Ability Tree helps children with disabilities

Boy Scout calls for Ability Tree support

What is Ability Tree? What do they do? What is their purpose? What can we do to help?

These questions are what I'm trying to get across to people about Ability Tree.

Ability Tree is a nonprofit organization that helps children and families with disabilities in our community. It is located in Siloam Springs at 300 E. Main St. The Main Street Center reaches out to families through a variety of different programs, while also teaching volunteers and the community how to interact with people with disabilities and their families.

A disability means "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual." Ability Tree offers accessibility training and respite programs for churches, organizations and schools. They also have weekend and camp activities. The weekend events are for the families and children with special needs, and the five-day, four-night summer camps are for people 18 and older with physical and/or intellectual disabilities.

The purpose of Ability Tree is to reach out to families affected by disabilities through recreation, education, support and training (their R.E.S.T. program). Ability Tree aims to connect with people and organizations to raise awareness and build supportive connections to strengthen and grow able families.

Ability Tree is a small organization at the moment, but they have a vision. Joe Butler, the CEO and founder of the organization, said "The vision and mission of Ability Tree is far too great for one or even a few to carry out alone. It will take thousands of individuals, businesses and churches to establish support networks in every county across the United States. But you can make a difference. Consider making a donation or becoming a Leaf Partner with us today to help reach out to more families impacted by disabilities."

This is what we can do to help. By volunteering and giving to help families and individuals in need. Make a difference little by little.

Sincerely,

Chandler Stewart

Boy Scouts Troop 84

Editors note: Chandler Stewart is working on his Eagle Scout Project to raise awareness and increase support for Ability Tree and the services it provides.