Easterseals Empowerment Connection Spring/Summer 2017 by Easterseals MORC

Easterseals Michigan Spring/Summer 2017

(from l-r) Cassidy, Elizabeth, and Alex

Every year we select individuals we serve to represent Easterseals Michigan and our commitment to empowering others so they can accomplish their goals and enhance their community. We are pleased to announce our ambassadors for 2017!

“I will never forget what Elizabeth said on her first day at Miracle League, ‘Look mom, there are kids just like me’.” – Kari, Elizabeth’s mom

Cassidy, Adult Ambassador

Alex, Child Ambassador

Cassidy was born 3 ½ months premature and only weighed 1 pound, 5 ounces. She is legally blind and was originally incorrectly diagnosed as having developmental disabilities. Her family turned to Easterseals Michigan where she was properly diagnosed and began treatment. She eventually tested so high that she no longer needed special education classes. She is currently enrolled in college and has devoted her life to helping others with disabilities.

Alex was diagnosed with autism at a very young age. As he got older, the signs of his autism became more apparent. Kids with autism resist physical movement so it was his parents goal to make moving, exploring and trying new things a part of Alex’s normal, everyday life. That is how the Easterseals Miracle League of Michigan baseball program came into their lives. In addition to baseball they have also participated in the bowling, football clinic, and dance programs.

“Before Easterseals Michigan I felt helpless, now I don’t feel that way anymore.” - Cassidy Elizabeth, Child Ambassador Elizabeth was born with cerebral palsy. Because she is very active, her parents turned to the Easterseals Miracle League of Michigan as a great way for her to socialize with other children, while also working on strengthening her motor skills. In addition to playing baseball, she also loves to dance so she joined the Easterseals Miracle Dance program!

“What we love about these programs is that he can explore what he likes and be physical in a safe environment free from judgement. I also love that Easterseals Michigan is constantly looking for new opportunities for our kids to explore.” – Donna, Alex’s mom Learn more about the ambassadors at www.EastersealsMichigan.com

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!

The Cheers Gala On December 2, Easterseals Michigan hosted the 3rd Cheers Gala at the World Heritage Air Museum Airport Hangar in Waterford. The event was attended by 400 people and $100,210 was raised. Attendees enjoyed an evening of casino gaming, a holiday dance performance by our Miracle League of Michigan Dancers, a wide assortment of beverages, and a strolling dinner. The 2017 event is being planned now.

Beaumont Health Fair On May 17, Easterseals Michigan, along with Beaumont Health Systems, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Southeast Michigan Chapter hosted a FREE mental health fair for the public as well as health care professionals. The guest speaker was former Detroit Lion Eric Hipple, who has experienced the loss of a loved one due to suicide as well as surviving his own suicide attempt. The event was attended by over 400 people making this the largest mental health fair that Beaumont has had to date!

For Women Only Snowmobile Ride From February 3 – February 5, Easterseals Michigan and over 40 riders gathered in Grayling, MI for the 30th For Women Only snowmobile ride. This women’s-only event raised $23,072 for individuals served by Easterseals Michigan. Since their inception they have raised over $2.2 million! New riders are always welcome so make plans for next year. You won’t be disappointed!

Corks, Pucks and Brews The 6th annual Corks, Pucks and Brews presented by Flagstar Bank event took place on February 21 at the Goei Center in Grand Rapids. Over 300 people came out to sample various wine and beer selections served to them by their favorite Grand Rapids Griffins player. Attendees also enjoyed a strolling dinner, live music, both a silent and live auction, and numerous giveaways. The event raised $14,187 for Easterseals Michigan.

senior reach There are currently 46 million senior citizens (65 and older) living in America. This number is expected to more than double to 98 million by 2060.* Demand for elder care will also be fueled by a steep rise in the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, which could nearly triple by 2050 to 14 million, from 5 million just a few years ago.* To address this need we introduced the Senior Reach® program, which is specifically for the older adult population that we serve. With age comes new social, physical, and emotional challenges and while many seniors have the support of friends and family during difficult times, others do not. Some older adults have more difficulty and require more help, but may be reluctant to seek it or may not know where to go. The program offers support for the wellbeing, independence and dignity of older adults through

community education, mental health services, and connection to community resources. It is a program that identifies older adults who may need emotional or physical support and/ or connection to community services and helps them to get assistance before a serious crisis develops. Services include: • Counseling •

Care management referrals

•

Connection to community resources

•

Depression screening and treatment

•

Identification and early intervention of prescription drug misuse or abuse

This program is offered in Oakland, Kent, and Barry counties and is made possible thanks to the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. To learn more about this program or to speak with someone directly, please call 1.877.231.0155. *Source: Population Reference Bureau, January 2016

This summer YOU can create a world better than they ever imagined! For as little as $25, your contribution to Easterseals Michigan will help individuals with disabilities or special needs to successfully live, learn, work and play in their communities!

