HR0979 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0979 LRB104 22366 ECR 38809 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate the Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County (SRACLC) on the occasion of its 50th anniversary of providing exceptional, community-based therapeutic recreation services to individuals with disabilities and their families; and

WHEREAS, SRACLC began its vital mission in 1976 with a summer day camp designed to bridge the gap between school years, with the association first being formed under the name Northeastern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA) before adapting its current name to avoid confusion with a neighboring organization; and

WHEREAS, Over the past five decades, SRACLC has grown into a respected leader and an indispensable cooperative alliance, supported faithfully by its member agencies, including the Grayslake Community Park District, the Village of Libertyville, the Village of Hawthorn Woods, the Village of Lake Zurich, the Village of Lincolnshire, the Mundelein Park and Recreation District, the Round Lake Area Park District, and the Vernon Hills Park District; and

WHEREAS, SRACLC provides critical inclusion services at no additional cost to families, ensuring equal opportunity for all individuals to participate at their highest desired level through staff training, program adaptations, and specialized equipment; and

WHEREAS, SRACLC successfully operates nearly 500 weekly programs, special events, and camps annually, touching lives through enduring traditions, such as its flagship bowling league and the cherished fall dance; and

WHEREAS, SRACLC has continually expanded its reach to meet modern needs, including establishing the cutting-edge SRACLC-Mitsubishi Electric Sensory Room: Illumi*Nation in 2019 to provide tailored multi-sensory experiences and creating the We Serve program to promote positive living for veterans, active military, and their families through therapeutic recreation; and

WHEREAS, SRACLC empowers its participants to gain independence, enhance social skills, and embrace wellness through robust initiatives, including Crusaders Athletics, competing in the Illinois Therapeutic Recreation Section and Special Olympics Illinois, the year-round active adult day program, youth and teen programs, and comprehensive leisure education partnerships with local school districts; and

WHEREAS, The steadfast commitment, vision, and high-quality services provided by the staff, leadership, and volunteers of the SRACLC have truly embodied their motto of "Take Time for Fun!" and profoundly enhanced the quality of life in Lake County; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County (SRACLC) on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, commend the association for its outstanding legacy of service to individuals with special needs and disabilities, and extend our sincerest best wishes for its continued success; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the executive director and the board of directors of SRACLC as a symbol of our esteem and respect.