Easter Seals provides exceptional services, education, outreach, and advocacy so that people living with autism and other disabilities can live, learn, work and play in our communities.
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EASTER SEALS PRESENTS NATIONAL AWARDS TO 11 INDIVIDUALS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING SUPPORT OF EASTER SEALS' MISSION
INDIANAPOLIS MAYOR BART PETERSON RECEIVES EASTER SEALS 2002 OUTSTANDING ADVOCATE AWARD FOR AN ELECTED MUNICIPAL OFFICIAL (CHICAGO, Nov. 21, 2002) -- In recognition of his leadership in making Indianapolis accessible for people with disabilities, Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson received Easter Seals 2002 Outstanding Advocate Award for an elected municipal official at an awards luncheon held during Easter Seals 2002 Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla. The award acknowledges sustained efforts by a municipal official in areas including general advocacy, education, legislation, accessibility, medicine and rehabilitation technology, that have made a significant impact on quality of life for persons with disabilities. During his first two and a half years in office, Mayor Peterson has worked across all sectors on issues affecting people with disabilities and, as a result, Indianapolis is more accessible now than ever before. Among his achievements, Peterson created the city’s first office for disability affairs, hosted Indianapolis’ first Disability Summit in March 2002, with leaders from the disability community, local businesses and other interested organizations, and greatly improved pedestrian environments and recreational activities in his city. “The creation of a universally accessible and inclusive city for all people has been a hallmark of Bart Peterson’s term as mayor. Mayor Peterson’s leadership continues to encourage and challenge everyone in Indianapolis to consider and create an environment that is barrier-free and welcoming to all citizens,” says Easter Seals National Board Member Gregory Fehribach, an Indianapolis attorney. Prior to running for public office, Peterson played an active role in both the public and private sector. With his family, he built the Precedent Companies, a conglomerate of 11 development and financial services corporations. He also served as chief of staff on Indiana Governor Evan Bayh’s leadership team. Involved in numerous community activities and professional organizations, he serves on the boards of the Indiana Nature Conservancy and the Regenstrief Foundation, among others. Peterson earned a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a law degree from the University of Michigan. For more than 80 years, Easter Seals has been providing services that help children and adults with disabilities gain greater independence. Our primary services -- medical rehabilitation, job training and employment, child care, adult day services, and camping and recreation -- benefit more than one million individuals and their families each year through one of 450 centers nationwide.
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE CARRIE MEEK RECEIVES EASTER SEALS 2002 OUTSTANDING ADVOCATE AWARD FOR AN ELECTED FEDERAL OFFICIAL (CHICAGO, Nov. 21, 2002) -- Carrie Meek, U.S. Representative from Florida’s 17th Congressional District, received Easter Seals 2002 Outstanding Advocate Award for an elected federal official at an awards luncheon held during Easter Seals 2002 Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla. The award acknowledges sustained efforts by an elected federal official in areas including general advocacy, education, legislation, accessibility, medicine and rehabilitation technology, that have made a significant impact on quality of life for persons with disabilities. In office since 1992, Congresswoman Meek was the first African-American elected to Congress from Florida since Reconstruction. Meek led the charge in Congress to improve quality child care options for families with children who have disabilities. In 2001, Meek introduced H.R. 2787, The Care for Children with Disabilities Act, which directed $100 million to training, technical assistance activities, loans and incentives to establish new inclusive child care programs. This legislation brought national attention to the unmet child care needs of millions of families whose children have disabilities. “The shortage of child care services for children with disabilities has been well documented for years. Thanks to Congresswoman Carrie Meek, both the House of Representatives and the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee have approved legislation to address this critical national need. Congress should complete action on this matter as soon as possible,” says James E. Williams, president and CEO, Easter Seals.Born in Tallahassee, Meek earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and physical education from Florida A&M University, followed by a master’s degree in Public Health and Physical Education from the University of Michigan. Prior to running for office, Meek coached women’s basketball and taught biological sciences and physical education at her undergraduate alma mater. She also has served as both a state representative and senator, and remains involved in numerous community activities and professional organizations. For more than 80 years, Easter Seals has been providing services that help children and adults with disabilities gain greater independence. Our primary services -- medical rehabilitation, job training and employment, child care, adult day services, and camping and recreation -- benefit more than one million individuals and their families each year through one of 450 centers nationwide.
