Spring/Summer 2014
MEET
the 2014
Easter Seals Michigan
AMBASSADORS
E
aster Seals Michigan (ESM) is proud to announce the 2014 Child and Adult Ambassadors. Candidates are nominated by a member of the ESM staff. Each candidate is interviewed and an ambassador is selected based on their passion for the mission of ESM, willingness to share their personal story and their comfort level in public situations. They attend organization events and represent us in the community. Dawn
Ferndale resident, Dawn Fox, was recently named is ESM’s Adult Ambassador. Dawn represents those that have struggled with a co-occurring disorder; that is they have both a behavioral health and substance use disorder occurring at the same time. Of the 8.9 million Americans with a co-occurring disorder only 7.4% will actually seek treatment for both conditions. When Dawn first came to ESM she was fighting a long history of substance use and depression. She was homeless and struggling with instability. After establishing a treatment plan with ESM staff, she was on her road to living her life as a sober and independent person. Now, several years later, Dawn has her own apartment and has devoted her life to helping others while she continues to receive treatment from ESM.
Daniel Southfield youth, Daniel Dallo, is ESM’s 2014 Child Ambassador. Daniel represents the one in 68 children born with autism, a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. At 2½ years old Daniel began receiving early intervention treatment
through the school district where he was diagnosed with autism. The school suggested that Daniel begin services at Easter Seals Michigan. With work from ESM and his parents, his language skills have quickly grown over time. “When Daniel started The P.L.A.Y. Project, he didn’t speak. Not one word,” says Daniel’s mom. “He had been taught a few things in early intervention treatment but I’d never heard him say, ‘Mommy,’ ‘Daddy,’ ‘Goodbye,’ or ‘I love you.’” Those words slowly began coming to Daniel. “I still remember the first time he went to school and he turned and said, ‘Goodbye, Mom.’ He was four. I just sat there and broke down in the parking lot and cried. I’d waited so long to hear him say those words.”
Events
Save the Date “Seals on Wheels” Classic Car Show & Century 21 Town and Country $100,000 Raffle Easter Seals Michigan Auburn Hills location June 7, 2014 Walk With Me Grand Rapids John Ball Zoo Grand Rapids, Michigan June 11, 2014 Century 21 Town and Country 2014 Cadillac XTS & $50,000 Raffle Suburban Cadillac Buick of Troy Troy, Michigan August 2, 2014 Walk With Me Detroit Detroit Zoo Royal Oak, Michigan August 3, 2014 Century 21 Town and Country 2014 Corvette & $50,000 Raffle John Bowman Chevrolet Clarkston, Michigan September 27, 2014
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.
2nd Annual ‘Hightail it For Heroes’ Run – On November 9th we held our 2nd annual ‘Hightail It for Heroes’ run at Stony Creek Metropark. Over 250 runners and wheelers joined us for this successful outing.
Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse Thanksgiving Dinner – Every Thanksgiving the Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse makes dinner for the clubhouse members that have no other place to go. This year the staff provided meals and company for 23 people that would have otherwise celebrated alone.
Miracle League Holiday Party – On December 1st, a generous donor decided to throw a holiday party for the kids and parents of The Miracle League of Michigan. The event featured over 400 people and was held at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle. The event was covered by Channel 2, 4 and 7. The kids had a blast!
2nd Annual ‘Cheers to the Holidays’ Beer and Wine Event – On December 6th, nearly 200 people helped us at John Bowman Chevrolet to kick off the holiday season and raise over $24,000 for Easter Seals Michigan.
28th Annual ‘For Women Only’ Snowmobiling Event – During the weekend of February 7th – 9th, 40 women descended on the trails in Grayling, MI to show them who was boss, and to raise over $35,000 for Easter Seals Michigan! To date, this annual event has raised over $2.5 million dollars. Plans are already underway for the 2015 ride so start planning for next year!
3rd Annual Corks, Pucks and Brews – On March 3rd, over 300 people came out to sample various wines and beers while raising nearly $27,000 at the highly anticipated event in Grand Rapids.
Greater Muskegon Area Women’s Pocket Billiards Tournament – On March 8th, the area’s greatest pool players got together and raised over $3,000 during their 23rd annual tournament to benefit Easter Seals Michigan.
2014: New Developments Partners in ‘HOPE’
Starting in October 2013, ESM has began working with the HOPE Warming Center in Pontiac, a shelter for homeless individuals in our community, by providing weekly onsite meetings to help introduce them to our services. In addition, we have a case manager assigned to these cases who provides weekly services to help them get back on their feet. The case manager also assists with bringing them to our site for medication reviews and implementing health conscience programs to help them quit smoking and live healthier lives. Soon we will have a peer support specialist that will discuss our substance abuse services that are available to them. Traditionally the HOPE Warming Center is open from November 1 through April 30, but plans are underway to keep it open year round. We are working together to empower people to live better, healthier lives.
ESM’s Website Gets a Face Lift
After a year of planning and designing, ESM launched our new website in March. The new site not only looks completely different but it provides a better experience for the user. With easy-to-understand drop down menus and a smooth, clean design, the user is now able to navigate the site with less difficulty. Because of the growth in social media platforms, the new website also provides live updates from Twitter, Facebook and blogs creating a robust hub of information regarding ESM.
“This new site has been a long time coming. We have worked very closely with our national headquarters and were involved in the creation of the piece since the very early stages. Our goal was to create a one-stop location for those interested in learning about ESM and our services that was also very user friendly and enjoyable for the visitor,” says ESM Communications Manager Craig Sharum. “In the past two years our social media exposure has tripled. Building that piece directly into the site was a great way to connect it all together.” The new site was part of a large national roll out for the Easter Seals organization. The goal is to have every affiliate receive a new site before the end of 2014. Check out our site at www.essmichigan.org.
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Meetings
To attend the Teen or Parent Council, call (248) 475-6330. To attend the Consumer Council, call (248) 372-6800 ext. 2010. Adult Behavioral Health Services
Family Behavioral Health Services
Family Behavioral Health Services
Consumer Advisory Council 2nd Friday of each month 12 - 2 pm Locations: Adult Services - Southfield
Teen Advisory Council Every other Tuesday 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Locations rotate between Auburn Hills and Southfield
Parent Advisory Council Every other Tuesday 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Locations rotate between Auburn Hills and Southfield
Stay connected to Easter Seals Michigan! essmichigan.org
facebook.com/EasterSealsMI
twitter.com/EasterSealsMI
Spotlight On...
Samantha! S
amantha began receiving services from Easter Seals Michigan when she was 18 years old. She is originally from Pennsylvania and came to Michigan to get away from a very abusive and traumatic environment. She struggled with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Since starting services at Easter Seals Michigan, she has overcome so much. She is very independent, strong, and positive. Samantha just got her GED which has been a huge hurdle for her and she recently started a band with her friends called AIM YOUR ARROWS. She is the lead singer and SHE ROCKS! She writes her own music about trauma and mental illness. Their music is available on iTunes and they are currently touring the United States. Way to go, Samantha!
Spotlight On...
Kari Kildow K
ari Kildow is an employment specialist in our Southfield location. Recently we received a note from Velia G., a person that Kari helped to secure a job. Velia has been coming to Easter Seals Michigan for two years. A large part of the Easter Seals Michigan mission is to give each individual we serve the necessary tools that they need to live the lives they deserve. In order to accomplish this we make a variety of resources, including employment specialists, available for their use. Here is what Velia said about Kari: “Kari Kildow was the catalyst that helped me care about my life again. I cannot say enough about how happy I am for her role and support in my life. She wasn’t just another case worker; she was my mentor and my friend. She cared about me and I could feel her support in my life.” Velia recently obtained a job and is currently working towards a degree in occupational therapy at Wayne State University.
Capital Campaign The Miracle League of Michigan is one of Easter Seals Michigan’s newest programs. We are currently raising funds for much needed improvements to the field to help those with disabilities. One of these improvements is to add larger, accessible bathrooms to allow those with disabilities to have enough room to comfortably use the restroom. Currently the bathrooms do not allow for this. To learn more about this project or to donate, please go to www.MichiganMiracle.org/Donate.
Raffle Winners!
William Z. of Davisburg, Michigan won a 2013 Corvette and $50,000 on September 21st, 2013.
Linda and Mike K. of Orlando, Florida won a 2014 Cadillac and $50,000 on November 23rd, 2013.
Star S. of Waterford, Michigan won a 2014 Cadillac and $50,000 on February 21st, 2014.
Bert S. of Romulus, Michigan won a 2014 Corvette and $50,000 on April 12th, 2014.
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Easter Seals Michigan
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Presidents’ Council 2013
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The Presidents’ Council honors the generous individuals who provide an annual gift of $1,000 or more to support our programs and services. Empowerment Level $10,000 - $24,999 David Benoit^ Dignity Level $2,500 - $4,999 Suzanne Baber Fred Gibson Donald Neill Ability Level $1,000 - $2,499 Sharon Anglim Richard Austin Diane Austin* Gail Babb* Spence Babcock Edward Baggett Mindy Biglin* David Bommarito Thomas Broders June Butler Raymond & Corri Card^ Vince Carpinelli Dr. Nicanor Castedo* Melissa Ciemnicki Kimberly Cooper Frances Creveling Ezra Cutler Wayne Damron Jacqueline & Bill Dangl^ Stephen Destafano William Dickens Clarence Dishman Denise Durkee* Marylynn Early Frank Ewasyshyn Dr. Sam Flanders^
* Easter Seals Michigan Employee
^
Easter Seals Michigan Board Member
live
Easter Seals Michigan serves and supports people with disabilities or special needs and their families so they can successfully live, learn, work
Edward Nol Walter Perkins Sam Pizzo Rainey Repins^ Michael Rezmerski Michele Rouleau Tamara Rubin Todd Santomauro Bruce Schroeder Bruce Schuman Dwayne Seals William Sklut Stephan Slavik Terry Spicer Wendy Standifer* Trison Stein Irene Strong Kristi Stuetzer Susan & Tom Styf Crystal Subotich* Julia Swanson^ Leon Szlachta John Szlenkier John Tobin George Tohme Robert Tremblay Lee Uhlig^ Templer Uruejoma David Vanderhovel David Vanlangenhoven Zsolt Vicsacsan Jason Waechter John Wagner Marian Ward James Whitaker Brent & Shana Wirth* Stephanie Wolf Hull* Marisa Youngblood*
Randolph Forester Norbert Froeschke Ken Gabriel^ Michael Graham Gerald Grimes Jennifer & Michael Hagedon* John Harkins Juliana Harper* John Hiner August Hofweber Thomas Hogan Rich Hollis* Jackie Hooper* Toby Horner* Dawn Hubbell Clarissa Hulleza* Elizabeth Hurd Scott Imberman Elfriede Jackson Judy Judd John & Elizabeth Kersten^ Joseph Kolly Donald Kopka Thomas Kosco Edward Kownacki Mark Kurzawa Glen Langston Richard Leachman David Leslie^ Larry Markland Terry And Tami Mclaughlin* Norman Medford Larry Menge Frank Mervyn Elsie Mistopolous David Moellring Melissa Moody* Peter Nagle Patricia Neigh
learn work
and play in their communities.
play
Register at essmichigan.org or at one of the individual sites listed below
at the
at the
John Ball Park and Zoo Grand Rapids
WEDNESDAY, June 11, 2014
SUNDAY, AUGUST 3, 2014
Register at www.WalkWithMe.org/GrandRapids
Register at www.WalkWithMe.org/Detroit
SPOTLIGHT ON...
Secondary Trauma
H
ere at ESM our staff is a group of caring professionals that work with children, adults and families, many who have been traumatized or are in serious distress. They listen to their stories and feel their pain and helplessness. For our staff, this can lead to secondary trauma which can cause high levels of stress, sadness, fatigue, anger and even physical illness. Since 1920 we have been providing services to the community which includes our staff. We have always valued our staff and provided a number of services to help with their wellness, including their mental well-being. Starting this year ESM will provide secondary trauma care for our staff in an effort to address this trauma and make it possible for them to continue providing a high level of care to those we serve.
EASTER SEALS MICHIGAN
$100,000 ALL CASH RAFFLE EASTER SEALS MICHIGAN
$100,000 CASH RAFFLE EASTER SEALSALL MICHIGAN $100,000
Tickets are on sale now! Only 5,000 tickets will be sold! Tickets are $50 each!
• Tickets are $50 each • Only 5,000 tickets will be sold • Winning ticket be drawn June 7, 2014 at 2PM at: Towill order: callon1.800.999.5655 Easter Seals Michigan or go to essmichigan.org 2399 E. Walton Blvd., Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326 • Winner need not present to win. a form to mail, tobedownload • No minimum number of tickets sold to hold raffle. • Tickets are $50 each scan orwillfax in.to you • Confirmation of your ticket numbers be sent • Only 5,000 tickets will be sold upon receipt of youratorder • Winning ticket will be drawn on June 7, 2014 2PMform at: and payment. State of Michigan Lottery #C26451 Easter Seals Michigan The drawing beat the part Raffle participants must be 18 years ofwill age or older time of 2399 E. Walton Blvd., Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326 entry. Payment of all applicable federal, state and local taxes, fees and • Winner need not be present to win. of ourarefirst ‘Seals surcharges the responsibility of the on winner.Wheels’ Winner will be issued an • No minimum number of tickets sold toInternal hold Revenue raffle. Tax form W-2G stating the value of their prize. Prize will classic car show! be awarded on June 2014. non-transferable. • Confirmation of your ticket numbers will7,be sentPrize to isyou upon receipt of your order form and payment.
