Vol. 1, 2013
Our Mission
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aster Seals Michigan (ESM) has served the state of Michigan for a very long time, specifically 93 years! As the President and CEO for the past two years, I often hear, “Easter Seals, I am aware of your name, but what do you do?” This is a question that I value answering by letting them know “who we are.” Initially, our mission focused on providing children with disabilities adequate healthcare and advocating on their behalf so that they can be a visible (not hidden), active part of their community. While that remains, the reality is that those children grew, became adults, had families and at the same time the world around them grew as well. As the needs of the communities changed, so did ESM. Currently our specialties include behavioral health, substance use, trauma services, and autism services, serving those in need and their families throughout their entire lifespan. We are proud to say that for a very long time we have continuously created solutions and changed lives for persons living with a disability and their families. Our mission is to serve and support Brent L. Wirth people with disabilities or special needs and President and CEO their families so they can successfully live, learn, work and play in their communities. Using four words from our mission, here are some examples of who we are today. Live – On average, people with severe mental illness die 25 years younger than the general population due to preventable diseases. As a result, within our own behavioral health programs we have focused our efforts on innovative partnerships that integrate our behavioral health services with primary care and other health and wellness initiatives to improve one’s quality of life and health. Learn – For many parents the ability to play with their child is natural and often taken for granted, but for a family with a child on the autism spectrum, this is a learned skill. Through our innovative services provided to parents, they are able to transform their child preferring to play by themselves to wanting and seeking out the parents. The mother of one of the children, said to her sheer delight “he won’t leave me alone! He wants to play all the time!” Work – ESM truly believes that everyone can work and/or find activities that are meaningful. We support each individual person’s desires and find solutions. Whether it is supporting ones recovery, continuing their sobriety, gaining or maintaining employment, or providing adaptive analysis and equipment to a farmer who may have lost mobility, ESM assists those in need to gain and sustain their pride and ability to work.
Play – The ‘Envision Accessible’ Manistee County Project was the result of ESM, the community of Manistee and the USDA Office of Rural Development. ESM engaged the community in developing an action plan that addressed the needs and inclusion of people with disabilities county-wide. This innovative model has, and continues to deliver community impact each and every day. This initiative truly has made Manistee County one of the premier destination spots in Michigan, and possibly the world, for those requiring universal access to recreation, with an emphasis upon access to the county’s Lake Michigan shoreline and its miles of lakes, streams, rivers, and wetlands. As you can see, our mission does not just stand the test of time, it grows stronger!
Meet Meet the the 2013 2013
AMBASSADORS Every year ESM selects two individuals to serve as our ambassadors for the coming year. These individuals were selected because they strongly reflect the mission of ESM and we are proud to have them represent us in 2013. Abby was in and out of therapy since the age of six with varying diagnoses and varying degrees of success. She started at ESM at the age of 14 and was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (Asperger’s syndrome). Since then, she has vastly improved her school performance as well as her social skills. She has become involved in the Teen Advisory Council and has started working in a family-owned business. Abby is an inspirational person that we are excited to have as a representative. Curtis was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder following a trauma-related incident that destroyed his life, leaving Curtis jobless and homeless. Since coming to ESM, Curtis has been able to get a new apartment and a new job. He is a testament to our mission and we couldn’t be happier to have Curtis serve as our adult ambassador for 2013.
2012 EVENT
Wrap Up!
Thank you to all of those that made these events a success! From sponsors to volunteers, we couldn’t have done it without you.
Hightail It for Heroes – On November 10th, we had our first Hightail It for Heroes run at Stony Creek Metropark. Over 220 runners and wheelers joined us for this successful outing.
Walk With Me Detroit - on September 22nd, over 600 Michigan residents walked along side us in the Walk With Me Detroit at the Detroit Zoo. Over $30,000 was raised for ESM.
Walk With Me Grand Rapids – On June 13th, over 600 people participated in the 2012 Walk With Me Grand Rapids event at the John Ball Zoo. Over $64,000 was raised for ESM.
Yacht Event – On July 19th, over 100 people packed the Ovation yacht for our inaugural Yacht Event on the Detroit River.
Cheers to the Holidays – On November 27th, we held the first Cheers to the Holidays wine tasting event in Clarkston. Over 120 people attended the event and nearly $15,000 was raised.
Red, White and Brews – On February 20th, over 130 people turned out and over $10,000 was raised at the first Red, White and Brews wine event in Grand Rapids. Learn more about the 2013 event at essmichigan.org.
Brick Unveiling/Bowman Memorial – On October 18th, the Walkway of Champions was unveiled at the Roger and Doris McCarville Center in Auburn Hills. We also planted a memorial tree as a tribute to Mr. John Bowman, a long-time Easter Seals supporter.
Presidents’ Council – On March 29th, Easter Seals Michigan held its Presidents’ Council Breakfast at the Skyline Club with special guest speaker, Richard Bernstein.
FWO 2012 – The weekend of February 3 – 5 marked the 25th year of our For Women Only snowmobiling event. This annual event raised over $20,000 bringing the event total to over $2.2 million raised!
Kroger Float Days – From July 14th – August 5th, ESM teamed up with Kroger, Hudsonville Ice Cream and A&W Root Beer for the annual Kroger Float Days, raising $48,000 for ESM.
Community Days – On August 25, nearly 100 individuals packed the courtyard of the Southfield campus for our Community Day event. The event included free ice cream, health screenings and the $100,000 raffle drawing.
Let’s Get Started With a number of new programs, locations and events, next year is shaping up to be monumental. We’ve Moved Effective Januray 2nd, 2013 the Waterford location on Summit Drive is at its new home in Pontiac. The new, larger building is located at 1685 Baldwin Road in Pontiac. For questions, please call – Collaborative Solutions: 248.706.3450 or Centro Latino: 248.681.1940. Substance Use Programs ESM has been awarded a substance use service contract through the Oakland County Health Division Office of Substance Abuse Services. This allows ESM to provide substance abuse treatment at all of its Oakland County locations. These will include early intervention, co-occurring services, case management, peer recovery supports, and outpatient treatment for youth, families, and adults. Seeking help is the most important first step towards recovery. ESM is committed to serving those struggling with alcohol and drug use so they can successfully live, learn, work and play in their communities. This program is currently available for both day and evening hours. Call 1-800-75-SEALS to take that first important step to recovery. ESM accepts most insurance providers. Affordable Healthcare ESM is pleased to announce a new partnership with Oakland Integrated Healthcare Network (OIHN) providing integrated healthcare that will ensure continued access to affordable medical care, working out of the ESM’s Southfield campus. Created in early 2012 by Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority, OIHN is an organization that provides affordable,
coordinated healthcare services, both behavioral and primary care, in one convenient location. OIHN offers treatment for illnesses and medical disabilities, as well as preventive care such as physicals and PAP smears. Lab services, diagnostic tests and various treatments are also available on-site. OIHN welcomes those with any insurance, including Medicaid, Medicare and Veterans health care. Service is also available to non-insured individuals and families. The medical center welcomes both scheduled and walk-in appointments. It is currently open on Tuesdays from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm and Thursdays from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm, expanding to 5:00 pm. These days and times will expand in future months. To schedule an appointment, call OIHN at (248) 724-7600. MyCare Since our grand opening on October 1, 2011, behavioral health services for adults, families and children have been available to the Macomb County community at our Easter Seals Center Line site. A few short months after opening our doors, ESM entered into an exciting partnership with MyCare Health Center, a primary care clinic providing services to Macomb County residents. This past November, MyCare officially became a tenant in our Center Line office and began seeing patients for medical care immediately. In the ever-changing world of healthcare, it’s important to ESM to evolve as well, and this integrated healthcare option will provide residents of Macomb County the opportunity to receive primary and behavior healthcare all in one location.
Advisory Council
Meetings To attend, please call (248) 475-6330
Adult Behavioral Health Services
Family Behavioral Health Services
Family Behavioral Health Services
Consumer Advisory Council 2nd Friday of Each Month 12-2 pm Location: Adult Services 22150 building - Southfield
Teen Advisory Council Every Other Tuesday 5:30-7pm Locations rotate between Auburn Hills and Southfield
Parent Advisory Council Every Other Tuesday 5:30-7pm Locations rotate between Auburn Hills and Southfield
Stay connected to Easter Seals Michigan! essmichigan.org facebook.com/EasterSealsMI twitter.com/EasterSealsMI
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We’ve done it again!
KUDOS
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aster Seals Michigan has been named one of the 2012 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For™ in Metropolitan Detroit, West Michigan, and nationally. This award is given to companies that distinguish themselves by having the most innovative and thoughtful human resource programs. An independent research firm evaluates each company’s entry based on key measures in various categories. They include Compensation, Benefits and Employee Solutions; Employee Enrichment, Engagement and Retention; Employee Education and Development; Recruitment, Selection and Orientation; Employee Achievement and Recognition; Communication and Shared Vision; Diversity and Inclusion; Work-Life Balance; Community Initiatives; Strategic Company Performance and the Best of the Best Small Business.
Work-Life Balance: Extent to which the organization and its management recognize the need for personal balance as an employee by implementing programs to accommodate such needs. Community Initiatives: Extent to which the organization is committed to improving the local community while providing the encouragement and time for employees to participate in a meaningful way.
“It is such an honor to work alongside such an amazing group of professionals, and I am so proud that we are once again recognized in our community for the passion, dedication and
We stood out in three categories:
services that we provide every day.”
Diversity and Inclusion: The extent which an organization is open and inclusive to people of differing human qualities, promotes a tolerant work environment, and considers multiculturalism to be a competitive advantage.
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ne of the main mission points for ESM is self-advocacy. We feel that when those we serve speak out to help others, it is a major accomplishment. On October 24th and 25th members of the Easter Seals Teen Advisory Council (T.A.C.) traveled to Lansing Michigan for the annual ACMH Systems of Care Conference. The two day conference was filled with great information, opportunities for connection and collaboration, and many inspiring stories. Four of those stories were told by members of our very own T.A.C. group. During the second day of training, the Easter Seals T.A.C., along with other youth guided groups from across the state, participated in a training session led by professional
Brent Wirth President and CEO, ESM
spoken word performers, Kinetic Affect. During this training, youth were taught how to shape their own personal experiences into a story that can affect change within both individuals and systems. At the end of the training, four of our T.A.C. members bravely volunteered to share their own personal stories with the entire audience during the closing ceremonies of the two day event. All four T.A.C. members, along with other youth from around the state, gave strong performances and were rewarded with a standing ovation from the crowd of several hundred. Thanks to ACMH for the opportunity and thanks to the members of thje Easter Seals T.A.C. for working hard to ensure that every youth voice is heard.
More Winners! Nancy R. of Ann Arbor, MI won $100,000 on August 25th, 2012.
Felix A. of Union City, CA won a Corvette and $50,000 on September 22nd, 2012
Kathleen C. of Shelby Township, MI won a Cadillac and $50,000 on December 1st, 2012
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Easter Seals Michigan
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Presidents’ Council
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October 1, 2011 – September 30, 2012
The Presidents’ Council honors the generous individuals who provide an annual gift of $1,000 or more to support our programs and services. OPPORTUNITY - $5,000 - $9,999 Mr. David Benoit^ DIGNITY - $2,500 - $4,999 Dr. Nicanor Castedo* Jaqueline and Bill Dangl^ Fred L. Gibson Glen Langston Tom & Susan Styf* Jim and Lee Uhlig^ ABILITY - $1,000 - $2,499 Diane Austin* Richard A. Austin Gail Babb* Spence Babcock Christopher J. Berry, Esq. Mary L. Berry Mindy Biglin* Paul and Kathi Black* David Bommarito William J. Brown Trust Loye D. Burney June M. Buter Raymond and Corri Card^ Vince Carpinelli Therese & Ronald Cooper Wayne Damron Donna Defilippo
Stephen Destefano William Dickens Denise Durkee* Marylynn Earlly Christopher Fish Homer S. Fox, Jr. Frank G. Frisk Norbert Froeschke Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Goodwin Michael Graham David Haas Mr. & Mrs. Michael and Jennifer Hagedon* Juliana Harper* Richard Hollis* Jacqueline Hooper* Toby L. Horner* Clarissa Hulleza* Henry Huntzicker Angela Jones Mr. & Mrs. John and Elizabeth Kersten^ Mark Kurzawa Charles E. Kvasnovsky Richard Leachman Manfred Mack Dale Martin Terry & Tami McLaughlin* Nancy McNamara Frank Mervyn Jeanne E. Mondou
* Easter Seals Michigan employee
Easter Seals Michigan serves and supports people with disabilities or special needs and their families so they can successfully live, learn, work
Melissa Moody* Valissa & Patrick Naganashe Mark Near Sam Pizzo Nancy Roeser Amy Ruth Steven Sabina Bruce Schroeder Bruce Schuman Ron Shriver^ Glenn R. Smith Wendy Standifer* John Strong Kristi Stuetzer^ Crystal J. Subotich* Dr. K.G. Surendran-Nair* Julia Swanson^ John R. Szlenkier Robert Tremblay David Vanlangenhoven Marian Ward James Whitaker Jeffrey Wickens Brent and Shana Wirth* Stephanie Wolf Hull* Michael Woods Gregory S. Wronkowicz Marisa D. Youngblood* John Zerbo^
^ Easter Seals Michigan Board Member
live learn
and play in their communities.
