For the second year in a row, Easterseals is inviting all of Central Illinois to participate in the Easterseals Community Rally, April 16^th – 23^rd. This week-long celebration is a chance for community members to rally in support of Easterseals Mission; to ensure that children with developmental delays, disabilities, and other special needs can reach their full potential

“The last two years have presented challenges for all of us, but for families of children with disabilities and special needs, those challenges have been even more complex and daunting,” said Katie Musisi, Vice President of Development for Easterseals Central Illinois. “The Easterseals Community Rally is an opportunity to celebrate those families and the progress made, and we want the whole of Central Illinois to join us in that celebration and ensure that families can continue to feel that support year-round through Easterseals services.”

The Easterseals Community Rally is made possible by CEFCU. Special thanks to our honorary co-chairs Illinois State University President Dr. Terri Goss Kinzy, and Bradley University President Dr. Stephen Standifird.

There are many ways to rally for Easterseals:

• Register for Run, Walk & Rally! A family-friendly 5K run /1 mile walk that celebrates participants of all abilities! Join us for a post-race party with prizes and games. Wheel chairs and strollers are welcomed and encouraged.
  • Saturday, April 16^th at 8:00 am in the East Peoria Levee District in East Peoria
  • Saturday, April 23^rd at 8:00 am in Tipton Park in Bloomington
• Tune in to the week-long telethon! WMBD and Easterseals are teaming up to raise money to support therapy services for the children and families of Easterseals! Tune in to WMBD/WYZZ newscasts Monday, April 18^th – Friday. April 22^nd from 4-6 pm during Community Rally week to make your donation.
• Rally Your Own Way! Your support helps ensure that every child Easterseals serves can reach their full potential. Last year, Easterseals Central Illinois served over 5,000 families and provided 36,792 hours of pediatric therapy services.
  • Host a Fundraiser:  Create a fundraising page, host a small gathering or workplace challenge. There are so many ways to raise money for Easterseals and celebrate our message of inclusion and empowerment.
  • Make a Donation: Find a list of upcoming fundraising events or make a direct donation now at Eastersealsci.com.
• Learn More: Interested in learning more about Easterseals Central Illinois? Consider hosting an Easterseals 101 presentation for your workplace or community group to learn about our services and opportunities to get connected.

Learn more at Eastersealsci.com/CommunityRally

Zoey’s mom describes her as a fighter.

After receiving her diagnosis of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) just over a year ago, Zoey began working with Easterseals therapists Shannon and Meghan. Zoey is now in therapy twice a week at Easterseals and is making great progress. In September, Zoey achieved a huge milestone – she took her first independent steps!

“On paper, she should never ever walk. But this little girl is a fighter. She may be tiny, but she is fierce. She is special,” says Zoey’s mom, Ali.

Zoey and her mom Ali were recently featured on WMBD news! Check it out below:

Confidence grows on two wheels!

We are seeking volunteers for our annual iCan Bike program in East Peoria! iCan Bike teaches children with disabilities how to ride a two-wheel bike. This is a great volunteer opportunity for student-athletes, community groups, church groups, workplace teams, or anyone looking to make a big impact in child’s life while getting some exercise.

Spotters are needed to walk/jog/run alongside riders to provide encouragement and physical support as they learn to ride.

Volunteer Requirements – minimum of 10 volunteers needed per session = 50 in total

• Need to be at least 15 years old and able to walk/jog/run alongside riders to provide encouragement and physical support as needed.
  • Volunteers will move about 3 miles per session
• Click link for more information and volunteer registration – www.esci.link/icanbike

When faced with the diagnosis, or potential diagnosis, of Autism Spectrum Disorder, it can be overwhelming for families. In 2019 Easterseals Central Illinois and OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois came together to launch The Autism Collective, which helps end the isolation felt by those living with Autism. Thanks to a $30,000 grant from Ameren Illinois, families will be able to take advantage of The Autism Collective’s Family Navigation services at no charge.

This unique program helps families and caregivers with a way to connect to services, like education, treatment, medical and community-based services for children with Autism. Since its inception in 2019, The Autism Collective has served more than 800 families across 47 counties in Illinois.

“Ameren’s continued support of The Autism Collective shows their dedication to supporting families in Central Illinois. This grant makes it possible for families to access this service free of charge. Our community is full of amazing resources for children and adults with Autism. The Autism Collective is vital in helping families navigate the complex web of services”.

Steve Thompson, President and CEO of Easterseals Central Illinois

The Autism Collective is housed in the Easterseals building, alongside the Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic and other Autism services. Learn more about The Autism Collective at www.TheAutismCollective.org

As we close out 2021, we want to take a moment to say thank you.

Thank you to our staff. Thank you for remaining resilient and committed to the mission of Easterseals throughout the ups and downs of 2021. Thank you for always finding a way to serve our families.

Thank you to our families. Thank you for trusting us to help your child and your family throughout the past year. Thank you for all the unseen work; the at-home exercises, driving to appointments, connecting to telehealth appointments, and being our stand-in when we were not able to connect in person.

Thank you to the kids we serve. Thank you for your hard work.

Thank you to our board members. Thank you for providing vital leadership during this crazy time.

Thank you to our donors. Every dollar you give makes it possible for us to continue services through whatever each year brings.

Thank you to our corporate partners and grant funders. Years of partnership provide a solid foundation for us to plan for the future. Your continued support through 2021 has empowered us to

Thank you to our volunteers, especially our event committees who have remained committed to the goal of raising funds during a pandemic. Countless hours of planning and research go into each event, and we are forever grateful.

Thank you to our community as we continue to strive towards 100% inclusion and 100% Empowered.

Thank you.