Pine Tree Society

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Early Learning Center celebrates a year of milestones

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On Wednesday, August 17th, Pine Tree Society’s Early Learning Center celebrated a year of milestones and progress.

Families of our ELC students joined us for tours of our classrooms and chats with their kid’s teachers, while the students and their siblings enjoyed Pin the Tail on the Donkey, coloring, puzzles, face painting, and cupcakes and ice cream. Students were happy to show off their favorite areas of the ELC, including the play kitchen and the reading corner.

Families were also treated to a rousing rendition of “Tap, Tap, Tap,” a musical game that encourages listening, following directions, and spatial understanding. Parents and guardians were delighted to hear that each child knew all the words to the accompanying song.

We were happy to see so many smiling faces, including those who have graduated the Early Learning Center and will soon begin kindergarten. Best of luck to all our ELC students for the coming academic year!

WABI: Pine Tree Camp is back in session!

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Our friends are WABI Channel 5 recently stopped into Pine Tree Camp to observe our children’s overnight and Camp Pine Cone campers and see how things were operating after two years of pandemic temporarily halted overnight sessions. We were thrilled to show them how much we have grown and improved to support campers and their families.

Full story available here.

Children’s Case Management Q&A with Alyssa Wade

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Alyssa Wade is the director of Pine Tree Society’s Case Management program. She hears every day from parents who don’t know where to start or even which questions to ask. Her practical approach to case management immediately puts their mind at ease. She and her team of case managers are able to address immediate needs and, at the same time, de-mystify what case management can do; opening even more doors to services and support than they ever thought possible.

“A lot of people have a vision of what case management is, but they don’t necessarily know the full gamut,” she said. “Case managers support families to get the services they need in a multitude of situations. We’re involved in all aspects of a family’s life to help and advocate to ensure their unique needs are met.”

Alyssa explains more in the Q&A below.

To help break it down, let’s start with a tangible example of what a case manager does.

A: One of the most typical situations is when families start receiving early intervention services for their child, such as being tested for autism or needing more support in school. That’s a typical time when a case manager gets involved and provides resources for where their child can go for an autism assessment or empowering the family to get what their child needs in school.

So, case managers help the family as well as the child?

A: Yes, the great thing about case management is we help members of the family as well. In the beginning, parents find there are suddenly a lot of appointments to make and trying to manage a job, house and family on top of that is overwhelming at first. We often help ease the burden by making calls, setting up appointments, organizing the schedule and helping with questions and next steps. With so much going on and everything being so new, it can be hard for parents to remember all the questions they want to ask so we talk beforehand and make sure we know what they want to address then accompany them to the appointment and help follow through.

How do parents tend to connect with you in the first place?

A: A very common situation is when a three or four year old child first exhibits signs of autism, pediatricians will refer families to us. Our connection can also start with a referral from a teacher who recognizes a need.

How do you help navigate long wait lists or offer support to families and children who do not feel like they’re being heard?

A: A lot of our families have complex needs. We carefully assess their unique situation and coordinate the care delivery they need.

There are very long wait lists for autism screenings, and we can help connect families with providers who are flexible and can meet their needs. For example, a lot of families don’t know they can receive screenings through Child Development Services.

When a child starts school, families often feel like they are not being heard. We advocate for the child’s Individualized Education Plan when they need extra services or encounter limitations to getting those started. We make sure that families and everyone within the school has access to the information they need.

What is the ultimate goal?

A: Our primary objective is to make everything less overwhelming for families. The ultimate goal for case management is to get families to a place of stability and sustainability. We can help for as long as it takes to get there, working with a family through the time their child transitions to adulthood if needed.  Even then, we can transition to providing adult case management services.

With every single transition that occurs, there are different needs to be met and that’s where case management comes in.

Who is eligible and how do they become eligible?

A: To be eligible for Pine Tree Society’s case management services, the child must be 0-21 years of age and be enrolled in Katie Beckett/MaineCare. Private pay is also an option. There are specific requirements regarding a child’s diagnosis.  Instructions for Katie Beckett enrollment and a full list of diagnosis are available on the Pine Tree Society website at this link:

https://www.pinetreesociety.org/children-and-families/case-management-children/

Pine Tree Society’s children’s case management program is currently operating without a wait list, so please reach out today if you believe your child would benefit.

Winter Fun at Pine Tree Camp

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Pine Tree Camp has long been known as a gorgeous warm weather destination for kids, adults, and families to swim, bike, kayak, and play. It’s an opportunity for everyone to soak up some sunshine and relax.

But Winter at Camp might be our new favorite season! Did you know you can visit Pine Tree Camp during cold weather for activities like snowshoeing the trails and ice fishing? Our staff has been having a blast in the snow for the past few seasons and would love to welcome you for some sledding and cocoa.

Keep an eye out for our Winter calendar to plan your chilly visit up to Camp this season!

Ten tips for a successful school year from Pine Tree Society’s Children’s Case Management team

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As your child heads back to the classroom, Pine Tree Society’s Children’s Case Management Team is here to help achieve a smooth transition for families, students and teachers.  Below are our ten top tips. But first, do you know what a Case Manager does? 

In short, Case Managers are the bridge between all aspects of a child’s life; coordinating smooth communication between providers, educators and family members.  They also link families to resources they need and provide consistent follow up to be sure every detail is followed through and that all the child’s and family’s needs are met.   

From a Case Manager’s perspective, here are ten things you can do right now to set your child up for success as the school year begins: 

  1. Take some time to get comfortable with the building and school grounds again.  A good way to reacclimate is to visit on the weekend and walk around, remembering all the positive experiences from past years.  
  1. Talk about why teachers and students will be wearing masks and practice wearing one for short periods of time; gradually building to several hours.
  1. Develop morning and nighttime routines that work for your family. Case managers can help you create checklists so everyone can see all the steps in the routine and take part in making it work. Providers can also create social stories that break down each step of what the new back to school routines are going to be like. 
  1. Set a schedule and expectations for what the daily routine at school will be like. This will help kids feel secure at school; allowing them to be motivated to learn. Pine Tree Society’s Case Managers take the lead with schools to map out expectations with providers and families. It all boils down to good communication and making adjustments for what works best for the child along the way.  
  1. Remember to be patient.  It will take a little while to get used to being back at school and it’s important not to push too hard while everyone is acclimating.  
  1. Focus on your child’s strengths and interests.  This will help them to be engaged and motivated to connect and learn.  Sometimes it’s as simple as taking something a home provider discovers a child is doing really well at home then sharing that information with a teacher so they can carry that over during the school day. 
  1. Set reasonable expectations. Pine Tree Society’s Case Managers will work together with your child’s teachers to manage their individualized plan and keep it on track to meet the needs of your child. 
  1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; even when you don’t know which questions to ask.  Case Managers are your guide for services and support and can help you navigate the service delivery system. It all goes back to communication about accommodations for each child, regardless of their disability, and following up and ensuring all their needs are met.
  1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Many parents don’t know what Case Managers can do.  They don’t even realize that help is out there for them or even what to ask for.  Case Managers are able to get concerns met, answer questions and put everything together so a child has what they need to be successful.  Supporting the family is a big part of that.
  1. Remember, you have needs too. Pine Tree Society’s Case Managers can help with that.  We’re here to make parents aware of services and supports that make everyone’s lives easier and we can often share information on services that directly support a parent’s needs.  Respite services are one such service that parents may not even know exists and can allow caregivers a much-needed break.

Contact Mike Bell, team leader of Pine Tree Society’s Children’s Case Management Program, to learn more about how we can help connect you with the services and resources you need for your child.   

Call Mike at (207) 386-5965 or via email mbell@pinetreesociety.org or complete this form and we will get back to you. 

To be eligible for Pine Tree Society’s case management services, the child must be 0-21 years of age and be enrolled in Katie Beckett/MaineCare. Private pay is also an option. Instructions for Katie Beckett enrollment and a full list of diagnosis are available on the Pine Tree Society website at this link.

Providing critical services for Maine kids with disabilities as the school year begins

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Pine Tree Society is now accepting Children’s Case Management referrals with no waitlist; allowing families to receive much needed assistance without having to wait for an opening. 

“Due to the pandemic, so many services have closed down,” noted Mike Bell, team leader of children’s case management at Pine Tree Society. “There are fewer therapists and providers of home and community supports at a time when families need them the most.  Our purpose is to make sure kids are getting everything they need, no matter what.”  

Pine Tree Society’s case managers accommodate what works best for families; connecting them to services, supporting individualized plans and providing direct support to guide them to all the services their kids need. 

”We are the bridge between school and home; working directly with schools and families to be sure the child has what they need to be successful,” Mike continued.  

“We are flexible about where we meet, including virtual opportunities for those who need that. The important thing is that the family gets what they need for help.”   

In addition to school age children, Pine Tree Society’s case managers are experts working with infants and toddlers.   

“Early childhood case management is so important because that’s when kids are first being diagnosed,” Mike said. “Everything is very new for the child and the parents so it’s a critical time in their lives as they learn what they need for support.” 

To be eligible for Pine Tree Society’s case management services, the child must be 0-21 years of age and be enrolled in Katie Beckett/MaineCare. Private pay is also an option.  Services are currently available to those residing in Reside in the county of York, Cumberland, Androscoggin, Lincoln, Sagadahoc and parts of Kennebec, Franklin and Oxford.   

Instructions for Katie Beckett enrollment and a full list of diagnosis are available on the Pine Tree Society website at this link.

Pine Tree Camp launches all-new Family Camping opportunity

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Pine Tree Camp is the premier place where Maine kids and adults with disabilities go to enjoy the freedom and fun of fully accessible outdoor recreation. For the first time ever, families can now share that experience together through Pine Tree Camp’s all new Family Camping.

In response to the pandemic, Pine Tree Camp has expanded its programming to provide safe, overnight access to the outdoors for Maine people with disabilities and their entire families.  Families can spend three days together on North Pond and experience everything from biking and swimming to kayaking and fishing, with no barriers.

“Out of this time of uncertainty has come innovation, creativity and strength. We are innovating to improve and expand upon what we do,” said Noel Sullivan, president and CEO of Pine Tree Society.

Family Camping includes a cabin, meals and specially developed day and evening programs.  Families can kayak, swim, go boating, hike accessible nature trails, spend time in a real treehouse and take aim in the archery pavilion. All activities are fully accessible and staff is on-hand to provide support.

“It’s hard for families to get outside with their loved one when there’s a disability involved,” said Pine Tree Camp director, Dawn Willard-Robinson. “Family Camping safely gets everyone outside together and gives parents the chance to relax and see their kids truly transform before their very eyes as they gain independence and confidence from trying new things and taking safe risks that camp makes possible for them.”

Pine Tree Camp is Maine’s only ACA-accredited camp exclusively serving people with disabilities and Pine Tree Society is committed to offering the Pine Tree Camp experience to all regardless of their ability to pay tuition.  Pine Tree Camp’s Open Door Policy has been in place since the camp opened in 1945.

For more information or to register this program or others through Pine Tree Camp visit our homepage!

Pine Tree Society earns perfect score from Charity Navigator for fifth consecutive year

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For the fifth year in a row, Pine Tree Society has earned the top 4-star ranking from Charity Navigator. Just 17% of the non-profits Charity Navigator evaluates have received five consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Pine Tree Society outperforms most other charities in America. 

Charity Navigator is the largest independent charity evaluator in the United States and 4-stars is their highest possible rating.  Pine Tree Society’s commitment to strong financial health, accountability and transparency earned this top distinction.   

“Earning a perfect score in transparency and accountability shows we’ve worked hard to ensure our donors can trust we’re using their donations wisely in our work to transform the lives of Maine people with disabilities each day,” said Noel Sullivan, president and CEO of Pine Tree Society.  “We’re committed to maximizing the impact of every dollar donated to support the people we serve, and this commitment is reflected in our 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.” 

Pine Tree Society is headquartered in Bath with offices in Scarborough, Auburn and Pine Tree Camp in Rome.

View Pine Tree Society’s 4-star ranking at this link.

Adaptive Water Sports at Pine Tree Camp!

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Join us on July 24th from 10am-4pm for a special edition of our Adventure Day Pass program! In addition to all of the recreational opportunities we have here at camp, we will also be offering adaptive waterskiing! To make this special day happen, we are partnering with Equip for Living Foundation and Leap of Faith Adaptive Skiers. Registration is required and space is limited! Click the link below to secure this spot for this fun day out on the water at Pine Tree Camp!

Returning Campers: CLICK HERE to sign up.

New Campers: CLICK HERE to sign up.