Western DuPage

Special Recreation Association

Providing engaging community-based recreational programs and inclusion services for children, teens and adults with special needs.

www.wdsra.com

News You Can Use November 24, 2015

In This Issue

Giving Thanks for YOU

Goyal Recognized for Volunteer Work

Giving Tuesday is 1 Week Away

Annual Report is Online

Fulltime Positions Close Soon

Fulltime Position Just Added

Wine & Spirit Pull Donations

Bringing Saturday Date Night Back

We Need S'mores Staff

Thanksgiving Holiday

The WDSRA office will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday beginning Wednesday 11/26. The office will re-open Monday 11/30 at 9am.

Tweet Us @WeAreWDSRA

You can now get all the latest updates on programs, events, staffing and more at @WeAreWDSRA!

Did you miss the #teamwdsra campaign on Facebook and Twitter? Catch a glimpse of the fun side of the WDSRA staff.

Performing Arts Recital Rocks the 80s!

arts recital dancing

Performing Arts Recital hanging out

arts recital take a bow

Performing Arts Recital all dressed up

arts reciatl gymnastics

Performing Arts Recital Hanging out

Arts recital on stage

Perfroming Arts Recital Group

Performing arts recital TROOP

Find more photos on Facebook!

Holiday Shopping Online?

Shop online for WDSRA

1. Log on through

smile.amazon.com
or fundin co.org.

2. Select WDSRA as your charity.

3. SHOP!

Both will make a contribution based on your purchase to WDSRA. There is no cost to you. So...get shopping!

Spread the News!

Know someone who might benefit from WDSRA programs and services? Invite them to view the WDSRA video here.

Hear why one parent calls WDSRA 'exceptional and rare'.

News You Can Use Archive

Looking for something you saw in a past News You Can Use? Visit our archive at

www.wdsra.com.

WDSRA on WONC!

Catch us LIVE on WONC FM89.1 Tues at 4:30pm.

Follow Us

Giving Thanks for YOU!

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, we want to share our thanks for the opportunity to serve the many wonderful WDSRA families and participants.
It is truly an amazing gift to know that what you do in the course of your everyday can make a difference in the lives of so many.

We are thankful for the many part time staff and volunteers who share a passion to treat everyone with dignity and respect. You make life exceptional for our participants!

We are grateful for each and every one of our donors, sponsors, partners, and WDSRA Foundation Trustees. Every contribution--whether it is time, talents or donations--has a positive impact on the lives of our families.

We are also thankful for our member Park Districts who had the vision to create WDSRA in order to better serve the families with special needs in their communities. We thank our Board members for continuing to make WDSRA a vital part of the community.

With grateful hearts, we thank YOU
for being a part of the WDSRA family!

Avi Goyal - Superstar Volunteer!

In just one short year,
Avi Goyal has given almost 100 hours of volunteer service through programs, social clubs and special events. He walked into the first program with a quiet reserve. Three program seasons later Avi was in front of the group demonstrating activities, guiding struggling participants hand-over-hand and mentoring new volunteers. In our book, Avi deserves an award because he brings care and compassion to each of the participants he encounters.

Avi was recently recognized by KidsMatter of Naperville for his philanthropic service with WDSRA. The Youth Service Award was presented by Naperville Mayor Chirico along with WDSRA Support Services Supervisor Becca Ross.

Well done Avi!

#GIVINGTUESDAY 12/1/15
is Just 1 Week Away!

Why is that important? Because on Giving Tuesday--Tuesday, December 1, 2015, WDSRA is asking YOU to donate online to support the many children, adults and families that WDSRA serves right here in DuPage County. These donations go to help friends, neighbors and those in the community who need special recreation to be a part of their lives.

This is a tremendous funding opportunity thanks to The Coleman Foundation. They will match up to $20,000 in donations made online at www.wdsra.com on December 1st!

Here's how it works...

Did you donate in 2014? The Coleman Foundation will match the incremental funds over and above your largest single cash gift from last year. That means that if you gave $100 in 2014 and you give $200 online on December 1, 2015, $100 will be matched. Your $200 gift turns into a $300 donation. Not sure what you gave? Contact us at 630-681-0962.

Didn't donate in 2014? Your donation will be matched 100%. That means that your $100 gift turns into $200!

