For individuals living with disabilities, recreation opportunities and a sense of community may not be easy to come by. That's where the Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS) Division of the Department of Regional Parks comes in!
One way to provide these individuals with recreational opportunities is through recreation therapy, which utilizes activities such as art, community outings, exercise and more to improve and maintain cognitive, physical and emotional functioning in order to facilitate full participation in life. TRS is in the business of delivering recreation therapy, and they have been since 1975.
“Recreation therapy offers individuals a chance to explore new experiences within a nurturing and secure setting, surrounded by people who accept and embrace them unconditionally, and empower them to strive for autonomy and self-reliance,” said Jenn Wilson-Marchino, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with TRS. “It is a privilege to be a part of something that has such a transformational impact on our participants.”
February is recognized as Recreational Therapy Month, and TRS is celebrating the role that recreation therapy has played in the lives of its participants by reflecting on what they enjoy most about TRS.
Brennan, TRS Participant
“TRS has made me get out of my home and it helps me to be social. I like the activities we do. My favorites are movie nights and dances. Thank you TRS team for helping us have fun!”
Payton, TRS Participant
“TRS is like a family. We all come together and get healthy - physically, mentally, emotionally. We learn to be independent while building friendships. We build endurance while having fun. We learn new skills while improving old ones. I love being a part of TRS!”
Gabriel, TRS Participant
“I like all the trips I get to take since my dad died and he can’t take me, and the counselors are real nice.”
Peter, Brother of a TRS Participant
“My brother looks forward to movie nights and cooking classes. The staff is always cheerful, caring, and welcoming. They are tireless angels!”
Sue, Mother of a TRS Participant
“TRS is a wonderful group of energetic, compassionate and thoughtful people. Our son Christopher has enjoyed numerous activities and has a great group of friends that he connects with. The camp they run is organized and so much fun for these young adults. Our community is so fortunate to have this program and these wonderful people that run it. Thank you for all your hard work!”
Kim, Mother of a TRS Participant
“This program has benefited both my daughter, Samantha, and our entire family in so many ways. Sammi eagerly awaits the next monthly newsletter so she can choose her favorite activities, and we love to see her so happy and encouraged by the social aspect of these activities. The wonderful TRS staff continually provides creative, fun and stimulating activities which benefit all types of participants with disabilities. From holiday dances, to camps, to Disneyland trips.... the excitement doesn't stop! I am so glad we have such a wonderful program in our community to help with increasing the quality of life in our disabled adult community.”
Steve, Father of a TRS Participant
“My son and I enjoy the benefits of TRS by attending the multiple hosted dance events. The dances are always a great opportunity to see the other members and to ‘get our groove on’ to dance the night away. The staff is always pleasant. Everyone is helpful to my son and his friend that also attends. These events help us to interact with others and bond with the TRS community.
Maria, Mother of a TRS Participant
“We are so thankful for the TRS program. Our son loves all of the activities, dances, trips and camp but most of all he loves the friendships he is making and interactions with the staff. He loves seeing his upcoming activities on the family calendar and coordinating who is going to drive him to his social activities. I can honestly say that he is no longer depressed or lonely. He gets excited when the TRS program schedule shows up. We could not be more pleased with the program and with the staff that make all activities possible.”
Steve, Brother of a TRS Participant
“After my brother’s recent recovery from a hospital stay, I was looking for an activity that he could participate in to meet new friends and enjoy doing something he loves, watching movies. TRS was recommended to me through Alta Regional, and I signed Frank up for the “Movie Club” and it did not disappoint. Frank loves the interaction with staff, who are exceptionally wonderful and helpful, and his new friends. Thank you so much for being available for my brother!”
TRS programs focus on abilities while encouraging people to attain their highest level of independent leisure functioning by increasing leisure skills, improving social skills, increasing independence and increasing their awareness of and involvement in community recreational activities.
For more information on the great programs TRS provides and how you can get involved with, volunteer with and support TRS, visit the TRS webpage. For more testimonials, check out their YouTube channel.