About SSSRA

Inclusive Recreation for Our Participants

SSSRA provides recreational opportunities for children and adults with disabilities or special needs, creating spaces where individuals can build confidence, develop independence and form meaningful connections.

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Mission Statement

To promote the power of choice and to enhance the quality of life of individuals of all abilities, by providing accessible recreation in an environment that promotes dignity, success, and fun.

Vision Statement

To be a trusted community resource that expands access to inclusive recreation and continuously evolves to meet the diverse needs of the individuals and families we serve.

Communities We Serve

SSSRA is an extension of extension of our member park districts and recreation and parks departments.

See below for details about our cooperative agreement with LWSRA and SWSRA.

SSSRA Member Agencies

Persons residing in the SSSRA member agencies are considered residents.

These agencies are:

Country Club Hills Parks and Recreation Department
Hazel Crest Park District
Homewood-Flossmoor Park District
Matteson Recreational Division
Oak Forest Park District
Olympia Fields Park District
Park Forest Department of Recreation, Parks & Community Health
Richton Park Parks and Recreation Department
Tinley Park-Park District

SSSRA reserves the right to verify residency and special education services.

SWSRA Cooperative Agreement

SSSRA has a cooperative agreement with South West Special Recreation Association (SWSRA). This agreement enables participants who reside in SSSRA and SWSRA resident communities to participate in most programs offered by either association at resident rates. Please note that this does not include day camp, vacation trips, away camps, and weekend trips. Special services such as scholarships and door-to-door transportation are not included in this agreement. Registrations will be processed after the deadline is reached for agency residents. SWSRA serves the residents of:

Alsip
Blue Island
Merrionette Park
Midlothian
Palos Heights
Posen
Worth

We hope that through this agreement, each agency’s residents will have expanded opportunities for program participation. For additional information about this agreement, please call SSSRA at 815-806-0384. To receive a copy of the SWSRA brochure, call the SWSRA office at 708-389-9423.

LWSRA Cooperative Agreement

SSSRA has a cooperative agreement with Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA). This agreement enables participants who reside in SSSRA and LWSRA resident communities to participate in most programs offered by either association at resident rates. Please note that this does not include day camp, vacation trips, away camps, and weekend trips. Special services such as scholarships and door-to-door transportation are not included in this agreement. Registrations will be processed after the deadline is reached for agency residents. LWSRA serves the residents of:

Crete
Frankfort
Frankfort Square
Manhattan
Mokena
New Lenox
Peotone
Wilmington

We hope that through this agreement, each agency’s residents will have expanded opportunities for program participation. For additional information about this agreement, please call SSSRA at 815-806-0384. To receive a copy of the LWSRA brochure, call the LWSRA office at 815-320-3500.

Staff

Our team is made up of experienced professionals committed to delivering safe, engaging, and inclusive programs. From program leaders to administrative staff, every team member plays a role in supporting participant success.

Lisa Drzewiecki

Executive Director

Heather Specht

Superintendent of Recreation

Sarah Sizemore

Superintendent of Finance

Laura Pubins

Operations Manager

Juanita Williams

Inclusion Manager

Megan Siebert

Support Staff Manager

Jonathan Washington

Program Coordinator

Kristina Welke

Program Coordinator

Anna Broccolo

Marketing & Development Manager

John Braun

Vehicle Maintenance Coordinator

Shannon Haggerty

Administrative Assistant

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors includes staff from each of our member park districts and recreation departments.

Kevin Green

Country Club Hills Parks and Recreation Department

Christopher Cole

Hazel Crest Park District

Oralethea Davenport

Homewood-Flossmoor Park District

Lisa Hill

Matteson Recreational Division

Kirstin Dahm

Oak Forest Park District

Jesus Vargas

Olympia Fields Park District

Kevin Adams

Park Forest Department of Recreation, Parks & Community Health

Ashley Turner

Richton Park Parks & Recreation Department

Meghan Fenlon

Tinley Park-Park District

Our Supporters

SSSRA is supported by organizations, businesses and community members who believe in our mission. Their contributions help expand programs, improve access and create more opportunities for participants to thrive.

Robert Schmidt

New Image, Frankfort

Midwest Musky Club

Governance & Public Information

SSSRA operates with a strong commitment to transparency and accountability. Public documents, policies, and organizational information are available for review.

The Park District Code and Municipal Code enables any park district or municipality that is party to a joint agreement to provide “recreational programs for individuals with disabilities.” They may levy and collect annually a tax of not to exceed .04% of the Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV) of all taxable property in the district for the purpose of funding the district’s share of the expenses of providing these programs under that joint agreement (see Section 5-8 and 8-10b of the Park District Code and Section 11-95-14 of the Municipal Code).

Approximately 70-75% of a Special Recreation Association’s revenue each year is comprised of the tax contributions of its member park districts and Villages.