years of changing the way the world defines and views disabilities by making profound, positive differences in people's lives
Easterseals has only been able to pursue its mission of empowering people with disabilities and special needs over the past 100 years because of supporters like YOU.
Together we’ve made incredible progress, serving over 5,000 individuals last year alone. However, this is only the beginning and it’s time to focus on what we hope to accomplish over the NEXT 100 years. Please pledge your support to make sure persons with disabilities and special needs are guaranteed a future where they are 100% empowered and 100% included.
If your business or community association is looking to make a meaningful impact on their community, we hope you will consider partnering with us for our 100th anniversary. We have a variety of sponsorship and volunteer opportunities which can mobilize your staff and inspire your customers.
We are also looking to partner with hospitals and managed care organizations to address the social determinants of health affecting those with diagnosed mental illness. Let’s work together to cut healthcare costs and improve outcomes across the board.
There is nothing more powerful than a community of connected and engaged advocates sharing the same, singular message, “We want change the way people with disabilities and special needs are defined or viewed.” By connecting with us and sharing the stories of success we’ve gathered over the last 100 years of service, you can do just that.
Find out how you can amplify your voice by signing up for our online newsletter or by engaging with us on social media.
If you or your loved one is looking for supports to live, learn, work, or play in their communities, please review the services we provide to see how Easterseals can help make a difference in your lives.
For the past 100 years, Easterseals has dedicated itself to providing services that assist people with disabilities and special needs to overcome barriers and achieve their goals. We empower our program participants to turn an inaccessible world into one where they can live their lives to the fullest.
Abilities Expo - Edison - May 3-5
Lakewood BlueClaws Community Day - June 20
Quickcheck Festival of Ballooning - Readington - July 26-28
Middlesex County Fair - East Brunswick - Aug. 5-11
Festival in the Borough - Washington - Sept. 14
WE CELEBRATE
Easterseals celebrates its 100th Anniversary in April 2019
Easterseals New Jersey is born as a result of the American Academy of Pediatrics' nationwide study that determined NJ had a high incidence of birth defects but little or no services (ranking 48th out of 50 states
Speech therapy & hearing clinics, equipment loan, & information sharing began the foundation of Easterseals NJ’s programs as a disability service provider
Easterseals NJ acquires Camp Merry Heart to provide recreational rehabilitation to children & adults with all levels of ability
Establishes very first vocational rehabilitation facility in Middlesex County
Easterseals New Jersey becomes the first affiliate to provide residential mental health services & alcohol/substance abuse programs
Our first adult day training programs are established & we expand our vocational rehabilitation center (Raritan Valley Work Center)
Through our advocacy efforts, the Barrier Free Law is established in an effort to make New Jersey a more accessible state
Easterseals New Jersey establishes its first residential group home for people with developmental disabilities
Overcomes severe economic challenges & governmental funding cuts and reaches $15MM in revenue
Grows to serve 1,600 men, women and children by the end of the decade
Easterseals plays an integral role in the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) — landmark legislation increasing public access for persons with disabilities
Begins to provide Behavioral Health Outreach Services & Fiscal Intermediary Services, supporting thousands throughout the state
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is established to support and train job seekers who are 55+ years old
Expands to all 21 counties in New Jersey
Easterseals New Jersey establishes Be Well and Thrive!, the first-ever health and wellness program specifically crafted to include persons with disabilities
"Easter Seals" name modifies to create a new, re-imagined, single name, "Easterseals"
Easterseals also adopts a refreshed new logo to fit its new identity
100 years later, Easterseals continues to work tirelessly to advance the quality of life and overall well-being for people with disabilities and special needs while supporting them in overcoming barriers to community inclusion
We take great pride in being the voice of advocacy helping to bring equality, dignity, and independence to people in need for 100 years…and for the next 100 to come!
Our past was bright but we envision an even brighter future
Our goal for the next years is to ensure % of people are % empowered
