Agency - Ethel's Tree Of Life, Inc.

The mission of Ethel's Tree of Life, Inc. is to provide transition training in life and work skills for youth of 14 up to young adults of 24 who live with disabilities and/or special needs.

Description:
We accomplish our mission by providing Mentor and Recreational based learning opportunities for our students. We can learn about independent living with our life skills trips to Quebec City; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; or other culturally rich and exciting places, by our Urban Hikes in cities such as Boston or Portland; or by experiencing nutrition or art classes. By learning about team work and problem solving, we make a lot happen!! Check out our calendar at our website!

History:
Ethel's Tree of Life, Inc. was founded in 2003 by Linda Higgins. It was found that in Southern Maine and Seacoast New Hampshire there were few services to provide transitional training for entry into the adult world. While there are many services available for younger children and older adults, the 14 to 24 age range was under served. At first, ETL provided instruction in classroom type atmospheres. We listened to our students who wanted real life experiences, like a cooking class with a local cook in his or her own kitchen or like going out to dining experiences, or,going on trips without parents or aids. The students proved to learn better their way and we learned a very valuable lesson about listening to our students! After all, they are the ones we are serving!
Services are provided at the South Berwick, ME Youth Center at 3 Willow Drive and in Biddeford at the American Legion 508 Elm Street. We offer Wednesday Group in Biddeford, usually consisting of a workshop, peer support group, informal parent support group, an activity, and, a nutrition segment from 3:30 until 6. ETL Cafe', a purely social experience, is held each Thursday from 3 until 5:30 at the South Berwick Youth Center. Friday Group is held at the South Berwick Youth Center, same format as Wednesday Group. We also offer full Summer Activities, school vacation activities, and, Life Skills Trips. We also have a group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/9156497215/

Contact person: Linda A. Higgins, Executive Director And Founder, (phone), (email)

Address:

3 Willow Drive South Berwick, ME 03908 (See a map)

Directions:

Please go to the center of South Berwick and bear left onto Rte 4 (Portland Street). Travel a short distance until you can see a small park on the right (it has a monument and three canons). Bear. . . (more)

Miscellaneous Information

Will you take volunteers that must do court ordered community service?
	No
Will you take youth volunteers that are 11-15 years old?
	No
Will you take youth volunteers 16-18 years old?
	No
This agency has United Way funded programs
	Yes
The agency places volunteers in these categories:
	Groups, Adults