Special Tree attends BIAMI Conference

The 2014 Brain Injury Association of Michigan annual conference on September 11 & 12was host to a record number of attendees this year, and Special Tree arrived in Lansing with style.

Thanks to the fabulous work of Bill Fritz and Jim Richert of the facilities team, Special Tree introduced a new exhibit display at our booth designed to highlight our 40^th Anniversary. Our booth, ad, packet inserts and promotional SWAG were themed around the “40 Years and Still Growing” campaign. Our display even incorporated an 11’ foot live tree that was later planted along the entry road to the Romulus NeuroCare Campus and 500 flower bulbs that Special Tree handed out over the two-day event.

Vice President Jack Richert was already sharing Special Tree give-aways with attendees when the conference opened while Senior Rehabilitation Services Representative Mike Malley chatted with curious visitors at the booth.

Special Tree staff and clients mingled with industry friends, colleagues and the various vendors, eventually making their way to the keynote speech by Lee Woodruff, author of the book In an Instant which is about her experience as a caregiver for her husband Bob Woodruff; a former co-anchor for ABC World News Tonight who sustained a TBI during his coverage of the war in Iraq.

After the keynote, attendees participated in breakout sessions presented by leading TBI experts including Special Tree physicians Jennifer Doble, MD, and Corina Lazar, MD, (upper right), Learning Systems Manager Mary Jo Hall, BA, CBIST, and Nutritionists Jill Prisza, RD, CNSC, CBIS, and Brahmlin Sethi, RD.

“The annual BIAMI conference is one of the most important venues for Michigan-based brain injury focused companies like us. We had five presenters from Special Tree this year which is an honor and an indication of how committed our employees are to this field.,” said CEO Joe Richert.

Thank you speakers and attendees of Special Tree, and a big thanks to staff who accompanied our clients.

Pictured from top left to bottom right: Vice Pres. Jack Richert shares give-aways with interested attendees; Senior HR Specialist LaShawn Slay and Learning Systems Manager Mary Jo Hall pose in front of the new booth backdrop; Special Tree physicians Corina Lazar, MD, and Jennifer Doble, MD both spoke at the conference; Senior RSR Mike Malley talks industry friends and partners; Keynote Speaker Lee Woodruff shares the story of her husband Bob Woodruff; and Rec. Therapist Kristen Pyles and Vocational Specialist Sara Lundsten chat with Keynote Speaker Kevin Pearce.

Discover! Summer: Learning & Adventure in One Great Program

The days are getting shorter, vacations are ending and school buses are back on the streets. Fall has arrived, and with it ends another great year of the exciting Discover! Summer program at Special Tree. It’s back to school for the students, but the memories of 2014 are sure to last a lifetime.

Special Tree wrapped up the busy summer on Friday, August 22nd with a picnic at Cass-Benton Park in Northville, Michigan. Fresh grilled burgers and hot dogs, carnival games, an inflatable slide, music, and an arcade awaited Special Tree students and their families. Midway through the afternoon Christine Morabito, Children's Services Associate Director, gathered everyone together to recognize the students who graduated this year and are heading off to college and other new adventures. 

The picnic send-off was a wonderful way to wrap up a summer that included learning new skills, exploring the community, and academic and vocational programming to help students keep up the momentum with learning and rehabilitation all summer long. 

The program is organized around weekly themes that tie activities, learning, therapeutic activities and community outings together to help students continue the rehabilitation process. In week one, students began the weekly sessions that would form the backbone of the program, including  cooking classes, fitness lessons, and science and academic groups. They also got acquainted with all of the therapy staff and peer mentors—younger adults who are often former Discover! Summer participants—who help newer students feel at ease and settle into the routine. 

One of the first big outings was a trip to the Kalamazoo Air Zoo where students learned of the daring astronauts and WWII pilots that pioneered modern flight. They played disc golf, also known as frisbee golf, which challenged their hand-eye coordination, teamwork skills, and cognitive skills such as sequencing and following directions. The beauty of the Discover! Summer program is that while the activities often have a number of therapeutic benefits, the students hardly notice they're participating in therapy while enjoying the adventures. 

