Community Corner

WDSRA Announces Jane Hodgkinson Scholarship Fund

Western DuPage Special Recreation Association announces the Jane Hodgkinson Scholarship Fund after Hodgkinson's retirement after 30 years of service to the organization.

Access to programs has always been near and dear to Jane’s heart. Support of the Jane Hodgkinson Scholarship Fund (JHSF) will honor Jane’s legacy of leadership and provide significant support to children and adults with special needs who depend upon WDSRA programs to enrich their lives. 

Jane Hodgkinson, the former executive director of the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association in Carol Stream, retired in June after 30 years of developing WDSRA into a nationally-recognized organization and guiding exponential growth in programs and participation for people with disabilities. What better way to honor Jane than to create a lasting legacy in her name. 

Support is always needed to provide recreational opportunities for those who are facing financial challenges. Through WDSRA programs, individuals with special needs grow as individuals, develop as part of a team and discover their capabilities. (More on the benefits of our programs is available). 

Over the past 3 years, scholarship requests have more than tripled. In 2008, requests totaled $7,000; in 2008, $11,000 in 2009 and $25,000 in 2010. Currently, scholarships provide funding of up to 50% of program costs for no more than 3 programs per season. The newly established Adopt-A-Participant program provides full scholarships for those demonstrating extreme need. 

WDSRA hopes to raise a minimum of $100,000 in scholarship monies, providing at least $20,000 per year for 5 years. 

To make a donation to the JHSF 
• On line at www.wdsra.com 
• Via check (payable to WDSRA Foundation with JHSF in the memo section) 
• Or call 630-681-0962 ext.133 to speak with Lea Jackman 
• Check with your employer regarding a matching gift program. WDSRA staff will happily assist with this process. 

More on Hodgkinson 
Hodgkinson has led WDSRA for the last 30 years developing it into a nationally-recognized organization and guiding exponential growth in programs and participation for people with disabilities. WDSRA is a two-time winner of the National Gold Medal Award (1982, 1993). Hodgkinson currently chairs the Gold Medal Selection Judges and is a past presenter at NRPA national conferences. She was named a Legend by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in 2010. 

Hodgkinson has published more than 30 articles for professional publications including NRPA, Florida Parks and Recreation, Illinois Park and Recreation, Sports and Spokes, Athletic Business, and Special Parent. She is also a co-author of three books; Introduction to Recreation and Leisure, Arts for All: Making It Happen, and Volunteers – the Key to Successful Special Olympic Programs. 

The lifelong Illinois resident has been honored with the Robert Artz Award, the Fellow Award, and the Professional Award by the Illinois Parks & Recreation Association for which she served as chair in 2004. In addition, Her legislative efforts on behalf of WDSRA have allowed special recreation services to be expanded in Illinois. 

As an extension of nine member park districts in the western suburbs of Chicago, WDSRA offers year-round recreational programs such as Special Olympics, wheelchair sports, drama, arts, camping, social clubs, disability awareness, and inclusion into park district programs. In 2010, WDSRA recorded nearly 4,500 participations for children, teens, and adults who benefitted from WDSRA's 1,500 programs, special events, and community awareness activities. 

Hodgkinson was also a founding Board Member for the Illinois Special Olympics. Her career has always emphasized Equal Fun for Everyone. "Helping people with disabilities to realize their potential and access everyday life has been my goal for over 40 years," said Hodgkinson. 

Hodgkinson is a graduate of Southern Illinois University with a BS and MS in Recreation Administration. She is succeeded by Sandy Gbur who comes to WDSRA from a similar position with the West Suburban Special Recreation Association in Franklin Park, IL 


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