Hello!
As many of you know, it has been a wild ride for TR as we navigatged to get back to in-person programs and limited staff. We are so grateful for your continued support and patience as we know this has been a slow process. We are excited to continue to offer more programs and look forward to getting some new staff hired soon!
We may only be in August but we are looking forward to welcoming Fall, cooler temps and some fun activities! This Newsletter contains information on some of the upcoming programs/events and community news for August and beyond. Pre-registration is required for programs. Please contact us for more information or to sign up.
We welcome your new ideas, ways to make Therapeutic Recreation here in Chattanooga better and overall feedback. Keep in mind, plans may change or get moved around and new programs will continue to be added, so please review each month's newsletter to find potential changes!
Sincerely,
|
|
Elaine Adams Gossett, CTRS
Therapeutic Recreation Manager
423.643.6607
Program Support Staff
Jacob Jarvis
Grace Stewart
|
|
OUR MISSION:
The Therapeutic Recreation Division of the Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors Department seeks to provide leisure and recreation opportunities for citizens of all abilities. We serve both youth and adults with physical, cognitive, and/or emotional disabilities. Through our programs, education and advocacy, individuals can build confidence, improve physical and cognitive abilities, expand support and social networks; and enhance overall quality of life.
|
|
Programs:
Catalyst Climbing Clinic
Chillin' Social Group
Scenic City Adaptive Cycling
Super Hoops
TOPSoccer
Registration Forms
|
|
Community Events & Resources
Chattanooga Down Syndrome Society
Chattanooga Autism Center
Miracle League
Sensory Night at CDM
Siskin Children's Institute
Programs In The Works
Best Buddies
Climbing Higher
Crafty Closet Cleanout
TOPSoccer
Tennis
Dreamnights and more...
|
|
|
Catalyst Climbing Clinic
Monthly climbing clinics for individuals with physical disabilities
|
WHAT: Catalyst Sports is a non-profit organization based out of Atlanta whose mission is as follows: to empower people by providing the highest quality of adaptive sports to the disabled community.
WHO: Individuals with physical disabilities, ages 5 and up.
WHEN: The 3rd Thursday of each month
TIME: 6:00-8:00pm
DATES: 8/16, 9/20, 10/18, 11/15
*(you must sign up to attend)
WHERE: High Point Climbing and Fitness Center
COST: FREE!
CONTACT: To sign up and for more information, questions, dates, times, etc. please contact Elaine at [email protected] or 423.643.6607
|
|
Catalyst Adaptive Climbing Tour - Chattanooga
Climbing clinics for individuals with physical disabilities
|
September 17, 2022 Catalyst Sports will be coming to Chattanooga, TN as a part of the largest adaptive climbing tour in the country.
Where: High Point Climbing Gym (219 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402) from 9:00am to 12:00pm.
Who: There are opportunities for both participants and volunteers to sign up during this one day event.
The events are completely FREE and open to anyone with a physical disability to include spinal cord injuries, amputations and those with visual impairments.
|
|
Chillin' Like Villains Social Group |
WHO/WHAT: Chillin' Like Villains is a young adult social group for individuals who have various disabilities. We meet once a month at different locations around town and do a variety of activities such as attend sporting events, potluck dinners, themed evenings, and much more.
|
|
|
September: Pick Up Baseball Game!
Join us for a friendly game of baseball on the Miracle Field at Warner Park! Come ready to play or cheer from the sidelines! Dinner will be provided.
DATE: Thursday, 9/8
TIME: 6-8pm
LOCATION: Warner Park Miracle Field (301 N Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404)
COST: FREE!
*Deadline to RSVP is September 2nd
More events coming soon!
CONTACT: To get on this list for more monthly events and updates, please contact Elaine at [email protected] or 423.643.6607
|
|
Scenic City Adaptive Cycling
This program is Co-Sponsored by SPARC (Sports, Arts and Recreation of Chattanooga - a local chapter of Move United) and Outdoor Chattanooga
Please note that equipment is limited and pre-registration is REQUIRED!
|
WHAT/WHO: An adaptive cycling program for individuals with disabilities. Hand cycles, tandem bikes, and three-wheeled bikes are available for individuals who have physical and visual disabilities. Outdoor Chattanooga also brings their bike fleet for additional support. Depending on the type of cycle needed, participants will have to sign the liability waiver and be approved by the specific group that owns the cycle. The cost is free. Equipment is limited and pre-registration is required. |
|
SPARC is a local 501(c))(3) non-profit organization, which provides competitive and recreational opportunities to persons with disabilities in an integrated setting, i.e., persons with and without disabilities participating together. SPARC is a chapter of Move United, which was founded by USA military veterans, with a motto of: "If I can do this, I can do anything." For more information about SPARC: http://www.sparctn.org/
WHEN: Monday evenings
TIME: 6:00pm
DATES: 8/22, 9/12, 9/26
WHERE: The Tennessee Riverpark at the Hubert Fry Center
COST: FREE!
Please note that equipment is limited and pre-registration is REQUIRED!
Minimum Requirements for the Safety of Participants:
- Must have the cognitive ability to follow directions and instructions.
- Must be able to apply the brakes and come to a complete stop by the end of the first day of participation.
- Must be able to ride independently on the path with a volunteer by the third day of participation.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) must be one year post injury.
- Must not have medical issues which could endanger the participant, including seizures.
- Maximum weight limit of cycles is 250 pounds.
- Approved helmets must be worn by all riders.
