"Your life and mine shall be valued not by what we take... but by what we give."
Those words, spoken by Easterseals' founder Edgar Allen over 90 years ago, began a movement. Today, we're thankful to you for being a part of that movement. With over 50 million Americans living with disabilities, our work is far from complete. We encourage you to help us call attention to the experience of people with disabilities, and to raise awareness of and advocate for the services they need to live, learn, work and play in their communities.
What We Do
Easterseals serves 1.4 million children and adults with disabilities and their families, offering a wide range of services at 71 affiliates nationwide. We change the way the world defines and views disability by making profound, positive differences in people's lives every day, helping our clients build the skills and access the resources they need to live, learn, work and play.
Who We Are - Our Mission
To unlock opportunities by empowering children and adults with disabilities, veterans, and underserved populations.
Primary Easterseals Oregon services include:
- Camp & Recreation for Children and Adults with disabilities
- Employment Services for Adults with Disabilites and Language Barriers
- Employment and Housing Services for Veterans and their Families
- Training and Employment Services for Low-Income Older Adults (55+)
- Supportive Housing Services for Adults in Washington County
Our Vision
To deliver transformative disability services, workforce development, and housing programs, empowering individuals and families to lead fulfilling lives and enriching communities across Oregon.
Our Values
Easterseals Oregon's values are the ESSENCE of who we are!
- Excellence
- Service
- Stewardship
- Equity
- Nurture
- Compassion
- Empowerment
Our Programs
Summer Camp
Easterseals Oregon offers a residential camping experience for both children and adults with disabilities at Upward Bound Camp, about 30 miles east of Salem. The five-day/four-night sessions emphasize campers' abilities and independence, as well as development of leisure and social skills. The camp is fully accredited by the American Camping Association and specifically tailored for children and adults with special needs.
ESO Day Camp
Each summer we offer several weeks of day camp in Portland. The camp is operated with a high ratio of staff to campers, with activities that are adapted to serve the needs and abilities of our clients.
Recreation and Respite
Our Camp & Recreation office will soon offer multiple recreation programs throughout the year for children and adults with special needs! More information on this transformational program coming soon.
Senior Community Service Employment Program
Easterseals Oregon's SCSEP program provides assistance to seniors 55 and older seeking to join or rejoin the workforce. Program participants receive training and help with resume writing, interviewing skills and job search. The program is currently offered in 31 counties in Oregon.
The Connecting Communities Program
The Connecting Communities serves members of the Latino community who face barriers to employment. Bilingual English-Spanish program staff work closely with program participants, area employers and vocational rehabilitation counselors, helping clients to prepare for, find and retain employment. Services are currently offered throughout the Portland, Salem and Eugene areas.
Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program
The HVRP serves homeless veterans, helping them to reintegrate into the community and into meaningful employment. Services focus on both employment and general life skills, and are currently offered in Portland, McMinnville, Salem, Roseburg, Eugene, Grants Pass, Klamath Falls, and Medford.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families
SSVF supports veterans and their families who are faced with unstable housing or at risk of becoming homeless, with a goal of transitioning to permanent housing. Services are currently available in Portland and Salem.
Americans With Disabilities Act
Easterseals also advocates for the passage of legislation to help people with disabilities achieve independence, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Passed in 1990, the ADA prohibits discrimination against anyone who has a mental or physical disability, guaranteeing the civil rights of people with disabilities.
At the core of the Easterseals organization is a common passion for caring, shared by its 23,000 staff members and thousands of volunteers, and by those who support its mission. This heartfelt commitment to helping people with disabilities and their families is what Easterseals is all about.
How You Can Help...
Your generosity helps Easterseals provide help, hope and answers to people living with autism and other disabilities and the families who love them. Easterseals exceeds all of the Standards for Charity Accountability set by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.
Donate
Visit www.easterseals.com/oregon, hit "donate" and make a one-time or monthly tax-deductible donation.
Volunteer
Join us in making a rewarding difference. Volunteer your time and share your talents, whether it's performing office work, volunteering at an event or camp, or helping in another way.
Matching Gift
Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match any charitable contributions or volunteer hours made by their employees.
Legacy Gift
When you include Easterseals in your will or other long-term plans, you partner with us as advocates for children and adults with disabilities.
Workplace Giving
Workplace giving programs provide an easy way to support Easterseals. Simply sign up for your employer's workplace giving campaign and use automatic payroll deduction to make your donation.
Honor or Memorial Gift
- Make a tax-deductible gift to Easterseals to say "Thank You!" to those who have helped you, or in memory of someone special.
- Raise Funds Online with a Personal Webpage
- Create a personalized web page and raise funds online on behalf of Easterseals … and it's easy! Honor a friend or family member, or tell your own story.
Special thanks to our Major Supporters:
