Spring. It’s a time of promise, new beginnings and new life.  It’s a season that defines the impact of Pine Tree Society.  We wanted to share two stories with you that illustrate this perfectly.        

“I already feel great confidence.”

That’s what Annique (pictured) said days after she started a short-term supported work experience at Pine Tree Society last year. Annique went through a typical hiring process (complete with an application and interview), was matched with a job coach and earned a market wage.  Annique uncovered skills and built tremendous confidence.  The experience transformed her life.  And she made a tremendous difference at Pine Tree Society, so much so that she is now employed on a part-time basis taking on clerical tasks.

“No offense, but I don’t need you anymore.”

These words were music to the ears of Lillian Scenna, manager of Pine Tree Society’s Career Development Services. After just a few days, her client Kim had settled into her new job as Assistant Swim Instructor at the YMCA and was ready to go it alone.  When Lillian first met Kim just a few months before, she could see right away that she had a higher skill set than she was able to use in the types of jobs she had done in the past.  Lillian worked closely with Kim to uncover her interests and skills.  Together they learned that swimming was one of Kim’s priority areas.  And she had more than 36 Special Olympics swimming medals to prove it.  Lillian arranged for Kim to job shadow with a children’s swim instructor at the Portland YMCA. Right away, the YMCA Director could see Kim was a fit.  They were looking for an assistant swim instructor and asked Kim to apply.  Today she is thriving as the assistant swim instructor and, in turn, she is transforming the lives of the children she is teaching to swim.

Last year we were able to launch our Career Development Services, thanks to your support. Look at the impact you have made.  These are two of hundreds of stories – and we have just begun.  Amazingly, these stories are not unique.  From Pine Tree Camp and case management to the Early Learning Center and speech services, the life stories of our clients are altered thanks to Pine Tree Society’s innovative, individualized commitment to our clients.  And we have you to thank. Your help continues to be critical as we work to expand our impact.  We cannot do it without you, our donor.  Your gift will immediately be put to work to help people with disabilities live fuller more social connected lives.  Your support will transform the lives of thousands of individuals like Annique and Kim.  Thank you for your generosity.

You can make tax-deductible donation securely on-line by clicking here.

Watch Pine Tree Camp’s new video that shares the stories of campers and families explaining the impact of a barrier-free, judgment-free summer camp experience.

“Here there’s no staring. There’s no judgment and that’s huge for us. Everybody’s accepting.” – Jocelyn, parent

“Being able to meet other kids and adults with disabilities similar to mine and, like, get to talk to them, it’s really incredible to hear everybody’s stories and get to know them as a person and the friendships are so good, we stay friends even when we’re not at camp…it’s really nice to have those friends.” – Alyssa, camper

“They can just be who they are.” – Dawn Willard-Robinson, Director of Pine Tree Camp

 

 

Saturday, February 4 brought the long-awaited 44th annual Dysart’s Snowmobile Ride-in to benefit Pine Tree Camp.

As riders stuffed their shirts for the Q106.5 Egg Ride to benefit Pine Tree Camp, reporters from the three local stations looked on. You can see their stories here:

https://wabi.tv/2017/02/04/snowmobile-riders-stuff-their-coats-with-eggs-for-a-good-cause/

http://www.foxbangor.com/news/item/18540-egg-ride-sends-those-with-disabilities-to-camp

http://www.wlbz2.com/news/local/sending-kids-to-summer-camp-one-egg-at-a-time/398739123

Earlier in the week, Channel 2 also did a quick story on Thursday about the local school having a penny drive to donate toward the Egg Ride

https://wabi.tv/2017/02/02/hermon-kids-donate-their-change/

 

Pine Tree Society is pleased to announce that Paula Schrank and Mike Bell have been promoted to Case Management Team Leaders!

Paula will be the Team Leader for the Adult Case Management team. Paula joined Pine Tree Society in 2010 and looks forward to the challenge and opportunity this new position will bring.

Mike will be the Team Leader for the Children’s Case Management team.  Mike has been working for Pine Tree Society as a Children’s Case Manager for 8 1/2 years, and previously as a Program Coordinator overseeing a large early childhood program for children with developmental disabilities.  He is looking forward to his new position and continuing his work alongside his amazing co-workers in the Case Management department.

Congratulations to Paula and Mike!

Pine Tree Society is pleased to announce that Dana Zimmerman has joined the team in the position of Assistant Camp Director at Pine Tree Camp. 

Dana graduated from Western Kentucky University with a degree in Recreation Administration and Outdoor Leadership, with the ultimate goal of being a Camp Director. She worked her way though the ranks in the camp industry starting as a lifeguard at a day camp in high school and most recently as the Assistant Director at a special needs camp in Texas. She is very excited to be in the beautiful State of Maine. She is an outdoor enthusiast; spending most of her free time hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing and snowboarding.

Dana is passionate about the development of the campers and staff alike. She says, “Needless to say I just love people, and being a part of their personal growth journey.”  

She is looking forward to her first season at Pine Tree Camp.  Welcome Dana! 

 

Pine Tree Camp has been chosen by the Newport Hannaford as the January beneficiary of the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program!

Every time anyone purchases the blue reusable bag with the “Good Karma” message at the Hannaford located at 33 Moosehead Trail in Newport, Maine during the month of January, Pine Tree Camp will receive $1.

If you visit the Newport store, please find the reusable bag rack and buy a reusable bag to benefit Pine Tree Camp!

 

Congratulations to Nona Wills from New Gloucester!  She was the winner of the Christmas Sweeps drawing at Pine Tree Society. Pine Tree Society Sweepstakes raises money to help Pine Tree Society transform lives. For information about the sweepstakes, call us at (207) 443-3341.

Pine Tree Society announced that Shelley Zielinski has been promoted to the position of Director of Adult Support Services.

Zielinski was hired by the agency in 2004. She holds her Bachelor’s degree in Mental Health and Human Services from the University of Maine at Augusta and holds MHRT/C and LSX Certifications.  She brings 15 years of experience in the field of Adult Support Services, having worked as a Direct Support Professional, PCP Coordinator, and the Adult Services Coordinator.

Zielinski embraces the additional responsibility that comes with the new position.  She said, “I am looking forward to the challenge of creating stronger programming with greater impact for those that we support.”

Pine Tree Society Human Resources Director, Denise White, commented on the promotion, “Shelley is a natural fit for the responsibilities of this position, not only because of her experience in the field, but also because of her demonstrated leadership abilities and her true passion for people of all abilities. I believe she is the right person to spearhead changes that will result in more opportunities for those we support.”

Pine Tree Society helps people in Maine with disabilities lead richer, more socially connected lives. Too often, people with disabilities feel left out, even isolated. With the help of Pine Tree Society, they’re not alone. We share a spirit of innovation and desire to discover new ways to break down barriers that many find insurmountable. It started as a bold new idea in 1936 and it continues every day. For more information, please call (207) 443-3341.

Dysart’s on Broadway is hosting the annual “Pancake Breakfast with Santa” on December 3rd, and again on December 17th, from 9:00 to 11:00 to benefit Pine Tree Camp. Bring your camera to capture those precious photos of your little ones with Santa.  The cost is $10 per person, and the kids eat free!  This is an excellent opportunity to have fun with your family, eat a delicious breakfast at Dysart’s, and help support Pine Tree Camp.  We hope to see you there!