Easter Seals Disability Services

Making A Difference...
Volume 1   January 2009

Easter Seals President's Council recognizes generous individuals and businesses who have made an annual gift of $1,000 or more.
The President's Council provides sustainable funding for Easter Seals to help children and adults with disabilities and their families.

Easter Seals President’s Council Makes A Difference:

For Mom’s “Little Cookie”

No, Jayden Andrew Ballard isn’t your typical little boy… But he is one bright-eyed, adorable two-year-old and he is his mom’s little cookie!

Jayden was diagnosed with autism at a very early age. Along with autism, he has sensory integration issues including becoming overwhelmed by touch and loud noise.

With your Easter Seals President’s Council support, Easter Seals offers the P.L.A.Y. Project (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters), which has made a significant difference in this young child’s life.

Jayden’s mom, Denise, says, “Before Easter Seals, I had a son that would push me away. He wouldn’t let me hold him at all. Now he lets me hold him and I feel like my little boy loves me.”

Denise says, “Without the support of Easter Seals P.L.A.Y. Project, I am confident that Jayden, my little cookie, would not have made the significant gains he is continually making.”

When asked what she thought Jayden would say about Easter Seals if he could talk, Denise said, “Jayden would definitely say ‘My mommy is my best BUDDY! Thank you Easter Seals P.L.A.Y. Project!!’”

Denise concludes, “Thank you to Easter Seals President’s Council for your generous and sustainable support. Because of you, our son is growing and learning and he is now able to show me how much he loves me!”

Easter Seals Donor Profile

Providing a Safety Net for Families

“I have been fortunate in the last couple of years to learn a lot about the fine work that Easter Seals Central California does for children and adults with disabilities," says Kendra Howell, Director, Children's Miracle Network.

Children’s Miracle Network is a national charity affiliated with 175 hospitals around the United States. The affiliation with Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital began in 1989. Their purpose is to raise funds to give back to the community in the area of children’s health issues.

“Easter Seals does a lot of great work for children and families. I’ve been impressed with the organization. Having had the opportunity to meet several of the families Easter Seals serves, I feel assured that our contribution from Children’s Miracle Network is making a difference and it’s going to a great nonprofit,” adds Kendra.

Easter Seals donors are very important for the sustainability of the organization. Without the generous support of individuals and businesses, our services would not be available for those in need. Kendra says, “Nonprofits like Easter Seals and Children’s Miracle Network provide a safety net for families particularly during these stressful times as we receive less and less funding from traditional sources.”

Kendra concludes, “I have often thought, ‘Wow! What amazing stories the families of Easter Seals have to tell.’ I know they need us more than ever and I am personally glad that Easter Seals sought funding from Children’s Miracle Network.”

Easter Seals President’s Council Makes A Difference:

Attending Camp Is A Child’s Right Of Passage

“Camp Harmon is a place where kids that are in wheelchairs, like me, don’t feel like an outsider. It’s a place where I feel like I fit in,” says 19-year-old April Castillo from Dos Palos, California.

“What I would like to say to Easter Seals President’s Council is, ‘I don’t know how to say thank you to all of you. Thank you just isn’t enough. Without your support, my daughter would not be able to go to Camp Harmon,’” says Doreen Castillo, April’s mom.

Doreen continues with tears in her eyes, “I think every child no matter whether they are typical or have a disability, should go to Camp. It’s just a right of passage for all children.”

When April was born, her body didn’t make a vitamin that she needed to help break down her food. Her parents didn’t know this until she was about six months old when she had a mini-stroke which then caused her to have cerebral palsy. Her disability is Glutaric Aciduria Type 1.

The support of Easter Seals President's Council means the world to 19-year-old April and her family. “I liken it to when April was a young child and she wanted a bicycle. How do I tell my child that I can’t afford a $1,300 bicycle for her? How do I explain to her that I can’t just go to Walmart and get a bicycle that she can ride?” says Doreen. “That’s what it’s like for April to be able to go to Camp Harmon it’s just like getting that bicycle that dream come true!”

Doreen concludes, “Because of Easter Seals, I get to say, ‘Yes honey. You can go to Camp this summer.’” And April’s response?? “YEA!! How many days until it’s time for Camp?”

New President's Council Members

In November and December 2008, we added 15 new members to our President's Council.

The Easter Seals President’s Council and Easter Seals Central California wish to thank those individuals and organizations for their generous donations.

Did you Know?

• Over 87 cents of every dollar given to Easter Seals goes directly to our programs.
• The National Health Council has named Easter Seals as the #1 healthcare organization for 26 consecutive years.

Click Here to View the Next Edition of Easter Seals Central California's President's Council Newsletter