Page 14 - Success Story Newsletter 2019

A Strong Social Network

Since last year, a group of program participants would often ask me about the social
gatherings which we organize here at Easterseals, because they enjoyed them so much.
These gatherings included fun activities/trips such as picnics, six flags, and hibachi.
These gatherings don’t happen all the time, but I wanted to encourage this social behavior.
So, I wracked my brain to discover a way for this group to stay social without having to
wait for the next official event. I decided that we should start a social club where we
could all get together at least once a month to talk, play games, and share both our
experiences and accomplishments. We decided to establish a fund for those involved
that everyone would contribute so we could pay for all these trips. This allowed us not
only an opportunity to increase our social outings, but would also allow us to teach our
participants about budgeting and money management.

For a recent trip, we all went to the movies and enjoyed a nice lunch. Everyone had
such a good time, they wanted to share a photo and their story, hoping to increase their
membership. They want everyone to know that if you spend your money properly and
save up, you too can have a great time out with friends.

- Chinyere Anyanaso, CLS Case Manager | Hunterdon County | Community Living Services

14 Easterseals New Jersey Success Story Newsletter 2019 LIVE · LEARN · WORK · PLAY