay better informed about SSSRA news and events? Please visit our contact page or contact Public Relations Coordinator Anna Broccolo at (815) 806-0384, or at anna@sssra.org.

If you have any questions about the association’s Strategic Plan, please contact Executive Director Janet Porter at (815) 806-0384, or at janet@sssra.org.

Please download the SSSRA Strategic Plan here.

Old Plank Trail Community Bank Supports SSSRA Scholarship Fund

SSSRA is pleased to have implemented a banking relationship with the Old Plank Trail Community Bank, following a formal proposal process for banking services in the Spring of 2011. Old Plank Trail was able to offer the most competitive interest rates for the association, as well as no fees or charges for basic transactions needed. Their support of SSSRA’s mission is already evident, as they contributed $1,000 to the association’s scholarship fund, within the first month of our banking relationship. Paul Slade, President, and Andrea Ramirez-Justin, Vice President were present at the July 28, 2011 Board of Directors Meeting to receive well-deserved recognition for this contribution. The funds will be utilized to provide scholarships for Frankfort Square residents who need assistance affording program fees.

SSSRA Welcomes New Recreation Specialist

SSSRA would like to welcome Alicia Meredith, CTRS as the agency's new Recreation Specialist. She is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services with a Concentration in Therapeutic Recreation.

Alicia has 2+ years of experience as a Program Supervisor of Special Events and Day Camps from working at Western DuPage Special Recreation Association. She also has 4 years experience as a Residential Care Staff at Huron Behavioral Health located in Michigan.

Alicia moved from Bad Axe, Michigan to the Chicago land area and began her career at SSSRA on May 2, 2011.

We are very excited and welcome Alicia as an experienced, motivated and positive new team member.

SSSRA Receives Special Recognition from LARC

On Friday, April 8, 2011, SSSRA received special recognition from LARC, at their Annual Appreciation Dinner. This year, the event was called "Salute to Our Stars". LARC, which has served individuals with developmental disabilities for over 55 years, is located in Lansing. SSSRA began serving the approximately 100 participants at their workshop site and from their group homes, in the spring of 2008. A kick-off event was held the month prior to the Lan-Oak Park District joining SSSRA, in an effort to get to know their residents with disabilities, and to inform them about SSSRA services. Since that time, events have been held on site each season, and have included: a summer picnic with field games, an Ice Cream Social, and many holiday themed parties. Each event typically includes a DJ, games or a craft activity and food. SSSRA was awarded with a plaque of appreciation, which reads "LARC recognizes SSSRA for your ongoing partnership with LARC, helping us provide quality support and services to people with developmental disabilities."