Gavin 2017 Easterseals West Michigan Ambassador

Gift planning team:

248.475.6409

Norb Promo - npromo@essmichigan.org

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MindKare Kiosk (article co-written by Oakland University staff writer) On January 18, Easterseals Michigan, MindKare, Oakland University, and the Flinn Foundation unveiled the first mental health screening kiosk in the state of Michigan. The kiosk is located inside the Kresge Library on the campus of Oakland University. The kiosk is a touch screen display that provides users access to six free and anonymous, mental health screenings: generalized anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and substance use disorders. “Providing counseling services for Oakland University students and the community is a priority of the School of Education and Human Services. We have a tradition of partnership with Easterseals Michigan and are proud to work with them on this project,” said Oakland University School of Education and Human Services Dean, Jon MargerumLeys, Ph.D. “Through a free and accessible system that will provide students with an assessment of their mental health and access to quality, local treatment centers and other resources, Oakland University is pleased to take the lead with Easterseals Michigan and Screening for Mental Health, Inc. in bringing this technology to Michigan.”

Brent Wirth, CEO of Easterseals Michigan, added, “We have been at the forefront of using technology to encourage people to assess their mental health just as they would their physical health. This collaboration helps us make an even greater impact – through education, prevention and intervention – on a population such as college students who can greatly benefit from these resources.” Easterseals Michigan secured a $27,000 grant award from the Flinn Foundation to bring the Screening for Mental Health Inc. MindKare Kiosk program to Michigan.

College Campus Statistics Demonstrate the Need Nationwide, 17 percent of college students were diagnosed or treated for anxiety during the past year, and nearly 14 percent were diagnosed with or treated for depression, per a Spring 2016 survey of 95,761 students by the American College Health Association. This represents an 11.6 percent increase for anxiety and a 10.7 percent increase for depression from the same survey conducted in the Spring of 2011.

Raffle winners Thank you to everyone who participates in these raffles. Your support helps us to serve over 11,000 families every year.

Johnny K. from Columbia, South Carolina won $100,000 on November 19, 2016.

Luz D. of Union City, California won $55,000 and her dream car on February 25, 2017.

Jim B. of Belleville, Michigan won a 2017 Corvette and $50,000 on April 22, 2017.

The Presidents’ Council honors the generous individuals who support Easterseals Michigan with an annual gift of $1,000 or more. Independence Level $25,000+ Amway John E. Thomas Irrevocable Trust John and Susan Welker Empowerment Level $10,000 - $24,900 Alpha Gamma Rho-Tau Chapter Executive Car Rental Flagstar Bank Kroger The Andersons The Longfield Family Charitable Foundation Katherine E. Mann Charitable Trust Samuel L. Westerman Foundation UPS Foundation, Inc. Opportunity Level $5,000 - $9,999 Arts, Beats, & Eats Foundation Beaumont Health System David Benoit^ Blue Care Network Salvino Briffa Delphi Foundation DTE Energy Galencher Nagy Foundation, Inc. Genisys Credit Union Greater Muskegon Area Women’s Pocket Billiards League Gun Lake Casino Jack’s Place For Autism Foundation Lear Corporation Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Michigan Farm Bureau Insurance Oak Electric Service, Inc. Sherman Taylor UAW Ford National Programs University of Michigan Greek Week Volkswagen Group of America Dignity Level $2,500 - $4,999 Active Network, LLC Troy Barnhart^ BorgWarner Frances E. Creveling Fred L. Gibson Health Alliance Plan of Michigan John Bowman Chevrolet

Elizabeth and John Kersten^ Mary Beth Kiefer Kohl’s Department Stores, Inc. Richard and Randi Korc Michael Kupinski John Lieblang^ Bill and Marilyn McCune Medline Industries Microsoft Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine Diana L. Peterson Sam Pizzo Psygenics, Inc. Richard St. Louis Lee Uhlig^ UHY Advisors David R. Vanderhovel White Pine Investment Company Ability Level $1,000 - $2,499 Advanced Care Pharmacy Services David T. Albee Steve Allen Ally Financial Dolores Ammar Sharon Anglim Apex Freight, Inc. Apple, Inc. Diane R. Austin* Richard A. Austin Charles W. Avis Spence Babcock Duane Babinski Charles B. Baker Brian Beaudette Ilene Beers Richard Berkfield Mary L. Berry Jack J. Boak David Bommarito Thomas G. Broders Joni Brooks Rick Buzinski Jeff Camboia* Sharon Campbell-Starks^ Raymond Card^ Carhartt Vince Carpinelli Dr. Nicanor Castedo Century 21 Michigan Broker Council Mike Covello CSM Mechanical, LLC Thomas Cunningham Wayne Damron Jackie and Bill Dangl^ Margaret Davis Frances T. DeBasco