ILLINOIS STATE SENATOR, STEVEN J. RAUSCHENBERGER, RECEIVES EASTER SEALS 2002 OUTSTANDING ADVOCATE AWARD FOR AN ELECTED STATE OFFICIAL (CHCAGO, Nov. 21, 2002) -- Steven J. Rauschenberger, State Senator for the 33rd District of Illinois, was named a winner of Easter Seals 2002 Outstanding Advocate Award for an elected state official at an awards luncheon held today during Easter Seals 2002 Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla. The award recognizes sustained efforts by an elected state official in areas including general advocacy, education, legislation, accessibility, medicine and rehabilitation technology, that have made a significant impact on quality of life for people with disabilities. Elected in 1992, Rauschenberger is chairman of the Appropriations Committee and the Illinois Growth Task Force, and is a member of the Environment and Energy Committee, the Public Health and Welfare Committee, and the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. Known throughout the state for his interest in, and advocacy for, the needs of children and adults with disabilities, Rauschenberger helped to author KidCare, the state health insurance program for children of low-income, working families and has been very successful in providing state funding to assist Easter Seals with new and continuing programming. “Senator Rauschenberger consistently demonstrates his deep concern and compassion for those who have special needs in everything he does,” says Kathy Hazelwood, vice president of development, Easter Seals Jayne Shover Center. Prior to running for office, the senator, who holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the College of William and Mary, owned and operated family furniture and hardware stores in Elgin, and held an active role in both the public and private sector. He is involved in numerous community activities and professional organizations and has served as Republican Committeeman for Hanover Township in Cook County and Senior Warden of Episcopal Church of the Redeemer. For more than 80 years, Easter Seals has been providing services that help children and adults with disabilities gain greater independence. Our primary services -- medical rehabilitation, job training and employment, child care, adult day services, and camping and recreation -- benefit more than one million individuals and their families each year through one of 450 centers nationwide.
EASTER SEALS HONORS MISSOURI STATE REPRESENTATIVE CHUCK GRAHAM WITH OUTSTANDING ADVOCATE AWARD FOR ELECTED STATE OFFICIAL (CHICAGO, Nov. 21, 2002) -- Easter Seals presented U.S. Representative Chuck Graham with its Outstanding Advocate Award for an elected state official at an awards luncheon held today during Easter Seals 2002 Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla. The award acknowledges sustained efforts by a state official in areas including general advocacy, education, legislation, accessibility, medicine and rehabilitation technology, that have made a significant impact on quality of life for persons with disabilities. Representative Graham joined the Missouri House of Representatives in 1997. As a state representative, he has chaired the House Appropriations Committee and has spearheaded the fight for continued funding for personal care assistants in Missouri, as well as education funding for vocational rehabilitation and sports programs for wheelchair athletes. Graham also served on a task force to support equal funding for mental health programs and sponsored and passed a bill that helped State employees who previously were not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Graham is a wheelchair-user, and is dedicated to seeing the ADA fully implemented. "Representative Graham is a ray of hope for individuals with disabilities in Missouri. His advocacy efforts have created solutions for thousands of Missourians with disabilities and made Missouri a better place to live," says Craig A. Byrd, president and CEO, Easter Seals Missouri. Representative Graham earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from the University of Illinois. For more than 80 years, Easter Seals has been providing services that help children and adults with disabilities gain greater independence. Our primary services -- medical rehabilitation, job training and employment, child care, adult day services, and camping and recreation -- benefit more than one million individuals and their families each year through one of 450 centers nationwide.
