FVSRA Participant Highlight: Cooper Rojas Thrives Through FVSRA Programming and Nurturing, Welcoming Staff
When Cooper Rojas, now 18 years old, was a few months old, it was clear something was not right. After several opinions and multiple courses of action, his mom, Kersten Rojas, took him to the Mayo Clinic in New York where cutting-edge treatments led him to be stable. Everything was seemingly fine until, at age 7, Cooper was in an accident and suffered a head injury, leading to a loss of coordination and aggression. "We couldn't even have him in school at that point," says Kersten. "Everywhere we went, we were ostracized. I had the idea to get him into swimming and that's when we found FVSRA."
Over time, Cooper flourished. "FVSRA has been a lifesaver for us," says Cooper's mom. "I find so much joy in watching him swim. When we started swimming, the staff took small steps with him. They had him try one skill-and-drill and then another."
Thanks to FVSRA, he found a community, self-esteem and joy for life. "He's worked so hard to get where he is today," says his mom. "Academically, medically, and behaviorally, just to be able to participate in society, let alone team sports is incredible."
Cooper has explored a variety of sports in addition to swimming at FVSRA, including bocce, golf and basketball. Sports gave him a productive way to channel his aggression into something positive. Being aggressive in basketball, for instance, means fighting for your teammates, taking risks on the court and giving 100% of yourself. Rather than being judged, he was praised. Cooper felt that shift, and it rippled to all aspects of his life. He began to be more self-regulated, have greater self-esteem and thrive academically. Cooper recently graduated high school with honors. |
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Cooper was honored as FVSRA Participant of the Year in 2021, an honor given to participants for demonstrating outstanding growth and commitment. "I love Cooper's curiosity about the elements of sports and his eagerness to improve throughout the season," says Lexi Masterson, FVSRA Athletics Coordinator. "He asks questions when he wants to understand something more deeply. That's an admirable characteristic in an athlete."
Therapeutic recreation, combined with the nurturing, non-judgmental attention of FVSRA staff, gave Cooper tools to thrive in new ways. "If I were to give advice to other parents looking for help," says Kersten, "I would say this: Sign up for an FVSRA class and don't give up!" |
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We are Updating our Covid-19 Procedures Starting Monday, February 28
FVSRA will update Covid-19 procedures starting Monday, February 28. Safety will always be a top priority. We will encourage masking and social distancing. However, it will not be required. Please note that many individuals will still opt for mask-wearing and distancing, and we will support everyone's individual comfort and decisions. Specific details will be updated on the website within the next couple of days. |
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We Are Now Accepting Applications for Summer Jobs!
Do you know someone interested in special education, parks and recreation or related fields? Refer them to FVSRA to discover a rewarding summer job experience.
Our summer team members empower people with disabilities by facilitating recreational and leisure activities. They work one-on-one or lead a class, get resume-building experience and join a vibrant organization that is committed to ensuring everyone can live an active, healthy, fulfilling life.
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. |
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Purchase Tickets for our 29th Annual BBQ and Basket Raffle Event on Friday, April 8 from 4 to 7pm at the Prisco Community Center
On Friday, April 8 from 4-7pm at the Prisco Community Center at 150 W Illinois Ave, Aurora, we will host our 29th annual BBQ and Basket Raffle. Proceeds from this event support our mission of helping people of all abilities live active, healthy and fulfilling lives.
Adults with disabilities volunteer to make this event happen by serving meals, clearing tables and selling raffle tickets. There will be in-person and drive-thru options available. Raffle basket information is coming soon! |
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Please share your opinion in a two-minute survey to help us engage new corporate partners!
Help us choose the right partners! We are in the process of identifying new corporate partners for the Fox Valley Special Recreation Foundation. We are reaching out to you for your feedback on our work and input on ways to connect in terms of interests, opportunities and funding.
The desired outcome is to identify corporate partners that share our interests and values – with the ultimate goal of funding future programs and inclusive opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
Please complete the survey by Friday, March 4. Enter your email address at the end to be entered to win a $50 Visa Gift Card or five (5) meal tickets to the FVSRA BBQ on April 8. Four winners will be drawn.
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Special Olympics Recap: Congratulations to our Snowshoe and Ski Teams for Victories at the State Winter Games |
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State Winter Games was a huge success with Ben Bluemond (pictured left) taking a double victory in the 800 meter and 1600 meter snowshoe races.
In Alpine Ski, David took second and fifth in his events. Dusty took first and fourth in his.
Congratulations, FVSRA Stars! We're proud of your hard work and dedication! |
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The Blue Stars Basketball Team Qualifies for State Championship to be Played on Saturday, March 12 in Normal, IL
The Blue Stars Basketball team qualified for the State Championships to be held at the Horton Field House in Normal, IL on Saturday, March 12. The team also won their TR Section Tournament on Sunday, February 13.
The Silver Stars had their first win of the season at their TR Section Tournament. The White Stars had almost every team member score a basket throughout the season.
FVSRA hosted the TR Section Junior Basketball tournament on Sunday, February 13 at Harter Middle School. The Junior Stars came in second place, with a highlight of the day being Matteo scoring his first basket of the season, making it so every team member scored during the season. |
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