Local Disabilities Nonprofit Campus Getting Facelift
Ray Graham Association (RGA) announced a $400,000+ capital improvements funded in part by Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grant, spearheaded with the help of Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin.
RGA has worked closely with engineers at the Village of Burr Ridge and DuPage County on the project which will include:
- new fencing
- new configuration for the paddocks
- improved drainage near our barn
- a swale added to the southern border area
- elimination of invasive brush around the property
- added native vegetation to enhance the site’s natural appearance and absorb some of the rainwater
The solution will be self-contained, maintain landscape screening to surrounding properties, and, most importantly, will not increase stormwater runoff from our property. “We have gone to great lengths to educate the engineers and contractors about the need to be mindful of both our neighbors and our therapeutic horses,” said President & CEO Kim Zoeller. Most of the work will start in the coming week and take approximately four months to complete.
Press are invited to a groundbreaking ceremony at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 19 on the Hanson Center Campus, 15W431 E 59th St, Burr Ridge, IL 60527 (59th & Garfield on the Burr Ridge/Hinsdale border). Those expected to attend are Representative Jim Durkin, DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin, Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso, RGA Board Chair Jim Sara, and President and Founder of Sebert Landscape Jeff Sebert and his sister Debbie who is supported by RGA.
The Ray Graham Association Hanson Center therapeutic horsemanship program uses 20 therapy horses to provide opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to experience the enjoyment and therapeutic benefits of riding horses. Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) certified instructors lead individual and small group lessons with the assistance of over 100 trained volunteers.
Founded in 1950, Ray Graham Association serves nearly 2,000 people with disabilities and employs over 300 people. Ray Graham enriches lives by empowering people with disabilities and those who care for them to reach, grow, and achieve. Through a person-centered approach to care and community, people with disabilities and their families are offered an array of services that cater to their individual needs, strengths, and dreams. Services include residential, life skills, recreation, employment, and family support.
To learn more about Ray Graham Association visit RayGraham.org. If you are interested in learning more about the Ray Graham Association Hanson Center, visit HansonCenter.org.
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