DISABILITY-RIGHTS PIONEER GINNY THORNBURGH TO RECEIVE EASTER SEALS 2002 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD (CHICAGO, Nov. 22, 2002) -- Ginny Thornburgh, director, Religion and Disability Program at the National Organization on Disability (N.O.D.), has been selected to receive Easter Seals 2002 Distinguished Service Award, which will be presented at an awards dinner Saturday, Nov. 23, during Easter Seals 2002 Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla. Thornburgh has championed the inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in all aspects of community life for decades. In her current role with N.O.D. in Washington, D.C., she has worked with hundreds of places of worship to help them modify their physical structures and their ministries to effectively include children and adults with disabilities and their families. “Ginny’s work has empowered thousands of people with disabilities to exercise their full constitutional rights as Americans. She has taken the words of the First Amendment and made them real by helping churches and synagogues remove barriers that prohibit the free exercise of religion by children and adults with disabilities and their families,” said James E. Williams, Easter Seals President and CEO. Thornburgh has written extensively on issues of congregational welcome and accessibility and is the co-author and editor of the N.O.D. Religion and Disability Program publications, That All May Worship and From Barriers to Bridges. She is also the editor of Loving Justice: The ADA and the Religious Community. “Ginny has worked worldwide to improve opportunities for people with disabilities. As a parent of an adult son with mental retardation, she is well aware of how vital congregations are to the community,” says Joe Romer, executive vice president, public affairs, Easter Seals Office of Public Affairs. “In addition to being a place of worship, congregations often provide other social services, such as child care and services for seniors. Making places of worship accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities improves access to religious services and promotes greater access to community life.” Thornburgh also is a member of the Board of Trustees, Princeton Theological Seminary, and a former member of the American Bar Association Commission on Mental and Physical Disability Law. With a Bachelor’s degree in philosophy and religion from Wheaton College, Norton, MA, and a Master’s degree in Education from Harvard University, Thornburgh also is the proud recipient of eleven honorary degrees. For more than 80 years, Easter Seals has been providing services that help children and adults with disabilities gain greater independence. Our primary services -- medical rehabilitation, job training and employment, child care, adult day services, and camping and recreation -- benefit more than one million individuals and their families each year through one of 450 centers nationwide.
U. S. SENATOR BLANCHE LINCOLN RECEIVES EASTER SEALS 2002 OUTSTANDING ADVOCATE AWARD (CHICAGO, Nov. 21, 2002) -- Easter Seals presented U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln with its Outstanding Advocate Award for an elected federal official at an awards luncheon held today during Easter Seals 2002 Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla. The award acknowledges sustained efforts by a federal official in areas including general advocacy, education, legislation, accessibility, medicine and rehabilitation technology, that have made a significant impact on quality of life for persons with disabilities. Senator Lincoln has been instrumental in supporting Easter Seals’ efforts to increase services for children with disabilities in the Mississippi Delta Region of Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. Thanks to her efforts, the Senate provided nearly $4 million for this purpose. Senator Lincoln is a member of the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Special Committee on Aging. She supports increased longterm care for the elderly in the U.S. and has championed the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. Senator Lincoln also sponsored legislation to eliminate an annual payment cap on Medicare outpatient therapy services, and to increase access to geriatricians, physical therapists, nurses, and prescription drugs for older Americans and people with disabilities. "Senator Lincoln has been so supportive of Easter Seals Arkansas' mission. As a mom, she recognizes that children are learning new skills daily. She understands the need for quality healthcare and early diagnosis of delays and treatment for infants and toddlers in the Delta,” says Sharon Moone-Jochums, president and CEO, Easter Seals Arkansas. “We appreciate everything she has done to help us reach more children in the rural Delta, not only in Arkansas, but also in Louisiana and Mississippi. She is a champion for children with disabilities and their families.” Hailing from Arkansas, Senator Lincoln received a bachelor’s degree from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg, Va. She is also a member of the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences Association Board and the Arkansas Delta Council. For more than 80 years, Easter Seals has been providing services that help children and adults with disabilities gain greater independence. Our primary services -- medical rehabilitation, job training and employment, child care, adult day services, and camping and recreation -- benefit more than one million individuals and their families each year through one of 450 centers nationwide.
