Monthly Archives: April 2018

Lifetime Imprints

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by Jeanine Johnson

The other day I was sitting and reflecting fondly on the last year. I made a lot of meaningful connections with the children here at Easterseals. As I have spoken of before, I was both sad to see some leave, but excited for the growth and progress that enabled them to move forward, on to the next adventure in their lives. I was comforted in the thought that maybe, just maybe, I’d be able to hold on to some of these connections, at least a little longer. I’m sitting here smiling because I have. Don’t know how long it will last, but I am holding on to and enjoying every opportunity that presents itself.

In August I attended a 5th Birthday party for Maximo. He’s a former student who left Easterseals early because his family relocated. During his time here he managed to capture everyone’s heart. We were all disappointed that our time with him was cut short. I was overjoyed that I was invited to share in his birthday celebration. It was nice being able to see him and, to once again, experience that magical smile. His mother sends me pictures periodically, which always brightens my day immensely.

In December I met up with one of my favorite graduates, Mung. My daughter, Autumn, and I treated Mung and his mother to lunch in Center City, Philadelphia. We had an opportunity to catch up on all that has been going on with him and his transitioning to a new school. He has always been somewhat of a character having “beyond his years” humor and sarcasm. I was delighted to see that hadn’t changed.

What’s been very evident to me is how much that Easterseals has meant to these families. I am so glad that their faith in entrusting us with the care of their children was well placed. The impact our programs have for these children will remain with them for years to come. The impact the children have had on me will last my lifetime.

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lunch with Mung

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Maximo’s birthday

Music and Memories

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by Sabrina Stafford

When I received the news that I would be interning at Easterseals back in December of 2015, I was ecstatic. Being the oldest sibling of two children with special needs, I am used to most special education programs being familiar with my family; but this was different. Easterseals had been a part of not only my brother and sister’s lives but also mine. I attended the Sibshop program that was available in the evenings to siblings of children who attended Easterseals. This program was very important to me as a little girl (and I’m not just saying that because they had free pizza).

Sibshop taught me that although being a sibling is difficult, it is also incredibly rewarding. My siblings are a blessing. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to easily learn values such as patience, empathy and hope. When I walked into the doors of the Delaware County Division of Easterseals after accepting the position as the Music Therapist, I felt like I was walking into Easterseals as a little girl back in the early 2000’s.

My brother, Sammy, graduated from Easterseals in 2000. He is currently 22 years old and a graduate from Elwyn’s Davidson School. Sammy once was a student in the APS classroom. Sammy received in-home services such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy. In fact, Ms. Paula, Sammy’s previous PT still works at Easterseals today. What a surprise it was for me to recognize a familiar face on my first week as an intern! Sammy is healthy and strong and enjoys his days socializing at home with family and his nurses.

My sister, Sophia, graduated from Easterseals in 2006. She is now 17 years old and attends a life-skills class at Penncrest High School. Sophia was one of the first children to attend the Friendship academy at the Delaware County Division. Sophia continues to enjoy school, especially socializing with peers her age. She attends all of her high school dances and is also a member of her student council and honors society. Sophia also works at The Media Library as part of her life-skills curriculum.

I am a proud sibling of both Sammy and Sophia. Of course my special family has come with challenges, but those challenges are heavily outweighed by the benefits. Easterseals has been a small-knit community for me and my family, and continues to be a supportive environment for me as a newly professional Music Therapist.

Although Sammy and Sophia have both graduated from Easterseals, they bring the spirit and warmth of the Easterseals community with them. They will continue to hold Easterseals in their hearts, just as I continue to do every day. It has been such a rewarding experience for me working at Easterseals; I feel like I was born to have this job. I am so very thankful for the life experiences that prepared me for my endeavors at Easterseals. Because of this, I wake up every day with a smile knowing that without my siblings, and without Easterseals, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

The entire family
Sophia and I relaxing after Walk With Me
Sammy’s Easterseals graduation in 2000
Sophia and I dressed up for Halloween
The Stafford kids

The Odyssey of Giving Back!

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by Kirstyn O’Donnell

When 3:30 p.m. hits and my shift at Easterseals is done for the day, home is the last thing on my mind. Almost every other day, I am on my way to an Odyssey of the Mind meeting, that myself and my friend coach. What is Odyssey of the Mind? In short, it’s a sport for your mind. It’s a team everyone can join from kindergarten to twelfth grade to problem solve in a creative way. They use those problem solving skills in a skit that they perform later in the year at regional competition.

On Monday, March 19th, the Pennsbury High School Odyssey of the Mind students visted Easterseals with three boxes of Spring Meal Packages. The Students- Rowan Leventhal, Sarah Uhlman, Danielle Gershman, Becca Uhlman, and Noah Petroski, gathered food for over two weeks with the full intention of giving their donations to some Easterseals families. When the students arrived at the school, they sorted a big box that was overflowing with food into thee separate boxes. Then they were able to tour the school. The air was filled with question after question as they learned about what the staff at Easterseals provides to the children in our community. They were able to see what the school has to offer and were in awe to see the classrooms, the gym and the sensory room.

The students were also able to see some of the equipment that the children use daily, such as standers and gait trainers. They learned how and why these items are used. What they loved most about Easterseals was how the staff finds creative ways to help the children progress in their daily lives. The students later told me that Easterseals was something that they have never experienced before. In that hour and a half of time, they learned something that was very important. They learned that no matter who you are, or how old you may be, giving back to your community is always important. One thing is for sure, Easterseals impacted their lives and they are very excited to return one day in the future!

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students working on their donations.