Eve Erita has been an NISRA participant for 40 years. (Photo by Adela Crandell Durkee/for Chronicle Media)

Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA) began 40 years ago as part of Illinois’ landmark legislation in 1960.

According to Jim Wiseman, NISRA executive director, that, and subsequent amendments, puts Illinois’ services in a place that no other state has reached. It’s also created a unique service for the handicapped people of McHenry County.

For 62-year-old Eve Erita, NISRA is just a part of life.

“I started when I was 12½ years old,” she said. “I went to Camp.”

Erita’s NISRA history goes back as far as NISRA. Now she’s involved in “A big list” of activities, including bowling, bocce, soccer, and art exploration. She expanded her artwork to include making cards for all her friends and family.

According to Cathy Bott, manager of support staff, Erita’s memory for birthdays, anniversaries, and special holidays is amazing. She makes cards for everyone.

Erita’s connection with NISRA evolved from participant to assistant. She now helps newer participants with the bowling and Trekkers (hiking) programs. She also helps in the office with mailings. Erita also collected donations with the local Kiwanis Club on Peanut Day. But that’s not the most important thing about NISRA. Erita said it’s “the friends.”

Dana Seehafer, staff veteran of 21 years and Jim Wiseman. (Photo by Adela Crandell Durkee/for Chronicle Media)

Dana Seehafer, senior manager of operations and a 21-year veteran staff member at NISRA, the best thing about working at NISRA is witnessing the growth of the participants. Getting the participants out in the community through social clubs is very popular. So are the cooking classes.

“Now that we have our own facility, The Sage Therapeutic Recreation Center, we can do so much more than when we rented space,” Seehafer said.

The Center spaces are designed with the participants in mind for the activities they desire.

When pressed for how she’d like NISRA to grow next, Seehafer said, “I’d like our own gym and pool.”

She knows that’s thinking big, but swimming if very popular, and the pools they use are in the southern part of the county.

The basketball program grew from four to seven teams.  Getting enough space can be a challenge.

As for Erita, she wants NISRA to “plan a long trips to Idaho so they can visit Winnie,” a favorite former NISRA employee.

NISRA earned the prestigious national Gold Medal Award for excellence in park and recreation management twice. The National Recreation and Park Association and the Sports Foundation, Inc. presents the Gold Medal Award. In addition, NISRA programs and staff have attracted local and state recognition with other awards.

NISRA budgets more than $2 million for its 950 weekly programs, social clubs, summer day camps, special events, trips, and leisure education activities, as well as perhaps the more familiar Special Olympic participation. The bulk of the funding comes from the 13 local city and park district partners, with one-fifth from participant fees and grants.

Wiseman invites communities to explore the possibility of joining the cooperative as a way to expand opportunities to their population with cost-benefits for both NISRA and the community.

— Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association 40 years of service —