Fox Valley Special Recreation Association

03/16/2026

Step into Summer! ☀️ The Summer Program Guide is officially live on our website. Now’s the time to explore all the exciting programs coming this season. Take a peek at programs like athletics, social events, trips, youth activities, and even some new additions! 👀

➡️ Explore the program guide HERE: bit.ly/FVSRASummer2026

Registration opens on Monday, April 13th at 7am for residents and Monday, April 20th at 7am for non-residents.

03/15/2026

🎟️ The Early Bird raffle ticket sale is almost over! Get your tickets for the BBQ & Basket Raffle Fiesta now and save. Purchase your tickets here: bit.ly/2026BBQFiesta

Early Bird pricing:
10 Tickets for $25
25 Tickets for $55
150 Tickets for $225

🧳 You can also save on trip raffle tickets, where the winner will get to choose from five incredible destinations, including:
• Tuscany, Italy
• Alaskan Cruise
• Mexican Caribbean
• Disney World
• Amsterdam, Netherlands

View all basket descriptions and learn more about the trip raffle here: bit.ly/2026BBQFiesta

🪇 Early Bird Tickets Are On Sale for the BBQ, Root Beer & Basket Raffle Fiesta!

Now through Monday,March 16, take advantage of Early Bird raffle ticket pricing and boost your chances to win some incredible prizes while supporting inclusive recreation through FVSRA!

🎟 View the baskets and grab your tickets here:
https://bit.ly/2026BBQFiesta

Join us on April 8 for a lively evening of great food, exciting raffles, and community fun.

• Browse dozens of exciting raffle baskets packed with experiences, gift cards, and unique prizes.
• Enter Chips, Dip & A Fabulous Trip for a chance to win a dream getaway.
• Enjoy a delicious dinner from 5B’s Catering while you take in the fun.

03/12/2026

👀 Behind every great program… there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. This spring, we’re excited to introduce two people getting a firsthand look at it all.

Meet our Spring Interns: Isabel & Stephanie!

Our interns play an important role in supporting programs, building connections, and gaining hands-on experience in therapeutic recreation. Along the way, they also build meaningful relationships with participants and staff while learning what it really takes to create therapeutic recreation experiences.

If you see Isabel or Stephanie at a program, be sure to say hello!

💬 Isabel shares:
“One of my favorite parts of being an intern has been seeing the agency from the inside. I’ve learned how much goes on behind the scenes, built strong connections with staff, and enjoyed getting to know participants and watching those relationships grow. I’m excited to enter a field that is both purposeful and fun, where structure, organization, and meaningful relationships come together to make a difference every day.”

💬 Stephanie shares:
“What surprised me most was how much happens behind the scenes. Even a one-hour program can take days of planning, from preparing for every possible scenario to timing each activity so participants get the most out of the experience. As a future CTRS, I hope to help create spaces that are safe, welcoming, and truly inclusive, where activities are designed with inclusion in mind from the very beginning and barriers are removed before they ever become obstacles.”

We’re grateful to have them learning, growing, and making an impact with us this spring! 🌟

03/11/2026

🪇 Early Bird Tickets Are On Sale for the BBQ, Root Beer & Basket Raffle Fiesta!

Now through Monday,March 16, take advantage of Early Bird raffle ticket pricing and boost your chances to win some incredible prizes while supporting inclusive recreation through FVSRA!

🎟 View the baskets and grab your tickets here:
https://bit.ly/2026BBQFiesta

Join us on April 8 for a lively evening of great food, exciting raffles, and community fun.

• Browse dozens of exciting raffle baskets packed with experiences, gift cards, and unique prizes.
• Enter Chips, Dip & A Fabulous Trip for a chance to win a dream getaway.
• Enjoy a delicious dinner from 5B’s Catering while you take in the fun.

03/09/2026

🪇 Everything you need to know about the BBQ & Basket Raffle Fiesta!

Join us on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 from 5-7:30pm for an evening of community celebration, delicious food, exciting raffles, and great prizes, all supporting FVSRA’s mission to empower people with disabilities.

Here’s everything you need to know 👇

🎟 Raffle Tickets go on Sale THIS Wednesday, March 11!
Get ready to browse our lineup of 15+ incredible raffle baskets filled with a wide variety of prizes. There’s truly something for everyone!
To kick things off, we’ll also be offering a special Early Bird ticket sale during the first few days, so keep an eye out when tickets launch on Wednesday, March 11.

🍗 Meal Tickets Available March 11
Make dinner plans with us! Meals will once again be catered by Five B’s BBQ, and you’ll be able to purchase tickets for your choice of:
• Pork Chop
• Chicken
• Pork Chop & Chicken Combo
• Hot Dog

🥑 NEW: Chips & Dip Contest
Local organizations and community groups are invited to enter our Chips & Dip Contest. Create your best spicy, savory, sweet, or totally unique dip and let event attendees vote for their favorite!
Interested in entering? Visit fvsra.org/event/2026BBQ

🎟 Holy Guacamole Instant Prize Table
For just $5, you can purchase a ticket at the Holy Guacamole table and win an instant prize. Smaller prizes, but guaranteed winners!

