Special Leisure Services Foundation | SLSF

What is the Special Leisure Services Foundation?

Formed in 1982 (see the SLSF Board of Directors), the Special Leisure Services Foundation (SLSF) works with local corporations, civic groups, and individuals to help residents with disabilities. Through various fundraising events, SLSF is a resource provider to both the Northwest Special Recreation Association and Area 18 Special Olympics.

How Does SLSF Raise Funds?

Funds are raised through private grants, special events, and corporate funding. Private grants are solicited on an ongoing basis from foundations and civic organizations that support programs for people with disabilities. Fundraising special events are a year round commitment of the foundation. These events benefit and fulfill a large portion of the $510,000 fundraising goal.

To make a donation or register for an event, click here.

How Does SLSF Benefit the Community?

There are 5 major program areas supported by the Special Leisure Services Foundation:

Accessible Transportation:
Through various grants and foundation events, SLSF helps to provide funding for the vehicles necessary to provide transportation for the various recreation programs offered through the Northwest Special Recreation association.

General Program Support:
The Foundation purchases equipment which makes recreation activities or social programs accessible for individuals with special needs. These items allow the participant to overcome barriers caused by a disabling condition.

Inclusion Programs:
Programs of inclusion represent a commitment to allow an individual with a disability to mainstream into a park district program. The foundation provides funding so that necessary training, additional aids and adaptive equipment can be provided to make this transition successful.

Kevin T. Kendrigan Scholarship Program:
The foundation subsidizes scholarships for those in economic need to provide funds for participation in the programs offered by the Northwest Special Recreation Association.

Special Olympics Illinois Area 18:
Special Olympics represents approximately 1,000 athletes competing in their local community, giving them the opportunity to advance to district, state, and information competition. The foundation provides funds to help cover the fees for tournaments, travel, transportation, uniforms and equipment.

How Can I Become Involved?

Event Involvement:
Individuals, groups and corporations may select fundraising events to support through sponsorship, participation, volunteerism, promotion to employees, and by providing raffle prize donations.

To learn more about event involvement visit our Fundraising Events page.

Foundation Grants:
Many corporations in the area have foundations that help support the community through funding or providing volunteers to help at events. If your corporation has a foundation, perhaps they would like to support SLSF.

Corporate Donations:
Is you place of work looking for a group to help support? Please keep SLSF in mind when deciding on a group to support.

Civic Group Support:
If you belong to a civic group which is looking for a community project or a group to sponsor, please let them know about SLSF!

SLSF General Information Brochure

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Mission Statement

We exist to support and promote outstanding opportunities through recreation for children and adults with disabilities in cooperation with the Northwest Special Recreation Association.

Case Statement

The foundation creates volunteer opportunities, special event participation and grant program options so that individuals and businesses can positively impact the lives of people with disabilities in their community.