Community Stories

It's hard to find a group of people who bring dedication and a hard-working attitude but also smiles with them. The CHEER Center found that in a group of volunteers from Easterseals Pre-Vocational Services. Participants at Easterseals love volunteering in the community, and thanks to this partnership, they are able to do just that while learning valuable work skills.

When Elijah, who has autism, started Easterseals Speech Therapy, he had very few words in his vocabulary and now he is speaking 10 to 20 words in short sentences.

Easterseals Camp Fairlee, which kicks off in a few weeks, is a place where children and adults, like Jake can grow as individuals, make lifelong connections, and find independence. Jake is able to soar on a zip line, sing his heart out in “Fairlee’s Got Talent” and savor new foods in a safe and nurturing environment. Meanwhile, his parents, Jen and Frank, get the break they need.

Stevie has been bringing smiles to the faces of staff and fellow participants at his Easterseals Adult Day program in Georgetown since 2007. The program not only gives him the opportunity to socialize with his peers and remain a part of his community but also gives his parents a much-needed break from full-time caregiving.