TRS

Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS) is a service provided by Sacramento County that provides award-winning opportunities, for children, teens and adults with developmental and physical disabilities, mental and sensory impairments and special needs, to explore learn and have fun through recreation. The programs and events that are offered provide training in leisure, social, community and independent skills. This program was started in 1975 and is still growing with an annual attendance of more then 15,000 people.

TRS’ goal is for their participants to acquire the highest level of independence possible through leisure activities and community action. Events and activities teach cooking, sports, movies, kite flying, exploring the city by bus and confidence building through fun.

The TRS center is located on Florin road, but for people outside of that area additional services are provided at community centers, schools, parks and community sites.
Programs and services include:
• Social Clubs
• Travel Excursions
• Sports, Fitness, & Outdoor Adventures
• Vocational Training
• Classes -cooking, drafts, drama and more
• Special Events
• Community Outreach
• Therapeutic Recreation Internships
• Information & Referral

By attending activities and events TRS participants learn skills such as: communication, decision making, organization of time, money management, and community resources. This program is inexpensive and kept to the minimum amount of money needed for each event.
Recent events included a night at the drive in, second Saturday art walk, Elk Grove giant pumpkin harvest festival, jewelry making workshop, weekend trip to Santa Cruz and a cooking class.

TRS also has a Special Olympics team named The Chargers and have participated for over 20 years in the Special Olympics. The sports that are included are swimming, track and field, floor hockey, soccer and basketball. Practice for each sport is once per week to prepare athletes for qualifiers and tournaments.

Dances are also on the entertainment list of things to do. The dances are held at La Sierra Community Center and at the North Highlands Community Center and are an important part of the socializing and communications skill building. These dances also provide a comfortable environment for TRS participants to cut loose and enjoy the company of each other.

TRS is staffed by therapeutic recreation specialists, recreation leaders, support staff and many volunteers who assist in all aspect of recreational adventures and camaraderie with participants. TRS is another example of a great service Sacramento County has to offer. To learn more about TRS visit the county website www.sacparks.net/therapeutic-services/index.html.