News & Events

A heartfelt thank you to the Niles Chamber of Commerce and Industry – and to everyone who took the time to vote for M-NASR as Small Business of the Year! We were truly honored to receive this award at their Night of Roses event on May 1, 2026. This recognition means a great deal to… Read More

On Wednesday April 22, the M-NASR community came together for our 2026 Recognition Night, bringing participants, families, staff and supporters under one roof to celebrate a year of impact and achievement. We extend our congratulations to ProAutoIllinois, our 2026 Supporter of the Year. Your ongoing support and generosity continue to make a lasting difference for… Read More

M-NASR is honored to be recognized by the Lincolnwood Chamber of Commerce as their 2026 Non-Profit of the Year! We are grateful for the Chamber’s support of our mission to provide individuals with disabilities access to meaningful, life-enriching recreation and leisure opportunities, and we’re dedicated to continuing to make a positive impact together in the… Read More

M-NASR is delighted to share that our Superintendent of Recreation, Lisa Barrera, has been named Professional of the Year by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Section. The award was presented during the TR Section meeting at the 2026 IPRA/IAPD Soaring to New Heights Conference in late January and recognizes Lisa’s exceptional leadership, innovation and unwavering… Read More

We’re proud to announce that M-NASR has been recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency by the Illinois Association of Park Districts and the llinois Park and Recreation Association. This prestigious designation was awarded at the annual IAPD/IPRA conference in late January and represents one of the highest honors an agency can achieve in the… Read More

What a year it’s been at M-NASR! From new experiences and personal milestones to powerful connections and unforgettable moments, this year-in-review video celebrates the joy, growth and community that make our mission come to life. Thank you for helping make every moment possible–we can’t wait to see what’s next.    … Read More

The Liponi Foundation for Special Recreation invites you to their annual Spring Gala on March 7, 2026! For more than 30 years, this cherished tradition has brought our community together to celebrate abilities, uplift lives and support the programs and participants of the Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation. Don't miss this unforgettable evening of impact… Read More

Congratulations to Dana Che, our 2025 Holiday Raffle winner! We hope you enjoy every moment of spending your $1,000 Visa gift card. We’re thrilled for you and truly thankful for your support of M-NASR. Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets, each of which makes a difference in helping us serve our participants. A special… Read More

Thanks to the incredible support of our community, M-NASR’s second annual bingo fundraiser was a full house of fun and generosity, raising almost $6,800 to benefit M-NASR programs and services for individuals with disabilities. A huge thank you to our wonderful sponsors, who helped make this event possible: The Kubica Family, Dear Franks, McAlister's Deli… Read More

Grab your flip flops and join us for a bingo beach bash! Enjoy a night of fun while playing your favorite game, all to support Maine Niles Association of Special Recreation. Every round will bring us closer to creating more opportunities for individuals with disabilities to enjoy meaningful recreation and leisure experiences. Read More