December 2018
We kicked off December with a festive overnight trip for our youth to Galena! Click here to view more photos.
#IAMNSSRA: Thanks for Sharing Your Stories!

Last month we launched a new social media campaign, sharing the stories of belonging that illustrate the rich community we have together, using #IAMNSSRA. We are beyond thrilled that so many of you have already shared your stories. Click below to read a few of our recent posts.
Join us! Each of our stories tells an important piece of the powerful narrative of NSSRA , and helps our friends and neighbors better understand who we are and why we exist. Whether you are a participant or family member, donor, staff member, partner agency or community member,  your story has a place in our community .

Are you going to be home for winter break in a few weeks?

Come in and interview to work with  #teamnssra  next summer! We’ve got extra interview slots lined up just for you!

No experience is necessary, we offer flexible scheduling, competitive pay and the chance to give back to your community and have fun at the same time. Click here for details, or forward this to a friend who would be a great teammate.

  • If you worked for NSSRA last summer, we are currently accepting renewals here.
  • Haven't worked for us yet? No problem! Click here to apply to be a summer Inclusion Companion.
  • Looking for camp positions? Mark your calendars! We will accept applications for camp staff beginning Monday, December 17.

P.S. – Want to work sooner? We’ve got positions available for winter and spring programs too! Click here to apply.
News
Support NSSRA All December Long at D&R Autoworks in Highland Park

This month, D&R Autoworks is d onating a portion of their proceeds from every service or purchase you make to NSSRA Foundation! Click here for details.   Thank you to D&R Autoworks for supporting NSSRA participants!
NSSRA Foundation Awarded $10,000 Grant from The CarMax Foundation

We are thrilled to announce that we recently received $10,000 from The CarMax Foundation to support Rec N’ Roll, NSSRA's after school program that focuses on peer socialization and recreation.

Over the summer The CarMax Foundation notified us that someone at our local CarMax had recommended we apply for a first time grant. Soon after we submitted our application, they let us know that our application had been approved! Big thanks to The CarMax Foundation for your support!

We’re big fans of Jay Slotnick, and so is New Trier High School (rightly so)! Click here to read The Winnetka Current's charming article about New Trier and NSSRA’s resident charmer. Jay has been participating with NSSRA for over 40 years, and his smiles and quips light up our days. 

Also, as Jay so aptly plugs at the end of his interview, come out this March and see him perform as Johnny B. Goode with the rest of the cast in this year’s Bright Star Theatre production of THE HIVE! It’s gonna be unbeelievable! Click here for details.
Wilmette Wine Walk Raises $3,000 for NSSRA Foundation

Last week we had the honor of accepting a check for $3,000 from the Wilmette-Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce, proceeds from the hugely successful Wilmette Wine Walk back in October!

Thank you, Wilmette-Kenilworth Chamber and North Shore Community Bank & Trust for your support in sponsoring the event, to all of the businesses that participated and to everyone who came out to the walk! We can’t wait for next year!

A few weeks ago we got to head over to  Sweet Ali's Gluten Free Bakery  in Glenview and pick up a check, as well as meet Ali herself (pictured, left) and former NSSRA staff/current Sweet Ali’s employee Mary (right). Mary is the one who so kindly recommended us for Sweet Ali’s Giving October event!

Sweet Ali’s, we are so thankful for your generosity and support!
Events
Come Out and Cheer on the Gators!
Did you know that you are welcome, in fact invited, 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. Check out a few of our upcoming games below!

Gator Black vs. SRACLC Silver
Northfield Community Center (401 Wagner Road)

Gator Green vs. NWSRA Black Lightning
Northfield Community Center (401 Wagner Road)

Gator White vs. NWSRA Blue Lightning
Northfield Community Center (401 Wagner Road)

Gator White vs. NWSRA Green Lightning
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 .
Job Fair with Deerfield Park District
Thursday, December 20 • 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Join us at  Deerfield Park District’s Job Fair  on Thursday, December 20 at Sachs Recreation Center! Explore a variety of summer and year-round opportunities with Deerfield Park District and NSSRA. Win prizes, interview on-site and eat free food!


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, THE HIVE will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you happy to be alive.

Thirteen-year-old Danielle Cooperman was matched with her companion, Molly Avery, in the summer of 2015 after a particularly difficult school year. Molly went on to be Danielle’s buddy at park district and NSSRA programs for four years, becoming both an advocate and trusted friend for Danielle, giving her security at camp to feel safe and try new things with her peers. Their story illustrates the transformative power of Inclusion for kids with special needs.
 
After working with Danielle and the Cooperman family for several summers, what are some of your favorite memories or experiences?

Molly: Without question, Camp Duncan in August 2017 stands out as one of my best memories with Danielle. I think the rock climbing wall at Camp Duncan proved a point for her to all those people who have said, “No, you’re not going to be able to do this,” or “No, you can’t do this.” Well, she climbed the rock wall at Camp Duncan without any help!

Community Events
Wednesday, December 5 • 5:00 - 6:30 pm

Jewish music sensation Naomi Less will rock your Hanukkah at this hotter than latkes, foot stompin' 
interactive sing-out-loud show.  RSVP to Ava Nussbaum at anussbaum@nssbethel.org .   Click here for details.
Friday, December 7 • 11:00 - 11:30 am

Join Deerfield Public Library for an inclusive and interactive storytime filled with stories, songs, sensory play, and socialization! Children of all abilities with their siblings and caregivers are welcome. Click here for details.
Presented by Temple Jeremiah
Sunday, December 9 • 2:00 - 3:30 pm

Temple Jeremiah invites you to a celebrate Chanukah with singing, Chanukah stories, candle lighting, refreshments and a special gift. Please also bring cans of soup to donate to those in need. RSVP to Caren Brown at ceb994@gmail.com . Click here for details.
Goodman Theatre Presents A Sensory-Friendly Performance of "A Christmas Carol"
Saturday, December 29 at 2:00 pm
Goodman Theatre, Chicago

In partnership with Autism Speaks-Chicago, sensory-friendly/relaxed performances are designed to create a performing arts experience that is intended for families with members who have autism or other social, cognitive and physical challenges that create sensory sensitivities.  Tickets start at $15. Read more.
NSSRA Board of Directors
Thurs day, December 13 at 10:00 am
We are 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