Please reach out to friends & family
members and ask them to donate too!

Thank you for making WDSRA part of
your charitable giving on Giving Tuesday!

FY14-15 Annual Report is Online

WDSRA is dedicated to positively impacting the lives of children and adults with special needs through recreation. Our vision, Equal Fun for Everyone, is at the core of how we support our participants and families every step along the way.

Over the past year, guided by a clear vision and the steadfast support of partners, our focus and commitment has led us to:

* Initiate new projects that will allow us to better serve our current families
* Connect with families who are new to special recreation
* Renew our efforts of bringing the WDSRA vision to life for everyone we serve

We invite you to take a look at the entire year in review our FY14-15 Annual Report.

FULL TIME Position Openings Close this Week

If you would like to be a part of the excitement that comes along with serving children and adults with special needs--be sure to get your application in this week.

Support Services Supervisor

Are you a self starter who is extremely organized?
Do you love a challenge?
Are you a trainer at heart who loves developing others into effective staff?
Are you looking for fulltime employment in a fun environment?

Teach, train, mentor, schedule and assess seasonal staff. Position is divided 75% administrative duties and 25% recreation program and participant interactions. Apply here.

Cultural Arts Program Supervisor

Do you love to share your artsy side with others?
Are you creative and organized all at the same time?
Do you enjoy working flexible schedules including evenings and weekends?
Are you looking for fulltime employment in a fun environment?

Plan, develop and oversee programs & special events. Primary focus on fine arts, but also includes drama, dance, performance, cooking adult mental health programs. Train/mentor staff & volunteers, hire specialty staff and assist in development of & work special events, day camps & fundraising events. Apply here.

Closing date is 11/27/15.

FULL TIME Position Just Added!

Administrative Assistant

Are you extremely organized and detail oriented?
Are you looking for part time employment in a fun environment?

Work closely with the Executive Director to provide administrative support in scheduling, email management, communications, etc. Responsible for maintenance, updates of donor information and gift entry & reporting in Donor Perfect. 20hr/week, eligible for IMRF retirement benefits. Apply here.

Closing date is 12/04/15.

Wanted--Wine & Craft Beers for Spirit Pull

As you head out to pick up those holiday spirits, please consider picking up an extra bottle of your favorite wine or a pack of your favorite craft brew for the WDSRA Wine & Spirit Pull!

This is one of the most popular items at The Black & Red Bash. But we can't do it without your help. We are looking for great tasting spirits (minimum value $10 please)! Donations can be dropped off at the WDSRA offices attn: Dori.

For more information please contact Dori at dorin@wdsra.com or 630-681-0962 ext569.

Featured Program

Parents of Children & Teen 10-16 --Bring Back Saturday Date Night!

Here is your opportunity to enjoy Saturday date night while your child/teen enjoys Saturday evenings with friends!

Sign up for Out & About, the Saturday evening social club for children and teens ages 10-16. There is something new planned every week! Maybe it's dinner at the latest cool spot, attending a local sporting event, heading to a popular play/movie, or hanging out for game night. The best part is that your child/teen is hanging out with friends and having fun. Makes Saturday date night guilt free for you!

Details for all three programs can be found on page 11 of the Winter/Spring program brochure.

Part Time Staff & Volunteer Needs

We Need S'mores Staff Like YOU!

We are hiring: Program Volunteers, Part Time Seasonal Staff, Inclusion Support Staff

We are hiring for: Holidays, Winter Programs, Spring Programs, and Summer Programs NOW!

Create your own schedule with flexible hours
Choose to work weekends, evenings, daytime, or any combination
Perfect for anyone with a few hours a week to spare
Commitment is by season so you can change it as needed
Experience a plus but not necessary, we will train
Starting pay: $8.50-$15.00

Applications can be found at www.wdsra.com. Questions? Contact Wendy at wendyc@wdsra.com or 630-681-0962 ext 577.

WDSRA is committed to providing quality recreational programs, dedicated and trained staff, specialized equipment, and much needed scholarships. Your support provides the financial support needed to ensure that the cost of programs remains affordable throughout the year.

Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA)

116 N. Schmale Road, Carol Stream, IL 60188-2103

P: 630-681-0962 | F: 630-681-1262 |