RECOGNIZED BOYSTON PHILANTHROPIST, ROY BRAZELTON, HONORED WITH EASTER SEALS PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR AWARD (CHICAGO, Nov. 21, 2002) -- Roy Brazelton, chairman and CEO, ISM Holdings, Inc., was presented with Easter Seals 2002 Philanthropist of the Year Award for his outstanding work on behalf of children and adults with disabilities. The award was presented today at an awards luncheon held during Easter Seals 2002 Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla. As a volunteer leader, Roy Brazelton has supported numerous initiatives for Easter Seals Massachusetts, including expansion of its Assistive Technology and Job Training & Employment programs. Brazelton’s financial contributions and fund-raising efforts played a major role in the opening of Easter Seals’ Worcester Technology and Training Center. Named for Brazelton and his wife, Diane, the center combines assistive technology with job training and employment services for adults with disabilities. “Roy is always there when we need him,” said Kirk Joslin, president, Easter Seals Massachusetts. “He not only makes donations, he’s there for advice, he volunteers his time and he solicits help from others for us. Because of Roy, Easter Seals has been able to help countless children and adults with disabilities all across the state.” When tragedy stuck and the longtime Easter Seals Massachusetts President, Richard La Pierre died, Brazelton took up the charge of establishing an endowment fund to honor his memory. His own gift of $100,000 led to an additional $500,000 raised for assistive technology services to enhance vision, hearing, mobility and more for children and adults with disabilities. In addition to personal contributions and assistance with fund-raising efforts, Brazelton demonstrates his support for Easter Seals Massachusetts through various leadership roles, which have included serving as board chair and as a member of various board committees. As a volunteer leader, he has been a problem-solver, a facilitator and a visionary. Brazelton also is an active supporter of the United Way, Worcester Alliance for Education and the Seven Hills Foundation, formally known as the Worcester Area Association for Retarded Citizens. For more than 80 years, Easter Seals has been providing services that help children and adults with disabilities gain greater independence. Our primary services -- medical rehabilitation, job training and employment, child care, adult day services, and camping and recreation -- benefit more than one million individuals and their families each year through one of 450 centers nationwide.
FORMER DUPONT EXECUTIVE, JAMES F. KEARNS, NAMED EASTER SEALS VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR (CHICAGO, Nov. 22, 2002) -- After years of corporate success with the Dupont Company, retired Executive Vice President James F. Kearns, has earned a new title of honor: Easter Seals 2002 Volunteer of the Year. Kearns' longtime commitment to helping children and adults with disabilities earned him the prestigious award, which will be presented Saturday, Nov. 23, at an awards dinner during Easter Seals 2002 Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla. A key spokesperson for Easter Seals and advocate for people with disabilities, Kearns began his involvement with Easter Seals in the late eighties. While serving as chairman for the capital campaign at Easter Seals Delaware and Maryland's Eastern Shore, Kearns was elected to the board of directors and, in 1990, became board chair. In 1998, Kearns was one of the first Board members from Delaware to be inducted into the Edgar Allen Founders Society. Through the years, he has continued to volunteer his time and expertise through various committees. In addition to donating his time, Kearns has made significant financial contributions to Easter Seals that have resulted in new facilities for the comprehensive rehabilitation program in Delaware, and the refurbishing of existing facilities at Easter Seals Camp Fairlee Manor. Since 1988, Kearns has given personally and has helped to raise more than $6.5 million through his leadership with personal solicitations, foundations and corporate grants. "Because of Jim's incredible generosity willingness to give time, expertise, and dollars, thousands of children and adults with disabilities have benefited," says Sandra J. Tuttle, president/CEO, Easter Seals Delaware and Maryland's Eastern Shore. "One of the most important benefits of his commitment has been the leadership lessons he's given us over the years which continue to strengthen our organization. We will forever be grateful for Jim's contributions and know that ultimately the lessons he's given us translate to helping make life better for the people we serve." For more than 80 years, Easter Seals has been providing services that help children and adults with disabilities gain greater independence. Our primary services -- medical rehabilitation, job training and employment, child care, adult day services, and camping and recreation -- benefit more than one million individuals and their families each year through one of 450 centers nationwide.
