Heather Specht, Superintendent of Recreation at South Suburban Special Recreation Association | sssra.org
Heather Specht, Superintendent of Recreation at South Suburban Special Recreation Association | sssra.org
This appropriation represents state-level funding authorized by lawmakers, reflecting what was approved in the budget, not necessarily disbursed. The funds cover only State of Illinois support and exclude federal, local, or other public sources.
Founded in 1973, South Suburban Special Recreation Association states that its mission is: “To promote the power of choice and to enhance the quality of life of individuals of all abilities, by providing accessible recreation in an environment that promotes dignity, success, and fun.”
You can learn more about the organization at its website.
In its most recent IRS Form 990 filing filing for tax year 2024, the organization reported $1,390,620 in total revenue.
The nonprofit listed $1,291,410 in contributions overall. It also reported $48,656 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.
At the beginning of 2024, South Suburban Special Recreation Association had $2,126,830 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $2,254,190, indicating a 6% growth in overall holdings.
However, a Chicago City Wire analysis found that IRS filings frequently contain discrepancies when compared with publicly disclosed government grant reports and budgets.
South Suburban Special Recreation Association is one of hundreds of nonprofits across Illinois that receive substantial support from state taxpayers while also fundraising privately.
In 2025, Illinois lawmakers introduced House Bill 1266, also known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Act. The proposal would create a new oversight body within the Office of the Auditor General tasked with identifying cost-saving measures, reviewing agency performance, and advising on audit priorities. If passed, DOGE could bring additional scrutiny and performance evaluation to taxpayer-funded organizations.
According to ProPublica, Illinois has more than 78,000 active tax-exempt organizations, including nearly 60,000 classified as charitable nonprofits. In their most recent IRS filings, these groups reported a combined revenue exceeding $156 billion.
| Term | Name | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2024 | Ashley N Turner | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Christopher Cole | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Cynthia A Grannan | Chairman |
| 2024-2024 | Jesus Vargas | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Kevin Adams | Vice Chairman |
| 2024-2024 | Lisa Hill | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Lisa Drzewiecki | Executive Director |
| 2024-2024 | Meghan Jo Fenlon | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Michael Gianatasio | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Michelle M Havran | Board Member |
| 2024-2024 | Targett Johnson | Board Member |
| Year | Name | Title | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Bryanna M Johnson | Recreation Leader | - |
| 2024 | Caitlin B Franson | Recreation Leader | - |
| 2024 | John T Braun | Vehicle Maintenance | - |
| 2024 | Kathryn Lucas | Support Staff Manager | - |
| 2024 | Teri Kincaid Baldwin | Registrar | - |
| 2018 | Jordan Stein | Therapeutic Recreation Program Supervisor And Recreation Leader | - |
| 2018 | Morgan A Carr | Rec Leader | - |
| 2017 | Jaclyn Oldenburg | Recreation Lead | - |
| 2016 | Alicia Ann Meredith | Program Supervisor | - |
| 2015 | Christine M Diluia | Recreation Leader | - |
| 2015 | Emily Toth | Recreation Specialist | - |
| 2014 | Taylor Kristen Hill | Recreation Specialist, Ctrs | - |
| 2008 | Kelly Mcgrail | Recreational Leader | - |
| 2007 | Kathy S Murphy | Special Olympics Coach, Activities Director, Camp Director, And Activities Assistant | - |
| 2007 | Steffani Ann Hommes | Program Supervisor | - |
| - | Anna Broccolo | Public Relations Coordinator | - |
| - | Heather Specht | Program Coordinator | - |
| - | Jamie Petteys | Recreation Specialist | - |
| - | Janet Porter | Executive Director | - |
| - | John Braun | Vehicle Maintenance | - |
| - | Katie Klimek | Recreation Specialist | - |
| - | Lisa Drzewiecki | Superintendent | - |
| - | Pam Alvarado | Program Coordinator | - |
| - | Regina Ross-Ellison | Finance & Office Coordinator | - |
| - | Sandy Defrancesco | Secretary/Registrar | - |
| - | Susan Most | Secretary/Registrar | - |
| - | Tammy Mcmahon | Program Coordinator | - |
| - | Taylor Miglio | Recreation Specialist | - |
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