Washington County Grant Supports Hiring and Healthy Meal Plans at Easterseals DC MD VA Adult Day Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2023 

Silver Spring, MD — Easterseals DC MD VA employees and program participants will benefit from increased staffing and continued healthy meal plans, thanks to the support of a $40,000 Washington County Community Recovery Nonprofit grant to the Adult Day Services center in Hagerstown, Maryland.

“With the support of this Washington County grant, our medical Adult Day Services center in Hagerstown is strengthening the local workforce while continuing our high-quality services to residents with disabilities,” says Carolyn Kaeser, center director.

Even as the effects of the pandemic recede, Easterseals Adult Day Services participants continue to require more direct care and heightened health precautions. This creates an urgent need to retain skilled staff and hire even more talented staff. The grant will aid Easterseals in offering competitive pay to current employees and filling new positions at the Hagerstown center.

Adult Day Services participants receive daily nutritious meals — lunch and snacks — that can accommodate dietary restrictions such as food allergies. Appropriate foods are especially crucial for those from low-income households or experiencing food insecurity. As food prices have risen, the cost of providing meal services has significantly increased. The grant will also go toward offsetting food costs, ensuring no undue financial burdens are passed on to participants.

Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, this Community Recovery grant supports nonprofits working to alleviate pandemic-related struggles felt by Washington County residents. Easterseals has received the grant’s maximum financial award to deliver the greatest benefit for county residents and adults with disabilities.

###

Easterseals DC MD VA – Easterseals is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through direct and life-changing disability and community services. Since 1945, Easterseals DC MD VA has worked tirelessly to enhance quality of life and expand access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. And we won’t rest until each one of us is valued, respected, and accepted. Join us: www.eseal.org.

Contact: Lauren Poon, Manager of Communications & Marketing, lpoon@eseal.org