LIFE Program

The Leisure Increases Freedom and Enjoyment (LIFE) Program of Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association provides year-round life skills program, using community-based recreation activities to enhance the quality of life for young adults. 

Participants plan and actively participate in fitness activities, planning and preparing meals, scheduling field trips, volunteering and other leisure time experiences.

Program Eligibility

  • Adults with mild – moderate intellectual disabilities ages 22 – 45
  • Participants must show independence in planned activities and personal care
  • Able to function at a 1:5 staff-to-participant ratio
  • Coordinate their own transportation to and from the program (NISRA does not provide transportation)

LIFE Program Elements

Recreation/Leisure

  • Fitness (monthly trip to a local gym, walking track)
  • Fine arts (instructor led, open studio format)
  • Music (group instruction, karaoke)
  • Group games and sports
  • Day trips to nearby attractions (museums, train trips, sporting events, theater productions)

Socialization/Communication

  • Daily group discussions (current events, allowance for personal sharing)
  • Peer interaction, relationship building (team building, small group exercises)
  • Conflict resolution (guest speakers, scenarios, discuss situations, role-playing)

Community Integration

  • Volunteer opportunities (food pantry, animal shelter, community gardens, senior living)
  • Explore facilities throughout NISRA’s 13 member districts
  • Practice public transportation use as a group

Independent Living Skills

  • Personal health & nutrition (guest speakers, group discussions)
  • Monthly grocery shopping and cooking experiences
  • Money management (In-house Cafe’ business)
  • Home life maintenance (gardening, cleaning)

LIFE Program Schedule and Locations

Days and Time:

Monday – Thursday *Families choose which days work best for them on an annual basis

9:30 am – 2:30pm *Transportation to and from locations need to be scheduled by participants or families

Locations:

Sage Therapeutic Recreation Center (NISRA Office) at 285 Memorial Drive, Crystal Lake

Dundee Township Park District Rakow Center at 665 Barrington Avenue, Carpentesrville

Huntley Park District REC Center (South Classroom) at 12015 Mill Street, Huntley

To Learn More...

To inquire about LIFE:

  1. Contact Trisha Seng, Manager of Adult Day & Veterans Programs at [email protected] or 815-459-0737, ext. 249.
  2. A meeting will be scheduled to complete the assessment and interview the applicant and a parent or guardian. This process will determine the specific needs of the applicant and whether he or she meets the eligibility criteria of the program.
  3. NISRA will notify the applicant and family of the outcome of the application process. All decisions regarding eligibility will be made by NISRA.
  4. NISRA reserves the right to reassess participants for eligibility throughout the year as needed.

Questions?

Please contact Trisha Seng, Manager of Adult Day & Veterans Programs at [email protected] or (815) 459-0737, ext. 249.