A Winning Day for Dennis

Client Dennis L. and RST Haleem Goode enjoyed a Tiger’s game at Comerica Park on April 22nd compliments of Buckfire & Buckfire P.C. Attorneys at Law in Southfield. Dennis's Tiger tickets were part of a contest give-away that the firm sponsored for persons with TBI and SCI. To enter the contest, individuals with a TBI or SCI had to be nominated by a caregiver or someone involved in their rehabilitation. When Troy Recreational Therapist Shannon Zalobsky heard about the contest she immediately nominated Dennis. “He’s a BIG Tiger’s fan, but it’s not always possible for him to catch a game each season,” she said. “He was so thrilled to win and had an amazing time at the game!”

Relax...

By: Rebecca Cowell and Joyce Krause

“Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is to relax”  Mark Black

And what better way to relax than to gaze at a beautiful scene. Jamal Bell, a student at Special Tree's  Livonia Student Center and budding artist, along with the organizational help of Christopher Waterman painted a lovely scene on one of the ceiling tiles in the new relaxing massage therapy room at the NeuroCare Center North. Imagine this: entering the dimly lit womb like room, with a comfortable place to set your body as you recline on the plush massage table you are drawn to gazing up at the tropical oasis encouraging you to take a deep breathe for maybe the first time of the day. Your mind is invited to wander with soothing music and therapeutic touch as you escape into the tropical paradise of sun, sand and soothing waters. Ahhhhhh, great work Jamal!

Jamal and Chris brighten up the Livonia Student Center with artwork for the Discover! Summer Program

Jamal's tile from the view of the massage table at the NeuroCare Center

A Job Well Done

Midland Administrative Assistant Kim Campbell needed an extra box Kleenex on her desk when she came into work on May 24^th.  That was her last official day of being a job mentor to Jordon, a 23-year-old student from Midland Public School’s Post-secondary Transition Program for students with special needs. 

Since September, Kim has worked closely with Jordan two mornings a week at Special Tree on developing skills to help her transition to a paying job in the community.  Jordan impressed Kim right away by how quickly she got her work routine down, which includes light clerical work like filing, faxing, and Xeroxing, “Jordan took her responsibilities at Special Tree very seriously and did an amazing job,” said Kim.  

More importantly, Kim saw tremendous growth in Jordan’s self-confidence as she learned to work independently and communicate with staff and clients more easily.  “Kim helped me a lot,” said Jordan.  Kim was especially thrilled when Jordan recently shared the good news that she was hired for a part-time position in a daycare.  “I’m so happy for her. It makes me feel like I did my job as a role model,” said Kim.  Jordan is the second student Kim has mentored from the program and she’s looking forward to working with a new student in the fall.  “It’s a good feeling to help these kids grow.”   

Kim and Jordon take a break from working on Jordon's last day