And what would a summer of adventure be without a baseball game in the mix? Week three included a Detroit Tigers victory over the Oakland Athletics and the treasure hunting exploits of Blackbeard John Bones and the pirate-fighting adventures of Peter Pan. Wild things were in store during week four, with creative games based on Animal Crackers and Zoo Pictionary. The students explored “Where the Wild Things Are” by dressing up in animal masks, and tracked down a geocache in the local community. As week four ended with a trip to the Summer Wind Sanctuary, week five picked up with Michigan Adventures. Highlights included making cherry blossom art, fishing, a tour of Special Tree’s own greenhouse and an action packed day in Port Huron. Week six was a free-for-all titled “Anything Goes” week. The kids spent time decorating pieces of a giant wall puzzle to promote individuality and cooperation and playing in the water park at Frankenmuth’s Splash Village.

Fresh on the heels of learning about horticulture at the Special Tree greenhouse, the Discover! Summer crew headed out in week seven to the Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor where they saw the famed blooming of the Agave Americana, which only comes to term once in a lifetime. Another trip to Frankenmuth showed off the Ultimate Mirror Maze and, later, sampling international treats at a Japanese Tea House. In week eight, it was back to the waterworks, but this time with a super-hero theme for “Adventureland” week. As part of a larger event organized by Special Tree Recreational Therapists, students were able to try out adaptive kayaking and cycling at the Peddles and Paddles event, followed by an archery lesson. Some of the older students had a chance for an overnight trip to Higgins Lake which really reinforced the friendships that had formed throughout the summer.

Finally, the program wrapped up with “Discover Summer's Got Talent!” The centers were abuzz as students prepared their own unique performances for the annual talent show. The students showed off mad skills in magic tricks, artistic experession, singing, dancing, poetry, and fashion.

While the picnic would be the last day for some, other students will continue on in the Special Tree Discover! After School program. Either way, heading back to school each fall is always a big transition, but with the learning and academics woven through the summer, the Special Tree students are ready to take on the challenge. Hats off to all of our awesome staff who worked to make Discover! Summer another fantastic year for all.

For admissions and information on Special Tree Children's Services, please visit http://specialtree.com/kids-teens or call Christine Morabito at 800-648-6885.

Pedals and Paddles encourages fun in the sun

In Michigan, summer is the best time for being outdoors, and earlier this month, Special Tree's Recreational Therapists helped show our clients how outdoor activities can be adapted for anyone to enjoy.

Clients young and old took to path and water alike in custom built accessible bicycles and kayaks at Willow Metro Park in New Boston as part of the Pedals and Paddles event on August 6, 2014. The adaptive equipment was courtesy of Riverside Kayak Connection of Wyandotte and Industrial Bicycles of Dearborn. 

“It went fantastically. We had great participation and tons of clients showed up,” said Mark MacAleese, Special Tree’s Director of Therapy Services. “We estimate that 25 people kayaked and some went more than once. The best part for me was watching our clients who were afraid to try it to overcome their fears and give it go. They would see others do it and get emboldened. Then they were asking when they could come for another trip.”

In the past, only bicycles were available during the event, but two years ago, Special Tree CEO Joe Richert happened across an adaptive kayak launch during a civic tour of Wyandotte. After discussing it with the people responsible for installing it, Joe decided it would be good to publicize the then underutilized launch. From there, Special Tree was acquainted with Riverside Kayak Connection, and together the groups planned a kickoff event.

The pond at Willow Metro Park was the perfect blend of size and calmness, and clients who kayaked were assisted by therapists certified in adaptive kayaking. After the success of Pedals and Paddles, the recreational therapy team is just getting started.

“Next year, I’d like to expand the event to groups outside of Special Tree," shared Director Mac Aleese. "I’d like to bring more brain injury awareness to a bigger and larger community."

The therapy team, which coordinates kayaking and cycling at various times throughout the year, also wants to increase opportunities for client involvement. "We have a couple clients who want to continue kayaking," shared Mark. "And they expressed an interest when they learned to actually start training through the company.

 “The goal is to open the door for them to do these activities on their own; to help them regain that independence. And I think that’s something we can share with everyone.”

Special Tree Founder, Dr. Joseph J. Richert, Retires

Special Tree staff and clients gathered at the NeuroCare Campus on Tuesday, July 1, 2014 to surprise Dr. Joseph J. Richert with a special celebration to honor him as he retires after 55 years as a family physician and more than 35 years as Medical Director for Special Tree.

President & CEO Joseph C. Richert commended his father for his service to our clients, our staff, and to the community before unveiling a plaque which now hangs in the main lobby of the Neuro Care Center North. After seeing the plaque, Doc shared a few words with the staff, clients, and family members who had gathered to honor and celebrate his life's work.