✈️ Chips, Dip & A Fabulous Trip
One lucky raffle winner will have the opportunity to choose from five amazing travel destinations, making this one of the most exciting prizes of the night!

All proceeds benefit Fox Valley Special Recreation Association programs and events, helping create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate, connect, and thrive in our community.

🎟 Mark your calendar and watch for raffle and meal ticket sales opening Wednesday, March 11!

03/07/2026

🌟 From running around playgrounds to running programs, this is who grew up to work at FVSRA!

03/04/2026

🧡 March is recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! Developmental Disabilities are defined as impairments in physical, learning, language or behavior areas. At FVSRA, we believe awareness leads to advocacy and advocacy leads to access.

🎥 To help spark conversation and understanding, our staff are sharing “Did You Know?” facts about developmental disabilities. Click play below and see what you might learn!

This month is about celebrating the contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities, promoting inclusion in all areas of community life, and breaking down barriers to participation all year long.

03/03/2026

✨ VSW is hosting a brand-new adult community event: Hollywood Prom! Bringing together attendees from across the local community, this special evening at the Moose Lodge in Batavia is for adults with disabilities.

They are currently looking for both prom attendees and volunteers to help make this memorable night possible. Caregivers are also welcome to enjoy the evening by watching a livestream from the VSW office.

For full event details, participation requirements, and next steps, visit ourprom.org or see the post below.

03/02/2026

☀️ It's time to register for Summer Day Camp!

Log in to your Rec1 account and secure your summer plans today. All camp details, dates, and helpful information can be found at fvsra.org/camp

Don’t forget! Registration is also now open for Mini Camps and Friday Fun programs. These flexible options are perfect for keeping the fun going on days when traditional camp isn’t in session.

Reach out to us if you need help with the registration process!
📞 630-907-1114 (M–F, 9am–4pm)
📧 info@fvsra.org

02/26/2026

☀️ It's almost time! Summer Day Camp registration opens this MONDAY, March 2nd, at 7am. Registration will also be open for Mini Camps & Friday Fun at this time.

If you plan to register, you can prepare now to ensure a smooth experience! Create or log in to your Rec1 account, complete your 2026-27 Annual Information Form (AIF), and complete any necessary medical forms.

➡️ You can find all the important Summer Day Camp information at fvsra.org/camp

If you have any questions, we're here to help! Contact our office at 630-907-1114 (M-F 9am-4pm) or email us at info@fvsra.org. Let's make this summer a blast!

02/25/2026

🌟 In celebration of Black History Month, FVSRA would like to highlight some of the black leaders that have paved the way for the rights of ALL individuals with disabilities. These leaders represent courage, strength, resilience, and the force behind many of the rights, accessibility, and opportunity individuals have today:

• Fannie Lou Hamer connected the fight for racial justice with disability and economic justice, drawing from her own lived experience with disability and chronic pain. Her advocacy centered the voices of marginalized communities and reminded the nation that freedom must include everyone.

• Donald Galloway was a pioneer in the independent living movement who pushed disability advocacy spaces to confront racial inequities and be more inclusive of people of color, helping broaden who the movement truly served.

• Brad Lomax, a member of the Black Panthers, played a critical role in the 1977 Section 504 Sit-Ins by helping provide food and support to protestors. His work contributed to the signing of the first federal civil rights law protecting people with disabilities.

• Johnnie Lacy dedicated her life to advancing the right of people with disabilities to live independently in their communities. As a founder of the Berkeley Center for Independent Living and a long-time nonprofit leader, her impact continues to be felt today.

• Lois Curtis challenged unjust institutionalization through her role in Olmstead v. L.C. The Supreme Court’s decision affirmed that unnecessary institutionalization is discrimination under the ADA, reshaping disability policy nationwide and reinforcing the right to community-based living.

This month, we celebrate their leadership, resilience, and lasting impact, and honor the role Black leaders have played in shaping disability rights history.

02/23/2026

💙 We are saddened to share the passing of Emma, a valued member of the FVSRA community.

Emma was a dedicated staff member who supported participants through Daybreak, Walking Club, and other programs. Her presence positively impacted those around her, and she brought warmth, care, and a genuine sense of connection to her work. She was known by participants and fellow staff as a kind and uplifting spirit.

We are grateful for the time Emma spent with the FVSRA family and for the role she played in supporting our greater community. She will be remembered and deeply missed. Emma’s obituary can be viewed here: www.countrysidefuneralhomes.com/obituaries/emma-rubino