(Washington, DC) – On December 4, the DC Center for Therapeutic Recreation (TR Center) was selected as the beneficiary of the “Community Partner of the Year 2007” award by the St. Johns Community Services, Inc.

The award from the St. John’s community was presented to the TR Center in recognition of the therapeutic recreational programs offered to 18 individuals with mental retardation or who are developmentally disabled. St. John’s Community Services, Inc. is a non-profit human service agency that develops creative ways to support children and adults with disabilities as well as the communities in which they live.

“The DC Center for Therapeutic Recreation Center plays an integral role in the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). We are proud of the programs and activities offered by the TR Center that provide much needed services to empower individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities,” said Clark Ray, DPR Acting Director.

The TR Center’s community inclusion program, Leisure Life Skills Program for Adults with Special Needs, has been in existence since the late 1970s. Programming includes adapted recreation as well as life skills training such as small meal preparation, community trip planning and money management. This unique program allows participants accessibility and encourages freedom of choice in the selection of recreational activities based upon their individual needs and desires.