Dr. Joseph J. Richert, affectionately known to all as "Doc," along with his wife, Jean Richert, and others, had the vision to establish Apple Tree Lane, now known as Special Tree Rehabilitation System, 40 years ago in November of 1974. He served as Medical Director for nearly the entire time since, before stepping down just a few years ago, shifting to a supporting role as Medical Director, Emeritus. This spring, he officially retired as a family physician, though he'll always be "Doc" to us.

The festive event called for a special kind of dessert, so Special Tree’s own Cathy Wojtas, Residential Administrative Assistant and Baker Extraordinaire, whipped up a cake in the shape of a doctor’s white coat, complete with Special Tree logo. The Special Tree Dietary team contributed to the spread with a delicious assortment of tea sandwiches and punch. Staff presented Doc with an oversized greeting card which they had all signed. It was a very fitting event for the caring, modest, gentle spirit who made such a tremendous difference in the countless lives he touched over the years.

Thank you, Doc, for all you have done and for the lessons you have taught us. We love you!

Recreation & Mobility Expo draws new vendors, increased attendees

The weather was a bit overcast, but no one at the Romulus NeuroCare Campus seemed to notice as visitors and vendors came together Saturday, July 19, 2014 for Special Tree's Recreation and Mobility Expo, a resource fair for persons with spinal cord injury and other mobility needs.

"We had a much greater turnout than last year," shared Jack Richert, who serves on the Expo planning committee. "There was a good vibe and a lot going on."
 

Over a dozen area mobility experts and vendors were on hand to showcase products, services, adaptive equipment, and recreational opportunities that can have a very positive impact on the quality of life for persons with spinal cord injury. From Delta Airlines to Special Tree’s own InPro Enterprises, there was something for everyone.




The event is the brain child of Todd Hammons, Special Tree’s Accessibility Advisor, who knew many of the vendors personally through his own search to regain an active lifestyle after experiencing a spinal cord injury--a lifestyle which now includes operating his adaptive speedboat.
 

“It's good to show people what's out there," said Hammons.  "The weathers not great but we got a lot of people out here to see what we're doing and that’s what matters."

 

And there was plenty to see. Industrial Bicycles, from Dearborn, showcased a bicycle that was completely steered and pedals from the handlebars, allowing people without the use of their legs to enjoy a bike ride. Delta Airlines sent representatives loaded with giveaways who offered visitors a tour of the airport and demonstration of how they can assist passengers with special needs to board planes. In this they hoped to reduce the anxiety that can sometimes accompany traveling with wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
 

Erik Shue, of Accessible Visions, demoed a special motorized cart that enables golfers to not only move around the course without damaging the green or fairway, but also to stand upright whenever they need to hit the ball.

“I live pretty close to one of Special Tree’s residential homes and was invited to come out,” said Shue. “I found this chair in Germany and I’ve been happy to bring it to the US. It lets you stand when you want to hit and sit when you’re rolling. The tires are very wide as well and this lets them go on the green without damaging it. It’s a great thing to have if you’re a golfer.”

For those more interested in water recreation, Chet Kuskowski from Wright and Filippis gathered quite a crowd when he displayed wake boards and water skis designed for people without the use of their legs. Also on display was a fishing pole holster that could operate the tool with only one hand.

“I’ve known Todd for 25 years and I’m happy to come out here and show off what is possible,” said Kuskowski. “This kind of stuff gives them the knowledge that they can still do stuff. They don’t get exposed to it much and this shows them that they’re still capable of doing what they did before their injury. It’s been a lot of fun coming out.”

Finally, wheelchair tennis and basketball was on display, to which many visitors decided to join in and enjoy, so much that many played well after the event ended.
 

Teen Clients Restoring Vintage Car

Now this is a summer job to brag about!  Teens in the Discover Summer Vocational Youth Program are working hard to restore a rare 1960 Ford Edsel Ranger for their summer work project.   Car owner Steve Kozmor, Special Tree’s Industrial Operation Center Coordinator (IOC), is overseeing this exciting project to return the car to the original sea foam beauty is was in the 60s.  With additional support from Special Tree job coaches, the students are also building basic work skills for future employment in the community.  

The group has accomplished a lot since beginning the restoration project at the IOC in June.  So far, the students have washed the car and removed the engine, front end, doors, carpeting, and interior seating.   All removable parts are off the car and students are in the process of sand blasting and painting the parts as well as the interior of the car.  Stay tuned for updates on the restoration as the students have been documenting their progress by taking photographs and recording their completed job tasks daily!

