Fox Valley Special Recreation Association

 

We Empower People
With Disabilities


At Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (FVSRA), we enrich the lives of people with disabilities. By collaborating with member agencies and community partners, we put people first.

There is Still Time to Register for Our Winter/Spring Programs


Most Winter/Spring Programs begin on Monday, February 7. Although online registration has closed, you can still contact us to check availability, consult us about which classes are right for you and register.

Contact us: 
register@fvsra.org
630.907.1114

We are bringing the bus back! 
Beginning Monday, February 7, we will once again be able to offer transportation to our programs. Face masks are required. Please note that we won't always be able to guarantee physical distancing. Find program fliers here.

If you are new to FVSRA, try your first class for free! 
We offer the first class for free because we know it's hard to try new things. We are trained to support people with disabilities – in fact, 100% of full-time leadership staff are certified in the field. We offer a range of options that meet a variety of interests, schedules and skills. 
Learn More

We Are Putting Together an Amazing Line Up of Raffle Baskets – And We Could Use Your Help!


On Friday, April 8 from 4-7pm at the Prisco Community Center, we will host our 29th annual BBQ and Basket Raffle. This event supports our mission of helping people of all abilities to live active, healthy and fulfilling lives.

Specifically, we are looking for the items listed below to fill our raffle baskets. If you are able to donate any of these items, we would be so grateful for your support.
  • Gift certificate for a restaurant in Rockford, IL (Possibilities include: The Machine Shed, Tavern on Clark, Greenfire, Thunder Bay Grill)
  • Hotel.com gift cards
  • Family pass to Discovery Center Museum in Rockford
  • Any designer handbag           
  • Two tickets to House on the Rock, Wisconsin
  • Gift certificates to Madison, Wisconsin restaurants (Possibilities include: Graze, Belair Cantina, Lucille, Café Hollander, Heritage Tavern)
  • Picnic basket or medium-sized cooler
  • Gift card to Chuckie Cheese
  • Board Games
  • Yard Games
  • Two $25.00+ gift certificates to any shop on Third Street in Geneva
  • Gift Certificate to The Abbey in Lake Geneva or any Lake Geneva hotel
  • Wine or beer
And save the date! Event and raffle tickets will go on sale in mid-February. Adults with disabilities volunteer to make this event happen by serving meals, clearing tables and selling raffle tickets. There will be in-person, drive-thru and delivery options available. We hope you are able to join us!

FVSRA is co-hosting a Legislative Forum to discuss issues facing special recreation agencies and more.


We believe everyone deserves to live a healthy, active, fulfilling life. On Monday, February 7, we are co-hosting a session with Wheaton Park District to engage state elected officials on issues facing special recreation, park district, forest preserve and conservation agencies. It is all part of our mission of enriching the lives of people with disabilities.

Hundreds of People Have Signed Up for Free SOS Break Bags and We Are Still Accepting Requests


The omicron surge has been hard on everyone and puts extra stress on individuals who have sensory regulation issues. At FVSRA, we are providing sensory support materials - for free. SOS Break Bags include sensory toys, stretchy toys, stretchy string, fidget toys and liquid bubblers.

Within days of our announcement, we were flooded with more than 200 requests, and we are receiving more requests every day. We are assembling and distributing the bags; the turnaround time is one to two weeks.

We know this is a difficult time for everyone, especially people with disabilities, and we are here to help.

We would love to hear your feedback and see your photos of using the items! Write us at info@fvsra.org.
Contact Us for a FREE Break Bag

Snowshoe and Ski State Qualifiers are Heading to the Winter Games from Tuesday, February 1 to Thursday, February 3 at Chesnut Mountain in Galena


Congratulations to our Snowshoeing and Ski athletes for qualifying for the Special Olympics State Winter Games. Good luck on Tuesday, February 1 to Thursday, February 3 at Chestnut Mountain in Galena, IL.

Along with two members of our ski team, Ben Blumond (pictured above), age 22 from Geneva, will compete in the 800-meter and 1600-meter snowshoeing races. Other team members qualified but will not compete at the games.

Blue Stars Head Coach Kacie Jankowski said, "This year’s team is unique, in physical talent and in its cooperative supportive spirit. We are focused on how we can support each other in skill-based and confidence-based team situations. After being unable to compete in recent years because of Covid-19, this new team is ready for redemption! It's incredible how well they play together.”
Make a difference this summer by facilitating recreation programs for people with disabilities. Work one-on-one or lead a class, get resume-building experience and join a vibrant organization that is committed to empowering people.

Rates start at $15/hour if over 18 years old. Positions at various levels of experience, with half-day and full-day hours, are available across the Fox Valley region.
Apply Here


Commitment Connection: Social Emotional Learning