MEDAL WINNING PARALYMPIC ATHLETE, JO ANN ARMSTRONG, RECEIVES JOHANNA COOKE PLAUT COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD (CHICAGO, Nov. 22, 2002) -- Thirty-three years after being named Easter Seals Child Representative for the Monroe County Easter Seals Society, Jo Ann Armstrong was honored by Easter Seals once again as the recipient of the 2002 Johanna Cooke Plaut Community Leadership Award. The award, which recognizes people with disabilities whose accomplishments have improved the quality of life in their communities and whose example has advanced the equality, dignity and independence of people with disabilities, will be presented Saturday, Nov. 23, at an awards dinner as part of Easter Seals Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla. Armstrong, who was born with spina bifida, has been at the forefront of the disability movement since her high school days, when she persuaded her school to establish an athletic program for students with disabilities. Once established, that program produced a team that competed in the National Paralympic Games in 1966 and 1967 and started Armstrong on the road to becoming one of the world’s best athletes with a disability, competing and earning medals in events including track and field, swimming, women’s basketball and wheelchair slalom at the Paralympics and other top-level international competitions. In 1976, Armstrong, an administrative executive for Eastman Kodak Company, founded the Rochester Rookies Jr. Wheelchair Sports Team for children with disabilities, which continues to train young athletes to compete at the regional and national level and develop confidence in their abilities. This past year alone, the 11-person team took home 80 medals at the regional competition held in New Jersey. Through the years, Armstrong has only increased her support to the disability community, volunteering with a variety of organizations including the Greater Rochester Spina Bifida Association, the Andrew J. Kirch Clinic for Children with Developmental Disabilities at the Strong Memorial Hospital, The Rochester Independent Living Center, which she helped to found and now serves on the board of, The Rochester Rehabilitation Center, for which she serves as a member of the SportsNet Steering Committee, and Easter Seals Western New York, for which she is the board chair. “Jo Ann’s dedication and never-ending support of Easter Seals New York are unparalleled and extremely commendable,” says Larry Gammon, president/CEO, Easter Seals New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. “Her ability to further the mission and vision of our organization makes it possible for us to provide much-needed services to our clients on a daily basis. So, we congratulate Jo Ann on being the recipient of the 2002 Johanna Cooke Plaut Community Leadership Award -- well deserved.” Currently, Armstrong also serves as a board director for Easter Seals New York, representing the Western New York Board’s Executive Committee. In addition to her many hours of volunteer time, Armstrong has taken advantage of the notoriety afforded her early on by her athletic prowess to speak at colleges, schools, churches and civic organizations, advocating for the rights, needs and endeavors of people with disabilities. For more than 80 years, Easter Seals has been providing services that help children and adults with disabilities gain greater independence. Our primary services -- medical rehabilitation, job training and employment, child care, adult day services, and camping and recreation -- benefit more than one million individuals and their families each year through one of 450 centers nationwide.