 

Celebrating Independence: Flag Raising at NCC

During our NeuroCare Campus expansion in 2012, we had to remove our flagpole during the new building construction and campus landscaping. It was carefully set aside for later re-installation.

Today, July 3, 2014, Vice President and Director of Referral and Admissions Jack Richert led a ceremony to raise the flag once again, now in its new home in front of the main campus entrance outside of NeuroCare North. 

Jack thanked the men and women who serve our country, especially in times of war, as clients, staff and visitors were at attention, hands over hearts, as the star spangled banner played in the background and the flag was officially raised for the first time. The flag is now flying high once again at Special Tree NCC.

Independence is something we like to celebrate in ways big and small all year long with and for our clients, so it is fitting to raise the flag as part of the Independence Day holiday - perhaps our favorite holiday of the year!

Have a safe and happy July 4^th weekend.

Discover Summer Spotlight: Academic Groups

Learning doesn’t stop just because school is out.  That’s why Special Tree’s Discover Summer program for kids and teens with brain injuries adds a layer of academic programming to the mix of therapeutic activities.  Throughout the summer, students participate in academic groups based on their academic level and individual educational goals.  Academic groups are designed to enhance reading, writing, math, and social skills to keep student’s skills going strong throughout the summer.  Students learn through educational hands-ons projects and interactive learning in science, geography, and recreation that are tailored to each student’s needs.   

My Favorite Memory at Special Tree

by Tamanay D., Rehabilitation Services Technician

My favorite Special Tree memory is when Webster Court had two apple trees. I use to go outside and get the apples and bake homemade apple pies for the clients.  Here's the recipe.  Enjoy!   

 

Tamanay's Apple Pie

5 to 7 Med Apples (Granny Smith, Golden Delicious or Gala) peel take seeds out and cut med thin

Add 3 Tablespoons of Lemon juice to the Apples and mix the juice with the Apples

½ Cup of Sugar

4 tablespoons All Purpose Flour

1 ½ teaspoon Cinnamon

¼ Nutmeg

3 Tablespoons (cut small) of butter or I can’t believe it’s not butter

 

Add all dry ingredients together

Place the 1 pie crust in the bottom of pie pan (store bought or homemade) put into oven for 5 mins lightly baked and take out. Add the Apples first and the Dry ingredients together. Then put the butter cubes On top of the apple filling. Take the other pie crust and lie on top of the filling, and use a butter knife to make 3-4 very small slits in the center. Then use a fork to press the pie crust edges down.

 

Preheat the oven to 375 to 425 depending on the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. The crust should be medium brown. Take out the oven and let the pie sit for 10 minutes. Enjoy the savory sweetness of a homemade Apple Pie!

 

For the Carmel Apple Pie use everything at the top instead of ½ Cup of Sugar use ¼ Cup of Sugar. Purchase the Carmel chunks, melt 6-8 pieces in a sauce pan and mix it with the filling. You can also use Pecans, and or Walnuts too.

 

 

What Does it Mean to be an RST?

by Miranda D., Special Tree Rehabilitation Services Technician

I love working in a place where I am needed by other people, it brings me the most satisfaction. I love to give and to serve other people.  My heart is so big for the clients at the residential home where I work.  It brings me so much joy knowing that I can be there for them.  This is the best job I’ve ever had and for that I don’t ever plan on leaving.

My best memory at Special Tree is every single day that I’ve worked here; sure I could select certain times that I’ve done something fun with a client, like doing their hair or going on a community outing, but I ultimately value these people on a daily basis and love taking care of their needs.

The clients have made such an impact in my life and I enjoy showing them just how important they are to me. I would only want the same from someone else if I was in their position, wouldn’t you? “Living the Science of Caring” means making an effort each and every day.  It’s stepping out of our comfort zone, pushing yourself to do your best, and keeping a positive attitude so we can best serve our clients.

My time here in the last three years has been unforgettable. The clients have changed me forever and for that I am honored to know and provide care to such wonderful individuals. What a privilege we have to work here and to be a part of this fantastic “family”. I know even if I didn’t work here, I’d still come back to visit. How could you stay away?

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you Rehabilitation Service Technicians!

RST Victoria Asubonteng

“They really are the backbone of Special Tree.”

