Community Stories

Blessings come in small packages. Latoya and Jean’s blessing came in the size of their first baby boy who was born with Down syndrome. Latoya went right to work getting him the services he needed and found the tools for success at Easterseals

Super Everleigh is amazing, but even superheroes need help sometimes and that is why her family was happy to find Easterseals Children’s Therapy to help Everleigh with her physical disability.

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.

When Gabriela “Gg” started attending Camp Fairlee she was afraid of heights and unsure of herself. As she stepped off the edge of the zipline climbing tower her heart was pounding, but as she flew through the air, all of her worries disappeared.

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.

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.

For twelve-year-old Joel, who uses a wheelchair, the week he spends at Camp Fairlee every summer is the highlight of his year. He is able to experience independence and adventure at Easterseals fully accessible camp.

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.

Demi is beating the odds and has a bright future thanks to the help of Easterseals Children’s Therapy program.