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.

People with disabilities, like Jamie, are among the hardest working employees in the workforce. Yet, often, they are overlooked. Thankfully, with the help of Easterseals Supported Employment program, Jamie, is employed in a job he loves.

Brian brings determination to his job where he works five days a week as a member of a supportive team in the Village Café. During the summer, when Brian is not working at the cafe, he enjoys his days at Easterseals Adult Day program where he is able to connect with other friends and volunteer in the community at places like the Modern Maturity Center.

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.

When Tina had a heart attack it rocked the whole family. Her daughter, Ashley became her full-time caregiver when they discovered Tina had a brain injury after 13 minutes without oxygen. Thankfully, Ashley is not traveling this journey alone, she has Easterseals services by her side.

After Wayne graduated from high school, he had nowhere to go. He was at home with his parents every day. That is, until Wayne’s family found Easterseals services, and it completely changed their lives.

The always-fashionable Rosie loves arts & crafts, especially when she does them at one of her favorite places…her adult day program at Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore which she has attended since 1975.

Alex landed his dream job shortly after graduation thanks to Easterseals Supported Employment program.

Emory and Otisia “Tish” did not know in 1982 when they said those words “in sickness and in health” that sickness would come sooner than they thought. Though caregiving for Tish, who had her first stroke at 45, has not come without trials, it is Emory’s great attitude, support from family, and a team of caring professionals at an Easterseals Adult Day program, that has really made a huge impact in how they continue to live their lives.