- Participants, or guardians for participants under the age of 18, must sign liability release forms from SPARC, a chapter of Move United and/or Therapeutic Recreation Services.
|
|
Super Hoops - Space is limited! RSVP today!
|
WHAT: An intramural basketball program focusing on the sport as well as social, physical, cognitive, and emotional skills.
WHO: For individuals ages 13 and up who have intellectual disabilities.
WHEN:
5-6pm -Beginner/Intermediate
6-7pm -Beginner/Intermediate
7-8pm -Advanced
DATES: Mondays, 8/29, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10,
*Please note you MUST register prior.
WHERE: Chattanooga Christian School - CCS - 3354 Charger Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37409
COST: Free
Space is limited! RSVP today!
|
|
Team River Runner
Adaptive Kayaking Program for Veterans
|
WHAT/WHO: Veterans with and without disabilities and active duty service members who are service connected, and their family members. Sessions are designed for all skill levels with no kayak experience necessary. All equipment and adaptations provided.
|
|
White Water Kayaking
WHAT: Learn/continue to develop whitewater skills - including roll practice/paddle trips
WHO: Veterans and their family members
WHEN: Weekly roll practice and monthly paddle trips
WHERE: Various locations around the Chattanooga area
|
|
Flat Water Kayaking
Stay tuned for updates and contact Elaine with any questions or to get on the list!
|
|
TOP Soccer
Soccer Team at Redoubt Soccer Complex
|
WHAT: TOPSoccer is an official US Youth Soccer Program enriching the lives of young athletes with disabilities through the game of soccer.
More information and dates coming soon...contact us to get on the list for more information.
|
|
Other Programs In The Works... |
- TOPSoccer
- Tennis
- Climbing Higher
- Crafty Closet Cleanout
- Dreamnight - Boo in the Zoo
- Best Buddies
- and MORE...
|
|
Dreamnights...Save the Date... |
|
Dreamnight is an event that welcomes all with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or special needs along with their families and caregivers. Dreamnight is a no-cost, VIP event filled with decorations, furry friends, and more!
Dates: October 20th & December 13th - 6:00 - 8:00pm
Additional details and registration information will be sent closer to the event date.
|
|
WHAT: Best Buddies is an international, non-profit organization that matches people who have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in meaningful one-to-one friendships with volunteers. This is a collaborative effort between UTC Best Buddies Tennessee and Chattanooga Therapeutic Recreation Services.
WHO: Individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities ages 18 - 35.
If you want more information or are interested in signing up, please contact Elaine at
|
|
Interested in Volunteering?
We could not offer all of these programs without our wonderful volunteers! If you want to volunteer and join in the fun please let us know!
|
|
Participant and Volunteer Registration Forms 2022:
If you are participating in Therapeutic Recreation Services programs or events and have not already completed our Registration Form, please take a few minutes to complete either the Participant or Volunteer Registration Form for 2022 at the links below. Thank you!!!
|
|
Community Events & Resources |
|
Chattanooga Autism Center |
The Chattanooga Autism Center is a parent and advocate driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides lifespan support and services for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders and for their families. The center also serves as an advocacy resource and builds awareness about autism in our region.
Learn more and see CAC upcoming activities here:
|
|
Chattanooga Down Syndrome Society |
The mission of the Chattanooga Down Syndrome Society is to enhance the quality of life throughout the life span for all individuals with Down syndrome in the greater Chattanooga area by providing resources, education, awareness, advocacy, community, and support to these individuals, their families, and the professionals serving them.
2022 Chattanooga Buddy Walk
Saturday, October 29, 2022
1:00 PM 4:00 PM
Click the link below to register or donate!
|
|
Miracle League Baseball Fall Season |
REGISTRATION FOR FALL SEASON BEGINS AUG. 1!
Miracle League provides those with disabilities the ability to enjoy the game of baseball, the thrill of competition and the excitement of teamwork. It's a place where participants, volunteers and spectators can experience the joy and fulfillment of watching the children hit grounders and smile as they go around the bases. For more information on Miracle League, call 423.266.3766.
Fall Season: Sept. 17 - Oct. 29, 2022
- Ages: 4-99
- Games & Practice: Rotary Field at Warner Park in Chattanooga
-
Orientation: Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Rotary Field
- Cost: $65 (Financial Assistance Available)
- Buddies will be provided to players for the Fall 2022 Season
-
For information on becoming a Buddy during the season, or for information on Fundraiser Tournament, email Tori Glover at [email protected].
Click the link below to register:
|
|
Sensory Night at the Creative Discovery Museum |
When: The first Thursday of every month, 5:30pm-8:00pm
Where: Creative Discovery Museum
Cost: FREE!
WHAT/WHO: For parents of children with sensory sensitivity, finding times for the whole family to play without stress can be difficult. But, Sensory night, a low-stimulus evening for children with sensory sensitivities, hopes to provide fun and discovery for everyone at the Museum! The event offers children with sensory sensitivity and their families exclusive time in the Museum with a low-sensory environment that otherwise might not be possible during regular operational hours. During this time, overhead announcements, food smells, and other sensory inputs will be limited as much as possible. This low-sensory evening takes place the first Thursday of each month. Admission is capped at 100 guests. Click here to register today! Contact the Museum with questions at 423.756.2738
|
|
Siskin Children's Institute |
Our Mission - Siskin Children’s Institute works to improve the quality of life for children with special needs and their families. Through assessment, diagnosis, and early intervention our programs can help your child reach their full potential.
Address: 1101 Carter St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
|
|
Check us out on Social Media!
Like, Comment, and Share!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
