Be a part of Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania's recipe for success and help us reach our $80,000 fundraising goal before March 15, 2023!
Melissa Vandever
Raised
Many of you already know how passionate I am about my job as a child development specialist, and the work we do at Easterseals Eastern PA. I truly love my job, and what I do. Recently, I have had the pleasure of working with various early childhood programs and organizations across the nation. It has been an eye opening experience. I realized that the services Easterseals offers are more valuable than ever, especially Make the First Five Count (MtFFC). Nationally, the pandemic has caused a ripple effect within early childhood education and intervention. Whether it be closing of child care centers and early childhood programs, shortage of qualified staff in the field, or increased waitlists to see developmental pediatricians or other specialists, the need for supporting families has grown in an overwhelmingly way. While there are many programs that support families and their child’s development across the nation, MtFFC has been able to help bridge this gap, fill in the “missing ingredient.” Through local funding, MtFFC has grown from being an free online child development screening program to providing families and other organizations with “guidance” through activities and resources, “strategies” through one on one virtual support, and “education” through parent and staff workshops. We have also been helping families by making referrals for early intervention and other community agencies for support, and we assist parents in supporting and understanding their children’s development. I am committed to continuing to celebrate children’s milestones and support the families and the community in which I live and work through Make the First Five Count. Please join me and my efforts, and make a contribution today! Your contribution, large or small will help impact the lives of local families through Make the First Five Count, as well as many other wonderful programs Easterseals Eastern PA provides for individuals with disabilities.
Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania creates life-changing solutions for individuals with disabilities and their families in their community by increasing independence, maximizing opportunities, minimizing barriers and enhancing quality of life.
Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania serves more than 3,000 children and adults with disabilities - and their families - throughout the Lehigh Valley, Berks County, the Poconos and surrounding region.
For more than 90 years, Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania's recipe for success has remained largely unchanged – equal parts unwavering commitment, dedication, experience, and collaboration sprinkled with generosity and a healthy dose of hope.
Our innovative and inclusive services include:
- Early intervention
- Make the First Five Count - child development resources
- Outpatient therapy (speech, occupational and physical)
- Speciality medical clinics (neurology, orthopedic and orthotic)
- Autism diagnostic clinic
- ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy training for parents of children with autism
- LEAP - employment experience for high school students
- Community supports/habilitation - personalized support for young adults and adults
- Camp and recreation
- Respite
Harrison is a bright and friendly child diagnosed with autism. His relationship with Easterseals began through the Early Intervention program. Both of his parents work in the education field and they wanted to make sure Harrison would be prepared for the demands of school. So just prior to the start of kindergarten, they initiated outpatient services for both speech-language and occupational therapy.
Continue reading Harrison's story: http://bit.ly/412OZll
Please contact Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania's Director of Advancement, Ann Marie Surovy, CFRE at asurovy@esep.org or 610-289-0114 ext. 205. You can also visit our website at https://www.easterseals.com/esep/.