JOHN KERSTEN, BROKER/OWNER, CENTURY 21 TOWN & COUNTRY, NAMED EASTER SEALS CORPORATE PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR (CHICAGO, Nov. 22, 2002) -- After years of recognition for his business savvy, John Kersten, broker/owner, CENTURY 21 Town & Country, Rochester, Mich., will be honored for his philanthropic commitments, when he receives Easter Seals Corporate Philanthropist of the Year award at an awards dinner to be held Saturday, Nov. 23, during Easter Seals 2002 Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla. With a long-time commitment to helping children and adults with disabilities, Kersten, who boasts the top CENTURY 21 office system wide for number of units sold and second for adjusted gross commissions, has led the CENTURY 21 System in Easter Seals fund raising for the past seven years. In 2001, he and his agents implemented three “His and Hers Twin Car Raffles” and poinsettia sales, raising $688,229, the most money ever raised by an individual broker. In the past 10 years, Kersten’s office has contributed more than $3.3 million, which has made it possible for thousands of children and their families to receive rehabilitation services in the Detroit area. “John Kersten is certainly someone whose heart is in the right place,” says John Cocciolone, president and CEO, Easter Seals Southeastern Michigan. “When John made a commitment to Easter Seals and our clients, he utilized the skills that made him a successful CENTURY 21 broker, and then put that energy into raising money for services for those who would not have received them without his support. John’s efforts have changed so many lives for the better.” In addition to financial contributions, Kersten has lent his expertise to the management team at Easter Seals Southeastern Michigan, helping to improve business practices and grow the organization by $15 million in one year. According to Van Davis, president and CEO, Century 21 Real Estate Corporation, “Kersten serves as a constant source of inspiration for CENTURY 21 brokers nationwide, speaking on behalf of Easter Seals at our annual convention and encouraging his peers to establish relationships with their local Easter Seals organizations.” Century 21 Real Estate Corporation is the franchiser of the world's largest residential real estate sales organization, providing comprehensive training, management, administrative and marketing support for the CENTURY 21® System. The system is comprised of more than 6,600 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in more than 28 countries and territories worldwide. Century 21 Real Estate Corporation is a subsidiary of Cendant Corporation (NYSE:CD). For more than 80 years, Easter Seals has been providing services that help children and adults with disabilities gain greater independence. Our primary services -- medical rehabilitation, job training and employment, child care, adult day services, and camping and recreation -- benefit more than one million individuals and their families each year through one of 450 centers nationwide.
ROY HART, DIVISION DIRECTOR, MISSISSIPPI FIRST STEPS EARLY INTERVENTION SYSTEM, RECEIVES EASTER SEALS 2002 OUTSTANDING ADVOCATE AWARD FOR A STATE APPOINTED OFFICIAL (CHICAGO, Nov. 21, 2002) -- Roy Hart, division director, Mississippi First Steps Early Intervention System, was honored with Easter Seals 2002 Outstanding Advocate Award for an appointed state official at an awards luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 21, held during Easter Seals 2002 Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla. The award acknowledges sustained efforts by an appointed state official in areas including general advocacy, education, legislation, accessibility, medicine and rehabilitation technology, that have made a significant impact on quality of life for persons with disabilities. As the director of the state agency that coordinates essential services and supports to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families, Roy Hart has been an effective champion in improving outcomes for young children and their families across the state of Mississippi. Because of his leadership, young children with disabilities, including those who reside in rural or remote areas are getting the support they need to reach their potential. Hart has long been a leader among disability policy makers in the Mississippi Delta region. He has been a critical partner in the Easter Seals Delta Project. The project, now in its fourth year, is actively developing and implementing strategies for building local capacity for improved early intervention and education services and for enhanced developmental and educational results for children with disabilities in the Mississippi Delta region of Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas. "Roy has been a tremendous advocate for children with disabilities in Mississippi. As the early intervention coordinator, he has worked with the Delta team to ensure that children receive the services they need to develop," says Sharon Moone-Jochums, president and CEO, Easter Seals Arkansas. Hart holds a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University and a master’s degree in public health from Southern Mississippi University. For more than 80 years, Easter Seals has been providing services that help children and adults with disabilities gain greater independence. Our primary services -- medical rehabilitation, job training and employment, child care, adult day services, and camping and recreation -- benefit more than one million individuals and their families each year through one of 450 centers nationwide. |
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