Welcome to Arkansas
The founders of Ability Tree, Joe and Jen Butler were college students, studying pastoral ministry, when their son Micah was diagnosed with developmental disabilities. They would go on to pastor for five years before founding Ability Tree, a faith-based nonprofit organization, in 2010. Joe and Jen have three children, and a personal understanding of the impact of disability on the family.
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Volunteer with AT | Arkansas
Learn more about Ability Tree and how to become a volunteer.
Adult Programming
Ability Camp
Our very own summer camp for adults with disabilities!
Oklahoma camp takes place in August at New Life Ranch Frontier Cove.
It is our favorite week of the summer, and it is full of dance parties, outdoor activities, making friends, and deepening relationships with the Lord.
Oklahoma camp takes place in August at New Life Ranch Frontier Cove.
It is our favorite week of the summer, and it is full of dance parties, outdoor activities, making friends, and deepening relationships with the Lord.
Who: Open to Members and Non-members!
Age: Must be 18+
Age: Must be 18+
Art Ability
Art Ability is our Art Program that offers weekend classes as well as a 6-week course twice a year for all different ages.
It is a great way to learn while having fun creating.
We also offer other art events throughout the year and encourage individuals of all ages to participate.
Who: Open to Members and Non-members!
Age: Varies
Price: Varies by class
It is a great way to learn while having fun creating.
We also offer other art events throughout the year and encourage individuals of all ages to participate.
Who: Open to Members and Non-members!
Age: Varies
Price: Varies by class
Connections
Connections is a social group for adults that exists to create relationships and encourage community among peers with and without special needs.
Who: Open to Members and Non members!
Age: 18+
Price: Free
To get notified of events:
TEXT: "ATConnect" to 479-244-2406
Who: Open to Members and Non members!
Age: 18+
Price: Free
To get notified of events:
TEXT: "ATConnect" to 479-244-2406
Connections University (CU)
Geared towards adults with disabilities ages 18-30,
the students will experience class at Ability Tree, as well as spend time on the John Brown University campus. The program is Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm during the school year.
Students will learn social and life skills, complete projects, and take trips into the community.
Who: Open to Members and Nonmembers, Ages 18-30
Price: $1400 per semester
Must apply for the program.
Contact Rebecca Hunter for more info:
rebecca@abilitytree.org
the students will experience class at Ability Tree, as well as spend time on the John Brown University campus. The program is Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm during the school year.
Students will learn social and life skills, complete projects, and take trips into the community.
Who: Open to Members and Nonmembers, Ages 18-30
Price: $1400 per semester
Must apply for the program.
Contact Rebecca Hunter for more info:
rebecca@abilitytree.org
School Age Programming
After School
Monday-Thursday every week from 3:30 - 5:30pm, children with special needs in K-12th grade will spend their time playing games and being active.
They are put into groups to get to know each other and our awesome volunteers. They have the opportunity to play in all of our speciality rooms such as sensory play, sensory learning, the gym, craft room, and calming room, as well as our outside area.
Who: Members only (MVP children only)
Price: Varies upon the amount of days per week
They are put into groups to get to know each other and our awesome volunteers. They have the opportunity to play in all of our speciality rooms such as sensory play, sensory learning, the gym, craft room, and calming room, as well as our outside area.
Who: Members only (MVP children only)
Price: Varies upon the amount of days per week
Art Ability
Art Ability is our Art Program that offers weekend classes as well as a 6-week course twice a year for all different ages. It is a great way to learn while having fun creating.
We also offer other art events throughout the year and encourage individuals of all ages to participate.
All of Art Ability is hosted at our art studio and store
in downtown Siloam Springs.
Who:Open to Members and Nonmembers! Age varies from class to class
Price: Price varies class to class
We also offer other art events throughout the year and encourage individuals of all ages to participate.
All of Art Ability is hosted at our art studio and store
in downtown Siloam Springs.
Who:Open to Members and Nonmembers! Age varies from class to class
Price: Price varies class to class
MVP League
A 4-6 week program that focuses on a specific sport that is taught by a team from John Brown University or a partnering organization. Students will complete drills, learn more about the game, and learn what it means to be a part of a team. No experience is necessary.
Who: Members (MVP children only, with siblings being offered available spots)
Price: Based on time span and Sports Team available
Who: Members (MVP children only, with siblings being offered available spots)
Price: Based on time span and Sports Team available
Stay & Play
Various times throughout the week and one Saturday per month, our facility will be available for parents/guardians to come play with their children in their favorite space.
This time is open for both members and non-members of all abilities to come enjoy time in our facility.
Who: All Members get 4 hours free per month
(Open to MVPs, siblings, and community members)
Open to Nonmembers
Price: $10 per hour, per child,
This time is open for both members and non-members of all abilities to come enjoy time in our facility.
Who: All Members get 4 hours free per month
(Open to MVPs, siblings, and community members)
Open to Nonmembers
Price: $10 per hour, per child,
Parent’s Night Out
Typically offered on the first four Fridays of each month,
Sept - May from 6:00 - 9:30pm, parents and caregivers can enjoy a night out and some
REST while the Ability Tree Team takes care of the children (MVPs and their siblings).
Ability Tree members can attend once a month.
Who: MVP Members Only (MVPs and siblings only)
Price: Included in MVP Monthly Membership Fee
Sept - May from 6:00 - 9:30pm, parents and caregivers can enjoy a night out and some
REST while the Ability Tree Team takes care of the children (MVPs and their siblings).
Ability Tree members can attend once a month.
Who: MVP Members Only (MVPs and siblings only)
Price: Included in MVP Monthly Membership Fee
Stop, Drop and Play
Primarily held during the summer months, this is an opportunity for you to drop off your students for two-three hours of play. Students are supervised by Ability Tree staff and volunteers.
Who: All Members (MVPs and Siblings, and Community Members)
Price: $10 per child per day
Who: All Members (MVPs and Siblings, and Community Members)
Price: $10 per child per day
Meet the Arkansas team.
Maddy Schultz
Executive Director
maddy@abilitytree.org
Karla Singer
Recreation Director
karla@abilitytree.org
Rebecca Hunter
Education Director
rebecca@abilitytree.org
Carrie Lane
Family Support Director
carrie@abilitytree.org
Grace Brand
Communications Coordinator
grace@abilitytree.org
Mackenzie Porter
Advocacy Coordinator
mackenzie@abilitytree.org
Amelia Vincent
Program Coordinator
amelia@abilitytree.org
Lisa Burks
Volunteer Coordinator
arvolunteer@abilitytree.org
Additional Staff
Joe Coleman, Connections University Assistant
Addy Newsom, Connections University Assistant
Hope Ahnfeldt, Program Assistant
Emily Flaming, Work Study
Addy Newsom, Connections University Assistant
Hope Ahnfeldt, Program Assistant
Emily Flaming, Work Study
EXTRAORDINARY PARTNERSHIPS
To all the corporations and organizations that financial support the mission of Ability Tree, our kids and families thank you!