[shareprints gallery_id=”34691″ gallery_type=”filmstrip” gallery_position=”pos_center” gallery_width=”width_100″ image_size=”xlarge” image_padding=”0″ theme=”dark” image_hover=”false” lightbox_type=”slide” captions=”true” comments=”true” sharing=”true”]Everyone needs a few close friends to laugh with, cry with, and simply talk to. Friends are an essential ingredient to one’s overall sense of well being. This is a universal truth. That is why Western DuPage Special Recreation Association offers a large selection of social clubs that help participants forge new friendships, solidify old ones, and improve social skills.
For teens and adults with cognitive disabilities, calling a friend and planning an outing can be a complicated process. For instance, not all of our participants have the ability to dial a phone or the organizational skills necessary to plan an outing. Many don’t drive. Some have trouble handling money. WDSRA social clubs provide the perfect balance of support and independence through fun, weekly social gatherings with peers.
Most participants prefer to hang out with their own age group and in their own community, so WDSRA offers over a dozen social clubs. In Naperville, younger teens (ages 10-15) can join Teens on the Town, and older teens (ages 16-20) can sign up for Teen Scene. Both these clubs meet on Saturday nights. Younger adults (ages 21-45) can choose to meet up with the Socialites or the Night Owls. These groups get together on Friday evenings and visit local fun spots. Alternatively, the In-House Club (ages 22+) is for those who just like to stay in and hang out with friends. For the older set (ages 46+), there is TGIF.
WDSRA social clubs help build strong friendships, improving quality of life for those with disabilities. Find out more at www.wdsra.com.
