Message from the Chairman and Administrator
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Reid Holley
Chairman
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Loie Sears Robinson
Administrator
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When Ohio Rotarian Edgar Allen met Jimmie Bodak, a young boy who needed new crutches to walk, he was inspired. Allen’s chance encounter, nearly 90 years ago, was the beginning of an international movement. Allen was a passionate advocate and believed deeply in the power of philanthropy, the love of humankind that inspires Easter Seals family of volunteers, donors, corporate friends, staff, and their families as we work to change lives today.
Today, as the international organization that Edgar Allen once envisioned, Easter Seals offers help, hope and answers to children and adults with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education, and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work, and play in their communities.
Easter Seals West Alabama has faced difficult challenges in a tumultuous economic atmosphere. Yet, our staff, Board of Directors, and volunteers have continued to work hard to provide quality services to our consumers. We served 1,715 children and adults with disabilities or other special needs. In addition to our programs and grant initiatives, we held four successful fundraisers: The Holiday Ornament Sale, the 25th anniversary of the Mall Ball; and for the first time, Easter Seals Walk With Me and RV Parking for Alabama home football games. Together these events generated over $140,000 for our programs. The spirit of philanthropy is what inspires Easter Seals donors, who contribute their time, their expertise, and their resources. They see the value of their contributions and know how children and adults with disabilities respond to the exceptional services their generosity makes possible.
Our accomplishments this past year include:
- Obtaining grants from the Tuscaloosa Civitan Club ($1,800);
- Providing transportation to work or job training for 413 individuals
- Receiving $94,000 from Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to continue our work with at-risk-youth
- Planning & implementing four successful fundraisers
- Serving 326 in our vocational programs and placing 145 into competitive employment
- Serving 257 people in the Social Security Representative Payee Program
- Serving 656 patients in the Outpatient Rehabilitation Department
- Serving 1,715 children & adults in our outpatient & vocational programs
- Participating in the 100 Visits initiative, which mobilize Easter Seals staff to reach out to federal and state legislators and create an emotional connection with them to Easter Seals mission
Easter Seals’ founder Edgar Allen believed we could create a nation where everyone is included. This is at the heart of Easter Seals’ legislative advocacy and the significant role Easter Seals plays in shaping public policy at all levels of government. Our sincere thanks go to our family, friends, and advocates who support Easter Seals work. Together, we are making life better for our West Alabama neighbors and our community.
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