Change…that is a word we have heard and experienced many times this past year.  There is a change in our national leadership that made history; our economy has gone through a change not seen in most of our lifetimes.  At Easter Seals we have not been immune to change.  In February we had to temporarily close our transportation program due to a change in revenue source.  Our excellent team of staff and leadership is knowledgeable and proactive and was ready to lead the way during this unpredictable time. As a result, in October we were awarded the transportation funding from the state and once again our vans and buses are taking people to work.

In the Outpatient Program, our OT Kids Program adapted to the new reality when the Johnson & Johnson funding period ended.  The Johnson & Johnson team mentored us well, and we are ready to spread our wings and fly.  Faced with the challenges of identifying new funding sources to keep this necessary program going, we applied for and received several grants.  We believe this program will continue to grow and be successful to meet the special needs of children in our area.  This year a new contract was added to serve children with OT needs in the Tuscaloosa City School System.  The Outpatient Program continues to expand both in-house and serving patients at Bryce Hospital, Harper Geriatric Center, and Alice Kidd Intermediate Care Facility.

The Vocational Program experienced change with staff retirements and budget constraints.  Working with our partner, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, our qualified and dedicated staff, continue placing people into competitive employment in these tumultuous economic times.  In addition, Easter Seals West Alabama held five successful fundraisers this past year.  Together these events generated over $145,000 for our programs. 

Easter Seals West Alabama continues to adapt to changes in the economic climate and will continue to look for funding opportunities and innovative ways to serve our consumers. 

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