Page 9 - SuccessStoryNewsletterFall2017

The Joy of Recreation

Recreation can mean many things to many people. For some, it
could simply be a time to unwind or engage in a relaxing hobby,
while others might prefer an exciting day filled with action and
adventure. For residents at the Blairstown House, recreation can
be all of these things and much more.

During the summer of 2017, residents had the opportunity to
visit a wide variety of lively locales, such as the Lehigh Valley
Zoo, Jenkinson's Boardwalk, Lost River Caverns, and the Lakota
Wolf Preserve. Other times, we’ll just go to a local park to relax
and enjoy the scenery as a nice getaway. Or perhaps we’ll
go on a “trip to nowhere” in which the outing location is always a surprise since we drive until we find
someplace interesting to stop and explore. Each resident has their own unique experience and creates
memories they can share for a lifetime.

Recreation isn’t all about us though – we recognize the importance of spending time with those who
matter most to us. That’s why we hosted a Family Day where
residents and their families enjoy a fun-filled day together.
We play music, enjoy good food, and engage in light-hearted
conversations. It's a wonderful day to strengthen family bonds
while enjoying the summer days before they fade away.

Remember that recreation is not only fun, but essential to
an individual’s overall health and wellness. As we support
our residents, we never want to lose sight of this undeniable
fact. Recreation increases chances of community integration
and healthy socialization while reducing the stress that can
negatively impact an individual’s overall mental health. We want
our residents to have the opportunity to explore the world around them and discover the many great
treasures in their very own community through one positive experience after the next.

- Clinton Ratzin, Service Coach | Blairstown Community Living Services

LIVE · LEARN · WORK · PLAY Easterseals New Jersey Success Story Newsletter 2017 9