Crystal Lake, Illinois – Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA), a leading provider of therapeutic recreation services for children and adults with disabilities throughout Northern Illinois hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the addition of two new vehicles entirely funded by generous community donations. Totaling $200,000, NISRA’s new activity bus and wheelchair-accessible bus were funded by the NISRA Foundation, The Community Foundation for McHenry County, Barrington Township, Bethlehem Lutheran of Elgin, and Top Cats of Illinois.
These vehicles significantly enhance NISRA’s ability to deliver high-quality, accessible recreation services to individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have the opportunity to participate in enriching and inclusive activities. The addition of these vehicles will expand the reach of the NISRA’s programs, allowing more individuals to benefit from services that promote physical, emotional, and social well-being.
The ceremony held on Thursday, July 11 at NISRA included NISRA staff, board members, adult day program participants, and The Community Foundation for McHenry County’s Executive Director, Amy Hernon and Manager of Grants and Scholarships, Jake Schlicht.
“We are incredibly grateful to our community for their unwavering support,” said Jim Wiseman, Executive Director of NISRA. “These new vehicles represent more than just transportation; they symbolize the community’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all. We are excited to celebrate this milestone with our supporters and the individuals we serve. Every mile is a memory!”
NISRA has provided exceptional therapeutic recreation services for nearly 50 years, offering programs that include special events, camps, trips, weekly programs, Special Olympics, cultural arts, and more! The new vehicles will help overcome transportation barriers, ensuring that participants can attend activities and events both near and far that enrich their lives.