Autym Bruno said her parents, Mica and Nathan Pettigrew, started House of the Sycamore Tree to continue education for those with special needs.
When she was a special education teacher with the Ector County Independent School District, Mica Pettigrew would get questions from parents about the future and if she had advice on how to help their children continue their education to develop the tools to succeed in the future.
The idea for The House of the Sycamore Tree began to form in those moments.
“We are a nonprofit organization that works with special needs young adults, teaching life skills, social skills and vocational skills,” Bruno, who is the executive director said.
Founded in 2013, House of the Sycamore Tree, located at East 52nd Street and JBS Parkway, has three coaches working with 10 participants Mondays through Thursdays. There is one paid staff member and four volunteers to run the facility.
As a nonprofit, the organization is funded entirely through donations and hopes to one day offer morning services and increase the number of people they can welcome. There is currently a waiting list for services.
“Our end goal, and it’s been the goal from the beginning, is to have a living facility, Bruno said. “And we’re hoping that maybe within the next 10 years, but that’s the long-term goal.”
Anyone with an interest in volunteering can reach out to the organization.
To help raise funds, House of the Sycamore Tree has scheduled its ninth annual clay shoot fundraiser for 8 a.m., April 9, at Jake’s Clays, 13301 Farm-to-Market 1379, Midland, Texas.
The cost is $175 per person and teams of six will compete. Solo participants will have the opportunity to join a team if needed.
Door prizes and lunch are scheduled for the event and donations to the nonprofit can be made online through the website.
With continued awareness and education, Bruno said more people are willing to talk openly about their experiences, and many of the participants she’s spoken with have goals of being able to live on their own.
“All we want for all of our kids is for them to have that independence, and our goal here is to be able to help provide it for them one day,” she said.
If you go
- What: Ninth annual House of the Sycamore Tree clay shoot fundraiser.
- When: 8 a.m. April 6.
- Where: Jake’s Clays, 13301 Farm-to-Market 1379, Midland.
- Cost: $175 per shooter and teams will consist of six participants. Sponsorships are also available.
- Call: 432-312-8651 for more information.
