Northwest Special Recreation Association- NWSRA

09/18/2026

Week 3 of the Fully Involved Fire Academy with Hoffman Estates Fire Department brought participants into the world of vehicle extrication!

Participants learned how firefighters respond when someone is trapped in a vehicle. They got hands-on experience using power tools to cut through a car and airbags to lift a vehicle off the ground.

Each week of the academy gives NWSRA participants a new look at the skills, equipment and teamwork that go into being a firefighter. Stay tuned to see what they take on next!

View more photos here: loom.ly/erjuM_A

09/18/2026

Hoffman Estates Fire Department is hosting a fire academy that teaches disabled volunteers life-saving skills. NBC Chicago's Natalie Martinez reports.

09/18/2026

09/17/2026

Thrive Rolling Meadows had a special visitor this week! 🐢
Chesler the tortoise stopped by to say hello, and participants had the chance to pet him and help feed him some of his favorites—lettuce and tomatoes!

View more photos here: loom.ly/0puCdIs

09/16/2026

Fall has arrived in the Sensory Garden! 🍃

The garden at Hanover Park is ready for the season with new decorations, beautiful fall colors, and plenty of textures and scents to discover. From cozy autumn touches to nature’s changing palette, there’s something new to see, touch, and smell around every corner.

Come slow down, explore, and enjoy all the sights, textures, and scents of fall in the garden!

09/11/2026

Two weeks into the Fully Involved Fire Academy with Hoffman Estates Fire Department Station 24, and participants are already getting a firsthand look at life at the fire station!

During Rig Day, participants explored the equipment firefighters use every day. They went up in the basket, took rides in a UTV and fire truck, and toured an ambulance to learn more about how each vehicle is used.

The Fully Involved Fire Academy gives NWSRA participants the opportunity to learn, explore and experience what it takes to be a firefighter. With four more weeks to go, there is still plenty to learn and experience.

View more photos here: https://loom.ly/erjuM_A

09/11/2026

NWSRA participants took on Portland, Maine for another Long Trip adventure! 🦞🌊

From exploring the coast and taking in the sights to enjoying local favorites and everything Maine has to offer, the group packed plenty of fun into their getaway. Another Long Trip in the books and another destination explored!

View more photos here: loom.ly/hmt234o

09/10/2026

Thrive Mt. Prospect participants headed to Trader Joe’s in Arlington Heights to shop for ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Pancakes that they planned to bake.

While shopping, Trader Joe's staff went above and beyond to make our participants feel welcome. They surprised the group with some free fall goodies in an adorable fall tote bag, which our participants brought back to Thrive to share and sample!

We are so grateful for community partners like Trader Joe’s who help make our participants feel valued, welcomed, and part of the community!

09/09/2026

We were excited to welcome Search360 to the Hanover Park District for an interactive public transportation workshop with participants from Hanover Park and Hoffman Estates Thrive! 🚍

Participants learned how to:
- Read bus schedules and route maps
- Plan trips using PACE
- Pay fares and use fare cards
- Practice bus safety and rider etiquette
- Travel with greater confidence and independence
These skills help open the door to greater independence and opportunities for employment, education, volunteering, and community participation.
We can’t wait for our other Thrive sites to welcome Search360 for their upcoming workshops!

09/08/2026

NWSRA’s Long Trip brought the fun to St. Petersburg, Florida!

Participants spent time at the beach, checked out some cool reptiles, explored the area, and ended the days with beautiful Florida sunsets. It was a great getaway with an awesome group!

View more photos here: loom.ly/asqgDnA