SMILE ( Scholarships Mean Involvement in Leisure for Everyone !) Grant-in-Aid Program
For all to play
Everyone should have access to Park District programs regardless of their family ’ s financial situation . SMILE ( Scholarships Mean Involvement in Leisure for Everyone ) Grantin-Aid , a program of the Parks Foundation of Highland Park , was established in 1992 to enable families in need of financial assistance the chance to “ SMILE ” and participate in Park District programs . With support from residents and local businesses , the Foundation raises money each year to fund this grant-in-aid program through private and corporate donations . In the last year , over $ 100,000 in grants were awarded to over 85 Highland Park families through this worthwhile program .
Apply for SMILE Grant-in-Aid An application form ( in English or Spanish ) requesting detailed financial information is available at West Ridge Center or can be downloaded from our website at pdhp . org . Forms must be completed and submitted to the Registration office at West Ridge Center . All SMILE Grant-in-Aids are awarded on the basis of need and availability of Grant-in-Aid Programs at the time of application . Upon submission of a grant request , families will be notified in 10 working days of their grant status . Questions regarding the SMILE Grant-In-Aid program may be directed to Stephanie Rendler at 847.579.3133 or srendler @ pdhp . org .
Donate to SMILE Grant-in-Aid If you would like to make a donation to support this important program , you can :
• Check the SMILE donation box on your registration form when registering for a program in-person and include the donation amount with your payment .
• Click on the “ Donate to SMILE ” category when registering for a program online and you can pay for your donation at checkout .
• Download the SMILE Donation Form from our website , pdhp . org and mail with payment to : Parks Foundation of Highland Park 636 Ridge Road Highland Park , IL 60035 .
Help us reach our goal !
SPECIAL COMMUNITY SERVICES
Services to Residents with Disabilities
Park District of Highland Park is a partner with Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association ( NSSRA ). Formed in 1970 , NSSRA is an extension of ten park districts , two cities and one village in the northern suburbs of Chicago and provides and facilitates yearround recreation programs and services for children , teens and adults with disabilities . NSSRA offers recreation , sport , cultural , social , and leisure programs and events available throughout the year , creating new experiences , opportunities for skill development , leisure time , and perhaps most importantly , friendship . NSSRA has been creating an environment of belonging through play since 1970 , and has the distinction of being the first Special Recreation Association in the country . We believe that everyone should have the chance to try something new . This means you have the opportunity to participate in any one of NSSRA ’ s nearly 600 annual programs , or that you have the opportunity to participate in one of Park District of Highland Park ’ s programs with the assistance of an NSSRA Inclusion companion .
Inclusion Services Park District program Inclusion Services are available to residents with special needs at no additional cost to the family . Inclusion services may include , when necessary , staff training , program modifications / adaptations , modified equipment and program observations .
Reasons to Request Inclusion Services
• A parent or family member recognizes that a participant would benefit from additional support in a Park District program
• Park District staff identifies a need for additional support , for safety and programmatic reasons , and communicates this need to the family
Requesting Inclusion Services When registering for a Park District of Highland Park program for the first time :
• Mark the accommodation section of the registration form to indicate that the participant will require assistance from NSSRA
• Once your registration form is submitted , the Park District will contact you to discuss the type of Inclusion support needed for the participant
• The Park District will provide NSSRA with an Inclusion request that contains both program and participant information
• You will be contacted by NSSRA to discuss the needs of the participant and get input on the type of support required
• NSSRA will work with the park district to put the necessary Inclusion accommodations in place for participation in the desired program ( s )
• Communication between you , NSSRA , Park District staff continues throughout the Inclusion process
For more information , regarding Park District Inclusion Services contact : Jessie Blumberg , 847.579.4062 , or jblumberg @ pdhp . org .
Meggan Davies , Recreation Manager for Inclusion , NSSRA 847.509.9400 x6828 • mdavies @ nssra . org
For more information about Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association ( NSSRA ) go to nssra . org 3105 MacArthur Blvd . • Northbrook , IL 60062 • 847.09.9400
Spring 2018 • Park District of Highland Park 9