Community Support

SPECIAL NOTE: We’re currently offering remote programming to virtually connect and provide Community and Home Support. These services are available on user friendly technology platforms and we’re providing individualized tech support.

Pine Tree Society offers a variety of Community Support options available to clients based on interests and needs. Our team is recognized for their respect and focus on partnering with clients to design a program that is engaging, meaningful and meets the clients’ individual needs and goals.

TWAROG | 25 Poland Road, Auburn

Designed for individuals who are looking for a nurturing, gentle space.

The social connections and friendships among clients blossom through participation in meaningful activities in the center and out in the community. Center-based activities are designed based on participant interests and goals. Typical activities include crafting, music, board games, gardening and adaptive exercise. We welcome regular guests for special activities including Drums Alive, massage
and ceramics.

With regular community outings for volunteering for organizations like Meals on Wheels, exploring the outdoors with regular visits to our beautiful state parks and enjoying a meal in a local restaurant, participants can expect to spend time connecting to the community in which they live alongside friends and caring staff.

368 | 368 Minot Avenue, Auburn

Innovative program for individuals transitioning from high school

It’s no secret that life after high school is isolating for people with disabilities. Pine Tree Society has designed a new kind of community support program specifically for individuals who are transitioning from high school. What makes this program unique is that it is centered on technology yet takes place in a small group, low sensory environment.

Teenagers with disabilities have the same questions most new graduates do when they first get out of high school. Where do I go next? What do I do? What kind of skills do I need to get and keep a job?

This program serves as a peer group for social connection, athletics, support and friendship. We focus on prevocational skill building, career exploration and career planning through volunteerism to provide a foundation needed to move into career services. Clients can expect to be out of the center exploring all aspects of the community with focused hands-on time volunteering at local organizations.

In today’s world, communication and technology skills are critical. Our activities focus on group communication and social thinking to build social pragmatics skills in a supportive environment. A focus on Special Olympics training and competition enhances wellness, builds self-confidence and a feeling of team and community among the participants.

Discover more at this link.

589 | 589 Minot Avenue, Auburn

589 is designed for clients who love to be on the go and immersed in the community. The programming calendar is designed for clients by clients based on interests and goals, resulting in strong ownership, pride and a sense of belonging.

Our clients love to explore their community and work to build skill of daily living and natural supports along the way through a wide variety of activities which could include volunteering at the Maine Wildlife Park and Meals on Wheels, cooking classes, exploring local nature trails, seeing the latest production at the local theater, playing basketball at the Lewiston Armory, visiting local museums and sharing a meal in a restaurant. A special focus on seasonality of activities, ensures that we take advantage of all of the activities Maine has to offer like taking in a Sea Dogs game in the spring, visiting Pine Tree Camp in the summer, apple picking in the fall and skiing at Lost Valley when the snow flies.

Special Olympics has become a focus for many of our clients with the option to participate and compete with our team of certified coaches all year long resulting in benefits related to physical fitness, sense of team and increased self-confidence.

We recognize that entering a new community support program can feel overwhelming. Our informal mentoring program helps to facilitate the formation of new connections for incoming clients to ensure a comfort and comradery in a new setting.

Community Service | 71 US Route 1, Scarborough

There’s a strong sense of community at Pine Tree Society’s Scarborough-based community support program. We see the connections that form and grow stronger as a result of meaningful activities in which clients act as both the teacher and the learner. Friendships are formed built on mutual respect and trust.

The center matches that philosophy with a bright, welcoming space that feels like home. With a full, modern kitchen, clients are hands-on in nutritious meal planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation, dining and clean up adding to the family-like atmosphere.

Activities are designed for clients by clients through the program council based on needs, interests and goals. There is a focus on building ADL skills, independence, self-advocacy and wellness in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Clients can be found swimming at a local pool, exploring the outdoors at one of our local state parks, volunteering for a local organization, hiking local nature trails, bowling or taking in all that Portland has to offer through museum tours, visiting the ocean or watching a Sea Dogs game at Hadlock Field. Whatever the activity, you can be sure the group is having fun connecting with each other and the community in which they live.