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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
  • Two people with disabilities smile and pose in front of a Food Bank backdrop

    Empowering Careers: Reaching Culinary Goals with Easterseals & Food Bank of Delaware

    Through a partnership between Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore and the Food Bank of Delaware, Kristen and Shalanda, both supported by Easterseals’ Supported Employment Services, completed the Food Bank’s 12 week Kitchen School Program, gaining hands on culinary skills, confidence, and career momentum while continuing to work and moving closer to achieving their long term goals in the food service industry.
  • A man with a disability delivers meals on wheels to senior.

    More Than a Meal

    This Giving Tuesday, your donation helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities not only gain meaningful work and connection but also strengthen the community by delivering Meals on Wheels to neighbors in need. Every gift supports empowering people with I/DD to make a real difference in their communities.
  • A man in a wheelchair with an intellectual disability smiles at the camera

    A Place Where Dominick Can Grow

    When Dominick David, of Newark, is in his Easterseals day program for adults with intellectual disabilities, his mom, Lynne, knows he is engaged in activities, forming relationship bonds and staying connected to his community.