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The true success story of Easter Seals Superior California’s rise as the Preferred Provider of Quality Services for People with Disabilities is NOT contained in our Annual Report to the Community 2007-2008*.
Sure, you’ll read that we served more people than last year; that we are fiscally solid and growing our revenues; that more agencies seek us out when a new idea arises or a problem needs addressing; and that we are successful at every measurable statistical level. But that’s just statistics, just numbers. If you want to know about our real success, then peel back the numbers and look into what they truly represent; the individual stories of those we serve.
Peel back the statistics and there’s the story of a 10 month old girl, born with a cleft palette and cleft lip, who had other mouth malformations, hip problems, and was fed through a G-tube as she could not receive food orally. After surgery to repair her hip and another to repair her cleft palette, Easter Seals therapists and Child Development Specialists of the Early Start Developmental Services Program went to work. Two and a half years later, she is enrolled in a pre-school where she’s known as a walking, talking dynamo. This cute three year old has charmed and surprised the school staff with her ever-growing vocabulary and strengthening mobility.
Peel back the statistics and there’s the story of children, ages three to eight years old living with their parents in a San Joaquin county campground. The family qualified for services under a grant funded program awarded to Easter Seals. Our staff provided the only Christmas these children knew as presents were purchased and delivered to them at their muddy campsite. According to one of the staff who helped out, “to see their faces light up with such broad smiles, laughter and joy did more to warm the day then any camp stove!”
Peel back the statistics and there’s the story about adults in our community-based day programs who learned the true meaning of democracy in our country as, for the first time, they participated in the most sacred right and privilege afforded to them as United States citizens, voting. For many adults with developmental disabilities, voting was as foreign and out of the realm of possibility as piloting a space shuttle. But, the recent election afforded many adults with developmental disabilities the opportunity to learn about the election process, and their rights and responsibilities as citizens. As voting day drew nearer, the Easter Seals clients participated in informational sessions, took sides and debated key points. In the end, our democracy was a little richer as Easter Seals clients participated in their first of many elections.
These stories and thousands more are the true measures of our success. We appreciate your ongoing generosity, support and compassion that makes each story possible. To witness for yourself the heart of Easter Seals, please come visit one of our centers and we would happily show you how everyone here is far more than just a number. |
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Why Give to Easter Seals Superior California?
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History of Easter Seals
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Easter Seals Superior California is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities by offering a wide range of services and leadership opportunities designed to maximize independence.
Read more about our Mission, Vision and Values.
Read about past Easter Seals Award winners! |
