Pine Tree Society

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Pine Tree Society Expands to Lewiston-Auburn

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This winter, Pine Tree Society expanded its programming to Auburn through the acquisition of Pathways, Inc.

“It is in our Strategic Plan to develop satellite locations and Lewiston-Auburn rose to the top as an underserved area where we could have immediate impact,” said Noel Sullivan, President & CEO. “Pathways had programs in place for young children, adults and seniors that we were able to begin working with versus starting from scratch.”

For Shelley Zielinski, Adult Services Supervisor, this acquisition has already made a difference in the community. “For many, the perception of Pathways was that it was a work program when, in fact, the programming includes early learning, community support, case management and so much more. Pine Tree Society has helped with all of that.”

Karen McClure-Richard, Director of The Early Learning Center, agrees. “The support and excitement is there.”

The Early Learning Center provides early intervention and special education programming for children ages three through six.

“It’s important to identify the needs of children as early as possible. It helps so much with their success,” continued McClure-Richard. “Our program identifies what each child needs to be successful in school. When a child transitions to kindergarten, we already understand what they need to succeed and we develop a plan for the school so they can utilize all the things we have learned about how that particular child learns.”

 

Pine Tree Camp retreat offers experience for young adults with autism

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A camp experience for young men and young women between the ages of 16 and 21 who have a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder

Offered in partnership between the Autism Transition Program and Pine Tree Camp staff, the retreat programming is designed to promote social connections, social skills and self discovery in a beautiful natural environment.

Pine Tree Camp offers 285 fully accessible acres with staff who have experience and expertise designing and offering programming for people of all abilities and all ages.

Through participation in fun-filled seasonal, nature-based and self-exploration activities including hikes, dream book creation, outdoor games, team building activities, and, of course, making s’mores around the campfire, participants will:

  • Experience personal development as they participate in new activities and meet new friends
  • Increase social skills as they connect with peers in a new environment
  • Experience motivation through group interactions and friendship building
  • Be provided an opportunity to explore interests and develop a vision for the future

The retreat also offers a respite opportunity to parents/caregivers, whether they choose to participate at Pine Tree Camp or return to their home. A parent/caregiver may attend with the individual, but caregiver participation is not necessary. For those who stay, we will offer opportunities to connect, network and enjoy plenty of respite and relaxation.

 

Program Helps Young Adults with Autism Prepare for the Future

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Noah has a goal of attending college when he graduates. Alannah is a high school sophomore looking for a part time job. Kate just turned 20 and would like to be able to live on her own. These goals might sound like those any young person in Maine would strive for, but there is one key difference that makes their goals unique: Noah, Alannah, and Kate all have autism. For them, achieving their ambitions takes extra commitment and effort.

Noah’s focus for the last year-and-a-half has been graphic design and that’s what he’s planning to study. Pine Tree Society’s Autism Transition Program is a step toward meeting that goal.

“I’ve watched him grow socially to the extent that he even offered up information himself during the program, which shocked me because he doesn’t usually do that,” said his mother, Stacey.

She finds that the workshops he’s taken part in have helped him immensely, not just with the topic at hand but with unexpected things. “The arts and crafts program really helped with his dexterity. I didn’t expect that,” she said.

The recent Autism Transition Career Exploration workshop was designed to help participants explore what types of jobs would be right for them based on their interests and skills.

He’s learning the importance of making eye contact, listening, and following directions. All skills he’ll need to succeed in college.

Alannah’s parents have been surprised at how she’s expanded socially in the program and how her patience has increased. Her mother Margaret recalled how, before her participation in this program, she didn’t have any patience at all.

“Over time in the class she’s been gaining patience with the other kids,” she said. They’ve found it helpful to have her attend the Autism Transition Program on the younger side.

“Early on, people told us to expose her to as many different things as we can, as early as we can because it will take her longer to learn,” she said. “Her next step is to get a part time job and the next workshop is perfect timing for that because she’ll be learning how to fill out job applications.”

Kate graduated from high school a year-and-a-half ago and lives with her parents. “She gains confidence and independence being out in the community in this program,” said her mother Alicia. “I think of the classes as an opportunity for her to get a taste of the real world in a safe setting. She’s with other kids who have the same issues. We can tell she likes it because she always wants to go back and she gets prepared before class. The people who lead the program are so invested and willing to help. Everybody we have dealt with has been amazing.

“They are all very capable and caring. This program is a very good step for Kate.”

Kate’s parents want her to be as independent as can be, and she wants that too.

“Which is why we’re constantly trying to find programs like this that are the right fit for her to gain independence and social skills.”