What does it mean? October 12, 2011

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.

Pine Tree Society is competing in Town and Country Federal Credit Union’s Better Neighbor Fund. For the month of October, you can go to Town and Country Federal Credit Union’s Facebook page and vote each day for Pine Tree Society. 

There are eight grants being given out, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. What does winning one of these grants mean for Pine Tree Society, you may ask? 

Being able to communicate is an essential part of life. Not being able to communicate and fully participate at home, school, work, and recreational settings can be frustrating and isolating. Pine Tree Society has programming to help alleviate those feelings.

Interpreting Services offers Maine’s only statewide emergency sign language interpreting service during non-business hours, a service that is widely used by hospitals, mental health and legal agencies throughout the state.

Communication Pathways  works with children, their families and their educators to discover the best method that will create a pathway to clear and effective communication. The Communication Pathways team are expert in the most innovative tools and excel at empowering the children, family and educators with whom they’re working. 

Living barrier-free is another important aspect of helping Maine people with disabilities lead a richer, more connected life. The Kids’ Project provides affordable, high-quality adaptive equipment made with care by talented volunteer woodworkers and upholsterers. Recently, The Kids’ Project built a lobster boat for the playground at Old Town Elementary School. The lobster boat is fully accessible, benefiting all children and promoting social interaction. 

Pine Tree Camp is the epitome of a barrier-free experience. From boating to kayaking, fishing to baseball, children and adults come to Pine Tree Camp year after year for the experiences and friendships. Kelly Handy has been coming to Pine Tree Camp for 5 years and describes how she feels about camp:
  

What does winning one of the grants from Town and Country Federal Credit Union  mean to Pine Tree Society? It means continuing the tradition of being an innovator and impacting in the lives of Maine children and adults with disabilities. We invite you to be a part of the tradition, too – vote today.