That was the sentiment that Nursing Director Della Buchanan shared about Special Tree’s Residential Service Technicians (RST.) On duty 24/7, 365 days a year, RSTs help clients with personal care and activities of daily living, support our nursing staff, and manage meals, medication, and household tasks at Special Tree's NeuroCare Campus and residential locations. RST week begins on June 14 and Buchanan and many others had a lot to say about how much they appreciate the work they do. Most agreed that RSTs are the backbone of Special Tree staff, but that’s not all they are.

“During my initial training, the staff instructors really emphasized that the RSTs are the first line of defense in our client’s lives,” said Residential Services Administrative Assistant Cathy Wojtas. “They’re usually the first ones to notice changes and the ones that let us know as quickly as possible. They’re all very close to their clients."

“It takes a very special person to do that kind of work. RSTs are our eyes and ears and they know their clients completely,” said Buchanan.“They bathe and feed them and provide a lot of TLC. They help them have increased independence and give praise for even the smallest accomplishments. They are an integral part of Special Tree and I value them greatly. I think they’re wonderful.”

RST Vonnica Jones

There’s plenty in store for the RSTs during their appreciation week including activities, special treats, and prize give-aways including a drawing for six $25 gas cards. Cold drinks will also be available at the Troy and Romulus Neuro Skills Centers for the staff on transport duties and will continue throughout the summer as the temperature increases.  The Residential Services staff is also planning a Spirit Week with a different theme each day.
 

Special Tree CEO Joe Richert nicely summed up the critical role of RSTs at Special Tree. 

“It’s our aim at Special Tree to provide the best care possible and to help reintegrate our clients back into society.  That would not be possible without all the hard work that our RSTs provide. They’re really caring individuals and I thank them.”

Reliable: a buddy you can count on.

Enriching: always bettering yourself.

Honest: trustworthy and true.

Accomodating: always taking care of others.

Best: at what you do.

So: energetic and

Essesntial: to everyone you serve.

Rare: gem. You are so

Valuable: to everyone here.

Incredible: amazingly awesome.

Caring: candid, cheerful and

Excellent: in the care you give.

Thorough: attentive to details.

Efficient: succeeding in all you do.

Comforting: cooperative and just plain

Heroic: we thank you again and again.

Special Tree Honors Ol' Timers

Each year, Special Tree recognizes the dedication and contributions of staff with 10 or more years of service with a recognition luncheon affectionately called “The Ol’ Timer Luncheon.”   

Special Tree is proud to have over 100 "Ol’ Timers," who recently gathered in May at the Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth, MI to enjoy a gourmet lunch and to give special recognition to colleagues celebrating milestone anniversaries (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35).  Milestone honorees were presented with plaques and praise from supervisors. 

A highlight of the event was a tribute to Special Tree’s longest-serving Ol’ Timer, co-founder Doc Richert, who is retiring after 40 years as Special Tree’s Medical Director. CEO Joe Richert and Physician Assistant Kelly Barker praised Doc for the vision that he and his wife Jean had in establishing Special Tree back in 1974.   Doc was also recognized for his 55 year career as a family physician.  A plaque honoring Doc will be unveiled at a ceremony at the NeuroCare Campus in Romulus, MI in June.

Congrats to this year's milestone honoreees:
 

10 years
Dana Barnes
Conswaylo Brown
Tamanay Daniels
Charyn Esters
Nancy Goldberg
Devin Mixon
Sylvia Mullins
Samantha Murphy
Amanda Ohrt
Jill Prisza
Phillip Raymond
James Richert
Elizabeth Westergaard

15 years
Peggy Allen- Bock

Vickie Gunnell
Lori Hall
Angie Joquico
Melissa Lempicki
Shella Smith
Carolyn Walker

20 years
Janice Cannon

Theresa Dore
Vickie Lambert
Cindy Manetta

25 years
Cathi Connors

Jack Richert

30 years
Roy Bartoloni

35 years
Lyle Williams

Find more photos on Special Tree's facebook page!

InPro Ceramics & Garden Sale a Big Success

Special Tree's NeuroCare Campus was delighted to host clients from InPro vocational services who put on a fantastic ceramics and garden sale on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at the North building.  The timing of the sale gave everyone an opportunity to select some very thoughtful gifts for family and friends for Mother's Day.

The InPro crew manned the sale, which showcased items made by clients participating in the Greenhouse, Ceramics and other Day Treatment and Vocational programs. Thanks to the team effort, the InPro Mother’s Day sale was a huge hit. Offerings included plants and flowers planted in colorful ceramic pots, “seed bombs” which when planted spring into wild flowers, and dried herbs.

