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A black and white old photo where a therapist is helping a child with leg braces walk

History

Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore began as The Delaware Society for Crippled Children in 1948, where it provided services for children in New Castle. Learn about our history here.

Watch the video above to discover the rich history of Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Our History

The National Easterseals began in 1919 with Ohio-Businessman Edgar Allen founded the National Society for Crippled Children, which would later become known as Easterseals. 

Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore began as The Delaware Society for Crippled Children in 1948, where it provided services for children in New Castle. In the following years, Camp Fairlee on Maryland’s Eastern Shore opened its doors for children and adults to experience recreational camp. 

Through the following decades, Easterseals Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore expanded to provide innovative services at new locations throughout the state of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore to meet the growing needs of the community. From providing innovative therapies to help children meet their milestones, to giving adults with disabilities and seniors a place in their community, Easterseals has pursued its growth in the direction of the community’s needs. 

In recent years, with the help of generous donors and tireless advocacy, Easterseals Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore has increased its capacity to serve, by improving upon its facilities, cultivating a stronger workforce, and bringing support to families and caregivers. From the annual Volleyball Challenge to the Caregiver Conference to Walk With Me, Easterseals has sought to engage, inform, and help build a more inclusive community for us all to thrive in. 

Our Stories

Community Stories
  • A nurse and a man with a disability talking at a table

    Wayne's Family Went from Stressed to Blessed

    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.
  • Young adult male with a disability wearing a tie dye tshirt standing with camp counselor

    Jake Flies High at Camp Fairlee

    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.
  • A group of people stand in a kitchen and they are all smiling at the camera

    Pre-Vocational Participant's Love Their Jobs at CHEER

    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.
  • Young adult male with a disability playing bingo

    Stevie Soars with Easterseals

    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.