play
work
fun
& camaraderie All for a good cause.
February 1 – 3, 2013 For more details and to register, go to www.EasterSeals.com/FWO
Spotlight on…
Peer Support Specialists
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ccording to Mental Health America (MHA), peer support is a unique and essential element of recovery-oriented behavioral health and substance use systems. ESM currently has over 15 peer support specialists on staff and much like Easter Seals itself, the peer support specialist works to best fit the needs of those we serve. Because of this, the job function of each of our specialist ranges from person to person. Peer support programs provide an opportunity for consumers who have significantly recovered from their illness to assist others in the recovery process to direct their recovery process by teaching one another the skills necessary to lead meaningful lives in the community. Peer support services have demonstrated effective outcomes such as reduced isolation and increased empathic responses. Research has also shown that outcomes improve when consumers serve as peer specialists on case management teams. Currently, all peer support specialists work with adult service recipients and they are often the most treasured by those we serve due to the fact that the peer support specialist can best relate to the struggles of a behavioral health disability. The role of these specialists is just another way that ESM works to maintain the best care possible for those we serve and remain dedicated to the mission of helping those with disabilities or special needs to live, learn, work and play in their communities.
EVENTS
Save the Dates!
F O R W O M E N O N LY A L P I N E LO D G E – G AY LO R D, M I F E B R UA R Y 1 – 3 , 2013 R E D, W H I T E A N D B R E W S GOEI CENTER – GRAND RAPIDS, MI F E B R UA R Y 19, 2013 C E N T U R Y 21 TO W N & CO U N T R Y C A D I L L AC & $50,000 R A F F L E S U B U R B A N C A D I L L A C B U I C K O F T R OY – T R OY, M I F E B R UA R Y 23, 2013 WA L K W I T H M E G R A N D R A P I D S J O H N B A L L ZO O – G R A N D R A P I D S , M I J U N E 12, 2013
Board Members On June 13th, ESM appointed four new members to its Board of Directors. The responsibilities of a board member are governing and upholding the mission, participating in strategic planning and policy decisions, securing financial resources and monitoring program outcomes and operations. Each term lasts three years and is up for renewal in December 2015. Mark Abbo is the Northville Township Supervisor. He has served on the Board of Trustees of Northville Township since 1992. Susan L. Davies is Kettering University’s Vice President for University Advancement and External Relations. She has held, or served on, several industry boards and committees, including Chairperson of CFRE International; Board of Directors for the Association of Fund Raising Professionals; Michigan State University Leadership Fellow; and Board Member for the Michigan Capital Girl Scout Council. Davies was also named one of the 2011 Esteemed Women of Michigan and won the President’s Award 2011 by the AFP Metro Detroit Chapter. Dr. Sam Flanders is the Beaumont Health System Executive Vice President of Quality, Safety and Clinical Effectiveness. He is also a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Michigan State Medical Society and served on the board of the Diabetes Youth Foundation of Indiana. Rainey Repins is the Managing council in Alticor Inc.’s Legal Division in Grand Rapids. She is a member of the American Bar Association, Michigan State Bar, Connecticut State Bar and is on the Board of Directors for Classmates Care, a nonprofit organization that strives to supply field trip funding and winter outdoor clothing to students in West Michigan who have demonstrable financial need.
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