“The overall goal of TRS is to encourage participants to enjoy programs as independently as possible,” said Kathi Barber and Jenn Wilson-Marchino, Recreation Specialists with TRS. “This includes time to be with and make new friends, making choices and having fun at programs that participants eagerly look forward to.”
In 2018, TRS served more than 11,000 participants. Some of the most popular programs are the dances, trips, sports training and classes. In addition to these popular programs, TRS sponsors the Sacramento County Chargers, who participate in Special Olympics activities and programs. The Chargers are the largest team in the Sacramento area and train in bowling, soccer, floor hockey, basketball, softball, track and swimming.
“TRS has really helped our son, Nick, become more socially active in the community by attending dances and outings with TRS,” said John Drenth, a Chargers coach whose son participates in TRS programming. “Jenn and Kathi, who run the program, have helped him out of his shell. They have such a love for the TRS athletes and community.”
In order to participate in TRS programs, interested parties need to fill out a
participant enrollment form. There is no cost to enroll, but each program has a specific program fee, which can be found on the
event flyers.
TRS is staffed by two full-time and 10 part-time County employees, more than 20 regular volunteers, 50+ community volunteers from local high schools/colleges, and at times a Recreation Therapy intern that works full time for a minimum of 14 weeks. Volunteering with TRS is rewarding work. Information on volunteering or donating to TRS can be
found on the Get Involved page.
TRS works closely with
Eppie’s Wellness Foundation and
Pathways to Recreation, Inc., nonprofit organizations that ensure life-enriching opportunities for people with disabilities. Pathways to Recreation, Inc. hosts several fundraisers throughout the year, which help to provide TRS and its participants with program scholarships, new programming opportunities, equipment and supplies. TRS continues to benefit from grants provided by Eppie’s Wellness Foundation, utilizing proceeds from Eppie’s Great Race events.
Information on participating in, volunteering with and supporting TRS programs can be found on the
TRS webpage.