ALL CASH RAFFLE
Lottery #C26451 ORDER BY MAIL State of Michigan ORDER BY EMAIL This event is open to the Raffle participants must be 18 yearsFREE of age or older at the time of Fill out order form below. Please scan and email entry. Payment of all applicable federal, state and local taxes, fees and public and will include food, surcharges are responsibility an Enclose check or provide thetheorder form of to:the winner. Winner will be issued Tax form W-2G stating the value of their prize. Prize will credit card information.Internal Revenue raffletickets@essmichigan.org drinks and family fun. be awarded on June 7, 2014. Prize is non-transferable. Return in enclosed ORDER BY PHONE envelope To purchase your ticket, please BY MAIL and mail to: ORDER BY EMAIL call: 800.999.5655 der form below. Please scan and email Easter Seals Raffle ORDER BY FAX heck or provide order form to: c/o Easterthe Seals Michigan Please fax the order form to: d information.2399 E. Walton raffletickets@essmichigan.org Blvd. 248.475.6404 enclosed Auburn Hills, MI 48326 ORDER BY PHONE SPONSOR
To purchase your ticket, please o: call: 800.999.5655 EASTER SEALS RAFFLE TICkET ORDER FORM als Raffle ORDER BY June FAX Join us on 7th and at the ESM Auburn Hills r Seals Michigan Number of Tickets @ $50 each Total Amount $ Please fax the order form to: Walton Blvd. location (2399 E. Walton Blvd., Auburn Hills, MI Check248.475.6404 made payable to Easter Seals ills, MI 48326 Money Order SPONSOR MC VISA AMEX Discover Your credit card will be charged by Easter Seals. 48326) from 10am – 2pm! Account # SEALS RAFFLE ORDER FORM ExpirationTICkET Date Verification Code For@code more information, contact JennIfer Cleary Verification is 3-digit number Total on back of card (MC, VISA, Discover) or the 4-digit number on front (AMEX). of Tickets $50 each Amount $ Name atEaster 248.475.6412 or jcleary@essmichigan.org made payable to Seals AddressVISA y Order MC AMEX Discover Your credit card will be charged by Easter Seals. City State Zip # Phone ( ) Email Date Verification Code code is 3-digitSignature number on back of card (MC, VISA, Discover) or the 4-digit number on front (AMEX). Source: C&G News
Board Members David Benoit remains as chairperson. A managing director of TCE Enterprises, LLC and a board member of several privately-held companies, he has been an Easter Seals Michigan board member since 2008.
Dr. Sam Flanders was elected to serve as vice chairperson. Dr. Flanders is the vice president of quality, safety and clinical effectiveness for the Beaumont Health System. He takes the board lead in fundraising, public awareness and other activities. The Bloomfield resident has been a board member since 2012. Jackie Dangl remains as treasurer. She is currently a global strategic planning manager with Amway and has been an Easter Seals Michigan board member since 2008.
Rainey Repins remains as secretary. She works as managing council in Alticor Inc.’s Legal Division and has been an Easter Seals Michigan board member since 2012.
Welcome Ian Wilson
Ian Wilson recently joined the ESM board. He is currently an attorney at Beaumont Health System. His responsibilities as a board member will include governing and upholding the nonprofit agency’s mission to serve people with disabilities and other special needs so that they can successfully live, learn, work and play in their communities. “We are very excited to have Ian as a member of our board. His expertise in health care law will connect us to many important resources that will help us to further the mission of Easter Seals Michigan,” says Easter Seals Michigan President and CEO Brent Wirth. In addition to attending requisite meetings, Easter Seals Michigan board members duties include participating in strategic planning and policy decisions, securing financial resources and monitoring program outcomes and operations. “I am appreciative and excited for the opportunity to serve on the board of an important and integral organization providing services to those with disabilities,” says Wilson. Wilson’s three-year term on Easter Seals’ board is up for renewal in December 2016. In addition to his work experience, Wilson enjoys kayaking, hockey, working on home improvements and cheering on Detroit’s professional sports teams. He currently resides in Rochester with his wife, Frances and their golden retriever puppy, Bennington.
SAVE THE DATES
Register at essmichigan.org or at one of the individual sites listed below
Register at www.WalkWithMe.org/Detroit
Register at www.WalkWithMe.org/GrandRapids
SUNDAY, AUGUST 3, 2014
WEDNESDAY, June 11, 2014
at the
at John Ball Park and Zoo Grand Rapids
If you would like to be removed from our mailing list, email Craig Sharum at csharum@essmichigan.org. essmichigan.org Easter Seals Michigan 2399 E. Walton Blvd. Auburn Hills MI 48326 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Southfield, MI Permit No. 271