National Therapeutic Recreation Week

July 09, 2023 – July 15

National Therapeutic Recreation Week was established in 1984 by the National Therapeutic Recreation Society. This annual celebration aims to increase awareness about therapeutic recreation programs and services that can enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals receiving care due to illness or other challenges.

Therapeutic Recreation at Calvary

At Calvary, Therapeutic recreation activities are carefully tailored to restore, remediate, or rehabilitate individuals with the goal of enhancing their well-being. These activities aim to provide social connection and emotional support to individuals and help improve independence and reduce the effects of illness. Therapeutic interventions at Calvary are varied. They include participation in and practice of various arts, crafts, horticulture, cognitive programs, games, special musical performances, and celebrations of holiday events.

Therapeutic Recreation Craft

Inclusive of family involvement, therapeutic recreation programs at Calvary encourage the active participation of family members.

Therapeutic Recreation provides families with the opportunity to create lasting memories as they engage in activities with their loved ones and allows for peer support as family members meet each other, socialize, and connect. By including families in these activities, therapeutic recreation promotes a sense of unity and strengthens relationships while fostering a supportive environment to do so comfortably.

Calvary Staff with Patients

Therapeutic Recreation

For many patients, engagement in therapeutic recreation activities helps restore a sense of normalcy, community, and meaningful connection. We have witnessed firsthand the immense joy and comfort our patients derive from participating in these activities.

One patient shared, “They have all given me something to look forward to each day… I get to go outside and enjoy time with acquaintances, volunteers and staff that care about all the patients and their needs.”

Calvary Patient

Wanda Collazo, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, tells us, “It is truly gratifying to serve a cause, practice one’s ideals, work with people, solve problems, see benefits and know one had a hand in them.” Therapeutic Recreation technician, Amanda Diaz, adds, “Where life continues couldn’t be more accurate than when working with patients in Therapeutic Recreation. It’s a truly humbling and gratifying experience, knowing that we provide a sense of peace and joy through socialization and activities.”

At Calvary, we walk with our patients and their families. Our mission is to ensure that they experience a fulfilling, meaningful, and joyous journey.

Patient Doing Crafts at Calvary

Get Involved Volunteer at Calvary Hospital
By offering therapeutic recreation opportunities, we enhance our patients and families’ quality of life, foster a sense of purpose, and provide opportunities to enjoy happiness and contentment.

To learn more or get involved through a volunteer opportunity, please contact us. Hospital volunteer opportunities are available seven days a week. For questions about volunteering at Calvary Hospital, please contact our Inpatient Volunteer Coordinator during business hours, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.