Cheers to 50 Years at Western DuPage Special Recreation Association!
We are officially at the halfway point of our year-long celebration. We’ve celebrated at our signature event, launched some special anniversary programs and still have a full summer of exciting things to come. It really has been a great mix of reflection and moving forward.
What stands out the most to me, and always makes me smile, is that whether we’re looking back at our rich history or thinking about what’s next, one thing never changes. It’s the fundamental sense of belonging that is woven into every program, special event and gathering with participants and families. That feeling of community has always been at the heart of what we do, and you can see it in our programs, at events, and in the connections between participants, families and staff. It’s truly something special.
Belonging
I recently had the pleasure of talking with two WDSRA families. What they shared really touches my heart. They spoke about how WDSRA has been woven into their lives in such meaningful ways. It’s more than the activities. It’s about the friendships that have formed, the confidence that has grown, and the opportunities to discover new strengths along the way. More than anything, it’s those connections that turn a group of people into a true community.
I had the chance to see that sense of belonging come to life in the best way. I saw the joy on AJ’s face as he got ready to meet up with his friends at bowling. I watched Kassie light up with excitement before basketball… so much so that she had to FaceTime a friend she’d be seeing just 20 minutes later. And then there was Christian, heading to a dinner dance, genuinely excited to spend time with friends he’s made through WDSRA.
Community
The sense of community their parents felt is just as powerful. You can see it from the bleachers at basketball, in the conversations at the bowling lanes and in those quick check-ins before a dance. This… right here… is what WDSRA is all about. It’s a place where participants find friendships, activities and confidence. And it’s a place where families find connection, support, and a shared sense of community through their experiences together.
Moments like these are so special, but they can be hard to fully capture in words. You can describe the smiles, the excitement and the connections. But to really understand it, you have to see it. Earlier this year, as we kicked off our 50th anniversary celebration, we shared a video that brings these experiences to life in such a powerful way. You can hear directly from AJ, Kassie, Christian and their parents. I invite you to take a moment to watch and experience it for yourself.
Gratitude
As I think about everything we’ve celebrated so far this year, it really comes back to the people—the participants, the families, the staff—and the moments we get to share together. It’s a privilege to witness the friendships, the excitement and the genuine joy that happens every day at WDSRA. Those moments are what stay with you. They’re what make this work so meaningful. And they’re what remind us why belonging matters so much.
I feel incredibly grateful to be a small part of it all, and I can’t wait to see the connections, memories and milestones still to come. So… cheers to continuing this journey together!
