News

Recent Grants Received Total $25,950

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 2013:

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

The Peder Hedberg Foundation, Homewood, IL
$8,750 for technology, programs and special events

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

Ecolab, Inc., Joliet, IL
$2,200 for early childhood services

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


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.


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.


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:

    - A fourth and fifth transportation pick-up location located in Richton Park and Oak Forest has been added, in addition to original sites in Tinley Park, Homewood-Flossmoor and Lansing.

    - Seven weekly programs and 6 special events were expanded to a second location, date and time, in order to accommodate additional participants in popular programs.

    - A total of 54 programs and special events were offered free or at a discount during the past 2 years, in an effort to make participation easier for our families.

    - Eight Adapted Sports experiences were offered for our participants with physical disabilities, in the areas of Cycling, Sled Hockey, Golf and Boccia.

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.