PROGRAMS

The Resting Tree

An Adult Day Training Center coming to Niceville Florida

The Resting Tree will be a welcoming place where adults with special needs can relax, connect, and enjoy meaningful activities in a safe, supportive environment. With both full-day and half-day programs, we aim to give caregivers peace of mind while their loved ones are cared for with kindness and respect. The Resting Tree is the beginning of something bigger. Income from our programs will go directly toward building a future residential community where adults with autism can truly belong and thrive.

Applications open July 15, 2025

What is The Resting Tree?

The Resting Tree Adult Day Training Program is the first program service offered by The
Ground Up Project, Inc.

The Resting Tree program offers a schedule of daily activities, including life skills training, arts

& crafts, games, physical activity and social interaction.

Who is eligible to attend?

The Resting Tree serves adults (ages 16 to 55) with autism and other intellectual or developmental disabilities.

At this time we do not have a medical staff. We are not equipped to admit participants who require a staff ratio greater than 1:6, who cannot self-administer their own medication, or who are not ambulatory.

What activities do you offer?

Our program features a variety of dedicated spaces including a Technology Room, Community Room, Activities Room, Skills Room, Reading Room, and Sensory Room—where participants can build life skills, connect socially, and explore their personal interests.

In addition, we regularly welcome local businesses and volunteers who lead special sessions in areas like yoga, art, and financial literacy throughout the week.

Are You Licensed and Insured?

Yes, we are fully insured. However, it's important to know that the State of Florida currently does not offer or require a license for private-pay adult day training programs like ours. This gap in regulation is a statewide issue, not a reflection of our standards.

In the absence of a formal licensing process, we are proactively following all guidelines and best practices set by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) to ensure that our program is safe, professional, and person-centered.

Do you offer therapy?

We do not provide ABA therapy or any other related therapies (i.e., speech, occupational, physical,
etc). We are not a school or a vocational program nor are we an adult day care center

What medical needs can you support?

At this time we do
not have a medical staff. We are not equipped to admit participants who require a
staff ratio greater than 1:6, who cannot self-administer their own medication, or who are not
ambulatory.

Do you accept insurance?

We are a private pay program and we do not take Medicaid Waiver or insurance of any kind. We do not take FES or any other scholarship.

When will you open?

The Resting Tree is planning to open in Fall 2025. We will host an open house event prior to opening so families and community members can tour the space, meet our team, and learn more about our program. Stay connected with us online for updates and event details.

Fee Structure

Sessions are conducted in 3-hour increments (“block”). At this time, proposed blocks are 9:00 – 12:00 and 12:00 – 3:00. Actual service times are subject to change prior to the program opening. At this time, anticipated fees are as follows:

6 blocks per week

4 blocks per week

Drop In

(18 hours per week)

(12 hours per week)

(6 hours)

(3 hours)

$225/week*

$170/week*

$120/day

$75/session

(equivalent of 3 days per week)

(equivalent of 2 days per week)

In order to serve the maximum number of Participants, we do not offer a full-time (i.e., 5 days per week) option at this time. Drop in hours are subject to availability.

*This schedule requires a separate contact and payment on file

Interested in learning more or becoming a future participant?

We’d love to hear from you! If you or a loved one is interested in The Resting Tree, please fill out the contact form below so we can keep you updated on our opening, upcoming events, and enrollment opportunities.