January 2019
Members of both NSSRA and NSSRA Foundation's Boards gathered for an end-of-year social and celebration. Click here for more details.
Winter Announcements & Reminders
Mark Your Calendars!
Spring 2019 Program Guide Online Monday, January 21 & Registration Opens Monday, January 28 

Complete registration information can be found here:   How to Register

The Spring 2019 Program Guide will be available at NSSRA's office and at partner agency locations next week and published online Monday, January 21.
Monday, January 21 • 5:30 - 6:30 pm

If you need help navigating WebTrac, NSSRA's online registration portal, we've got you covered. Join us this Monday for a hands-on class where you will learn to use WebTrac in preparation for Spring 2019 registration. Please bring a laptop or tablet! NSSRA has a few laptops and tablets available for those who do not have a personal device. RSVP today to NSSRA Registrar Caitlin Deptula at (847) 509-9400 x6815 or cdeptula@nssra.org. Click here for details.
Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Temperatures have dropped, which means that  NSSRA's Inclement Weather Policy  is in full effect. In the event of inclement weather, NSSRA may still decide to hold programs. If the weather turns dangerous, NSSRA will call participants and families prior to the start of a program to cancel the program. If you are not sure whether a program will meet due to inclement weather, please call NSSRA. Refunds are issued for cancelled programs.

Also, please dress appropriately for programs!  It's pretty chilly outside, so coats, gloves and hats should be regular accessories for the foreseeable future. Please remember to label ALL outerwear with participant's names so that we know who to return things to when those items inevitably get left on the bus, in the office and at program.

A group of adult participants hit the road for a three-day overnight to Milwaukee. They packed in a TON: A trip to Discovery World, Sprecher Brewery tour, an impromptu sing-along with Santa and more. Check out the photos and see for yourself here!
In November, we launched a social media campaign to share the stories of belonging that illustrate the rich community we have together, using #IAMNSSRA. We are beyond grateful that so many participated! Read a few recent stories below. We look forward to continuing this series throughout the year!
News

Actors in the Northbrook-based Bright Star Theatre Company (BSTC) are buzzing with activity preparing for their upcoming March performances of this year’s original musical, THE HIVE. After several years of licensing popular shows, director Julie Gibson Lay decided it was time to pen a show of her own with BSTC cast members in mind. “What do two local moms full of spunk and imagination do over the summer? They write a musical together, of course." Read more.

In December, NSSRA Executive Director Craig Culp marked 10 years of service with the agency! 

“When I think about Craig and I think about his relationships with our participants, all that I can say is that he has so much compassion. He’s just got such a big heart,” said Liza McElroy, NSSRA Board member and  Executive Director of Park District of Highland Park . “I was on the Board when we hired Craig, and not only was he the best candidate for the job, but what impressed me out of the gate was his ability to foster relationships and to build bridges.” Read more.

We are so thankful for your support! Thanks to you, participants like Peter , Maddy and Liam have a place to belong in our community!


With the bright, new year, we are so thrilled to introduce the next Chair for NSSRA's Board of Directors, Kris Ford! Kris is a Trustee with the Village of Riverwoods and is taking the reins for the 2019-2020 term from Ron Salski, Executive Director at Lake Bluff Park District.

Ron, we are so thankful for your service as Chair over the last few jam-packed years, and Kris, we look forward to the next two years with you at the helm!
Come Out and Cheer on the Gators!
Did you know that you are welcome to attend Gator games? Come on out and cheer on our Gator basketball teams over the next few months, we'd love to have you! All home games are from 7:00 - 8:00 pm on select Tuesday evenings in Northfield.

Gator White vs. NISRA Rebels
Northfield Community Center (401 Wagner Road)

Gator Green vs. NISRA Lightening
Northfield Community Center (401 Wagner Road)

For more information or with questions, contact Recreation Specialist Katie James at (847) 509-9400 x6833 or kjames@nssra.org .

NSSRA participants join with Creative Companions and Northbrook Park District Theatre staff to present a professional production of “THE HIVE." An original musical written for the members of Bright Star Theatre Company, THE HIVE will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you happy to be alive. It’s gonna be unbeelievable! Tickets will be available Friday, February 1 online at www.nbparks.org and the Northbrook Leisure Center Box Office.
North Shore Autism Speaks Walk
Sunday, April 28, 2019 • 8:00 am

Join NSSRA at the annual North Shore Autism Speaks Walk! We will be putting together a team of NSSRA participants, families, staff and community members to walk in the 2019 event. Details coming soon.

You are cordially invited to attend the 2019 Shining Stars Awards & Recognition Banquet, a night celebrating NSSRA’s participants, families, supporters and community.  Invitations and sponsorship materials will be mailed early February.  Sponsored by NSSRA Foundation.   Click here for details.
Join  #teamnssra in just a few easy steps: 

1. Complete an application at  www.nssra.org/jobs .
2. We’ll email you to set up an interview.
3. Come on in and show us why you’d be a great teammate! 
4. Join the team!
Community Events
Saturday, January 26 at 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Deerfield Public Library's PLACE Program welcomes adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as their parents and caregivers for an afternoon of reading, conversations, crafts in this winter-themed program. Click here for event flyer.
NSSRA Board of Directors
Thursday, February 14 at 10:00 am

NSSRA Foundation Board of Directors
Wednesday, February 20 at 7:00 pm

As part of a program through Amazon called Amazon Smile, when you shop online through  smile.amazon.com , Amazon gives NSSRA Foundation a portion of the profits from your purchase. Click here for details.
Partner Agencies
NSSRA | 3105 MacArthur Blvd., Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 509-9400 • info@nssra.org • www.nssra.org