Our Story

“Our son Porter has attended the Pingree Center since he was 3 years old. Porter was and still is, a very beautiful boy with endless energy and ideas for achieving whatever is set in his mind. We love him fiercely and only want the best for him. Putting him on a bus to send him away off from our home was difficult. We knew he needed to be in a safe environment where the school staff would be as patient and loving as we would be, and he would be challenged to learn in ways to suit him. Pingree has fit those expectations for the last ten years. Our family has sacrificed every year in order to ensure we can afford to send Porter to Pingree, as we strongly believe this is the best for him. Every person that has contributed to this program has our sincere appreciation, as it significantly eases this burden on us and allows us to continue forward with Porter attending the Pingree Center. It is truly his home away from home.”

– Brad & Kymberly Burgess

“The services at the Pingree Center have made a profoundly impacted Sam’s growth and development. He is able to sit and attend for long periods of time. He enjoys interacting with his siblings and peers more now. His communication skills have greatly improved and he is able to use means-end language and short phrases to communicate. His anger and frustrations management skills have improved. Sam stays on track better and seems much happier when he is able to receive services at the Pingree Center .”

– Michelle and Kyle Larson

“Bennett has been able to generalize and progress with the skills he has learned at home. We love the progress he has made with communication, coughdrops, and signs. How patient the staff is with him makes a world of difference. He has also become more social and not inside his previous little bubble. Pingree has helped in expanding his food choices as well. We couldn’t think of a better place for him to be at.”

– Elizabeth Corcoran and Josh Szvoren

“As parents, we have always tried to provide the very best services and environment for our son Bennett’s needs. Because of the structure and programs at the Pingree Center, we feel that we are able to give our son the best. We credit his improvements and social gains to the Pingree staff and programs. Pingree is able to create a place where all children can develop and thrive. Every gain is celebrated, and each improvement is built upon to foster greater success. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have the opportunity to have our child in such a well-structured and successful environment.”

– Vicki Larsen

We are so thankful for those who have already hosted a booth or supported the Pingree Center and Adult Autism Center in some capacity. We are excited to see these partnerships grow as more people and companies become involved with Do Your Blue for Autism Acceptance.