At the source of the longest river
The voice of the hidden waterfall
And the children in the apple-tree
Not known, because not looked for
But heard,half heard,in the stillness
Between two waves of  the sea.

T.S. Eliot

Apple Tree Foundation is a non-profit making organisation established with a view to providing a meeting place for young people in the town of Dundalk.

 The Directors of the company are:
Mel O Loan
Pearl Deery
Lee O'Neill
Jean Woods
Declan Grennan
Donal McArdle
Pat Deery
Apple Tree Mission Statement
Apple Tree Foundation's aim is to establish an Expressive Arts Centre in Dundalk as a place of Hospitality and Acceptance for the teenagers of the town & environs. Working in partnership with the young people themselves we hope to provide a Youth Café, Performance Space for the Arts, Youth Information Service, Psychological Support, Garden Space, and Meditation room.

 The work of the Foundation will be guided and informed by our beliefs and commitments to:
Acceptance
Hospitality
Respect and Understanding
Justice and Equality
Freedom and Independence
Empowerment
Participation
Genuineness and Sincerity

History
Funded by an initial grant from the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy a feasibility study was commissioned in February 2007 to assess the needs of young people in our community for somewhere to go, something to do, and someone to talk to. Mentor, working with the transition year students of St Vincent's secondary school and their teacher Ms Maura Hennessy distributed 1000 questionnaires to the 2nd level students in the town. The study was completed in February 2007.

Venue
We have recently secured a suitable building from St. Patrick's Parish. Roden House is centrally located and within access of the town's schools. The building comprises of six separate areas within four floors and is ideally suited to be developed as the location for the Apple Tree Foundation.

Recognising Needs

While the majority of teenagers get through this stage of life with the support of family and friends an increasing number of oour young people are experiencing difficulties. As many as one in ten of our young people are experiencing difficulties. As many as one in ten of our young people are self-harming. The government has recognised that innovative and creative approaches are needed. Apple Tree Foundation as an Expressive Arts Centre is a way forward to addressing this issue. The Arts help us to tap into creative resources within ourselves so that we can deal more creatively with life's difficulties.

                                Apple Tree Vision:
To create a supportive relational environment where young people in our community are welcomed, valued and encouraged to get on touch with and express their individual gifts through Creativity and Art.