 “It’s been pretty busy and a lot of staff came by on their lunch,” said Greenhouse Coordinator Linda Davis. “Everything here was done by the clients. The pots came from the ceramics department, they helped transplant the flowers into the pots, the dried herbs were fully client cut and processed, and the seed bombs were just an activity. It’s nice to support their work this way.”

Staff members are sure to have some happy mothers this May.

Spring Fling Prom 2014! Truly "A Night to Remember"

More than 125 clients came together on Friday, May 2, 2014 for Special Tree's Spring Fling dinner dance at Roma's of Garden City. Now in it's 14th year, the annual event draws Special Tree clients, staff, friends and alumni from all over Southeast and Mid-Michigan for a festive night filled with food, music, dancing, socializing and more. The many hours of planning and coordination by staff paid off once again with a fantastic event that seems to top itself year after year. 

This spring's theme Prom: A Night to Remember, inspired by a residential client who had missed her own high school prom, added a fun new twist to the evening. When staff heard about Marlene G.'s desire to attend prom, having missed hers after experiencing a traumatic brain injury several years ago at sixteen, they began brainstorming ways they could give her a second chance at the quintessential teen rite of passage. They presented the idea to the Spring Fling committee, and the "Prom 2014" theme was born. 

In addition to the usual banquet dinner, live band, and fabulous dance party, clients decked out in tuxes, ball gowns, top hats, and other finery. When Marlene was crowned Special Tree Prom Queen, there was no bigger smile in the room than hers.

“Everyone said it was the best Spring Fling we’ve ever had,” reflected RiverView Program Manager and Spring Fling Chair Debbie Justice. “We’ve done some wonderful themes in the past, but nothing nearly as big as this. The whole prom thing got everyone geeked. I was really happy with how it turned out.” Even the party preparations took on a new life, with most of the clothing and jewelry collected through a series of donations, and clients meeting up for 'Diva Night' and tuxedo shop outings to get ready.

Clients arrived at Roma's in cars, vans and even a wheelchair accessible limousine. Looking their sharpest in suits, dresses, gowns and tuxedos, they entered the hall to find a flurry of decorations, and a corsage or boutineer for every attendee—made by clients in the InPro vocational program. 

There were even party favors, and a sparkly balloon backdrop to pose for the traditional Prom Photo. After a delicious sit down dinner, live band Remedy took off with popular covers and clients flocked to the dance floor. Later in the evening, a conga line formed to the tune “Soul Train.”

“That [conga line] will be done at every event now. I really think that’s going to be a new tradition with how much the clients took to it,” said Justice. “It’s funny, but we have this new staffer who at some point in the night ran up to me and gave me this huge hug. She said ‘I can’t believe I get paid to do this!’ It was just such a great night. It turned out really great.”

Pulling off an event of this magnitude requires tremendous coordination by many people, organizing everything from transportation, scheduling, dietary needs, client supports, decorations, and more. But the effort is so worthwhile. Infusing the recovery process every so often with events like Spring Fling provide an important break from the rehabilitation routine, and greatly enhance clients' quality of life.


"It's one of my favorite events all year," shared CEO Joe Richert. "Seeing everyone coming together and enjoying themselves, you really see the value in doing something like this. Until you've witnessed what happens on that dance floor, you just can't imagine what a tremendous morale boost this is—for clients and staff alike."

Justice specifically acknowledged the incredible work of the Spring Fling committee, many of whom were new to the team this year. “It takes a lot of people to put the Spring Fling together," she said. "But it was so fun and totally worth it.”

Dressing sharp for Spring Fling

The Prom Spring Fling is upon us and the clients of Special Tree will be dressed to the nines tonight!

The preparations began with the Diva Night in early April. Through a series of donations Special Tree organized a "shopping night" where the ladies gathered to pick out dresses, accessories and shoes for the prom. The air was filled with excitement as they made their selections, tried on dresses, and talked about the upcoming party. And no matter what their selection, the one thing every woman wore leaving was a smile.

And this week, the guys got their own special day. Fitted for tuxedos with their requested color schemes, the men are sure to look their sharpest when they take to the dance floor.


Tradition is that you look your absolute best for a formal dance, and some of the clients attending have never had the opportunity to go to Prom. It's never too late to accomplish a life goal. Tonight will surely be a "Night to Remember" (this year's prom theme!)