Pine Tree Society’s Community Support program revolves around these three words:

Connected.  Engaged.  Active.

Our team of Direct Support Professionals foster an atmosphere in which our clients feel connected – connected to each other and connected to their community.  Our participants become part of a whole.  There is a sense of belonging and comradery built and strengthened through daily activities.  Participants can count on each other for support, encouragement and inspiration.  At the same time, participants build connections in the community – their community.  We focus on building these natural supports through activities that maximize independence.

Our clients are engaged.  They have a sense of purpose built through meaningful activities that are designed based on their goals.  They are engaged in leading every aspect of the activity schedule – after all, this is their program.

We love to be active, soaking in all that Maine has to offer.  We partner with our colleagues at Pine Tree Camp to offer programming that harnesses the Spirit of Pine Tree Camp – like bike riding, hiking and nature exploration.  (We even visit Pine Tree Camp now and then for archery, kayaking and swimming!)  We offer year-round Special Olympics training with certified coaches to enhance wellness, build self-confidence and create a sense of belonging to a team.

Our Community Support programs are based in convenient locations in Scarborough and Auburn.

How can I become eligible for Pine Tree Society’s Community Support Services? Participants 18 years of age or older that are found financially or medically eligible through the Office of Aging and Disability Services are able to access our community support services. Pine Tree Society also offers opportunities for private pay.

I am new.  How will I make friends?  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 comfort and comradery in a new setting.

Will I receive support with my Person-Centered Plan? Yes. Pine Tree Society fully supports the development and implementation of your Person-Centered Plan. Our Service Planner will work closely with you and your primary DSP to document your goals and desires for each year.

What are the program centers like?  Our Auburn location has recently undergone a complete renovation to provide a bright modern space for our clients alongside a new computer lab.  Read more about the renovations.  Our Scarborough location provides a homelike atmosphere with a full kitchen and dining area that fosters relationships and opportunities for connection.

I really want to go to Pine Tree Camp.  Can you help?  Our Community Support clients receive early notification about summer camp applications.

What does a typical day look like?  On any given day, our clients can be found taking in all that Maine has to offer: exploring the outdoors, learning new things, being physically active and volunteering. Whatever the activity, you can be sure the group is having fun connecting with each other and the community in which they live.

Who will be working with me?  Pine Tree Society’s Community Support team is recognized for their respect and focus on partnering with people to design programs that are engaging, meaningful and meet individual goals.  From young adults transitioning out of high school, to individuals who want to be on the go in the community, to adults looking for a nurturing, gentle space; we offer a variety of small group Community Support options based on a person’s unique interests.

I love technology.  Is technology built into the program?  Communication and technology skills are critical for independence.  Building these skills supports independent living and our on-site demo and loan centers allow people to experience first-hand which technologies best support their unique needs.

Where are you located?  Although our programming is mainly out in the community, we have two physical locations where we meet our clients. Center-based activities are designed based on participant interests and goals.

Our locations include:

Scarborough 

Elevation Center

71 US Route 1

Auburn 

589 Minot Avenue