Donna DeFilippo Rick Depauw Stephen Destefano Diamabrush, LLC William Dickens Dennis P. Dickstein Doug Brown Packaging Darrell Duncan Duane Dunn Denise Durkee* Marylynn Early Eenhoorn, LLC Bradley Ellis David Enrici Epsilon Sigma Alpha Foundation ESYS Automation Frank Ewasyshyn Kimberly Fanelli Emmet Feely Robert Figurski Christopher Fish Shannon Fisher Dr. Sam Flanders^ Foam Technologies Clifford Forris Patrick Fox Fram Management Group Norbert Froeschke Kenneth Gabriel^ Ronald C. Gabrys Genesis Financial Partners Genoa, a QOL Healthcare Company George H. Fisher Estate Robert V. Gonzales Grant Thornton John W. Grant James M. Gray Great Lakes Crossing Outlets Bernard Gross Duren Gutierrez* David Haas Richard L. Hanchett John L. Harkins Juliana Harper* Paul Haviland^ Leonard Hayes Henniges Automotive John H. Hiner Laura Hires D.J. Hoagg Thomas M. Hogan Richard Hollis Jackie Hooper* Joe Hootman Toby L. Horner* Stacy Horton Claire Hulleza* Mary Lou Ihrke Imperial Beverage Italian American Delegates, Inc.

* Easterseals Michigan Employee

Jeff Jackson Michael Jacobson^ Debi Jensen Judith Johnston Angela D. Jones Judy M. Judd Judson Center Daniel Kalinowski Paul Kamps Kensington Community Church Carl Kolenda Joseph P. Kolly Donald F. Kopka Donald & Mary Kosch Foundation Kyle Kosiba Sujatha Krishnakumar Mark Kurzawa Glen Langston Richard Leachman ODell R. Lechevalier Levine Benjamin Law Office Jack Long Laura Longaker Larry W. Markland Carl Marut MassMutual Financial Group Peter McElroy^ Terry McLaughlin* Russell McLean Nancy R. McNamara Larry J. Menge John J. Miller Keith W. Miller John Minnick Dr. Lynda Misra^ Leo Mitchell Nancy Monsour Craig Monterosso Melissa A. Moody* Danny Moore John P. Mordach Move Sales, Inc. Peter Nagle National Association of Realtors National Christian Foundation - West Michigan NBS Commercial Interiors Donald R. Neill Mindy O’Brien* Olson-Kulka Foundation Our Special Needs Frank Pace Jim Payne Jerry M. Pencak Peterson Spring Pixel Velocity Susan Prebeck Norb Promo*

Paul Rady Randolph L. Forester Foundation Reiter & Walsh, PC Rainey Repins Sharon T. Riordan Ronald L. Spitzley Living Trust Ronald Rose Amy J. Ruth Christopher J. Sanchez Todd Santomauro Philip Satterthwaite Juanita Savage^ James Schneider Bruce Schuman Dwayne Seals Sherwin Williams David Simonds Steve Slater Dr. Richard Solomon* Southfield Firefighters Assoc. Charity Fund Terry Spicer Neil Springer Wendy Standifer* Elizabeth Stefanik-Messerly Trison Stein Thomas E. Stephens Uriel Stephens* Lavlesh R. Sud Julia Swanson^ John R. Szlenkier Talmer Bank and Trust David Teske The Chivery, LLC John Tobin Thomas Tolliver Elizabeth Traver Robert Tremblay Tri-Town 4-H Club Calvin Tsai Douglas W. Ulmer Matthew Van Haaren^ David Vanlangenhoven Walmart Headquarters Mark I. Warren John J. Watson James Whitaker Robert J. Widdis Beverly Willing Ian Wilson^ Brent Wirth* Stephanie Wolf Hull* Michael Woods Gregory S. Wronkowicz Ronald Yatsko Marisa D. Youngblood* Tsumluck A. Yu Mark Zinn Honored Corporate Friend Century 21 Town & Country

^ Easterseals Michigan Board Member

There’s still time to donate in 2017! Contact Stephanie at 248-475-6412 or sholland@essmichigan.org to learn how you can join the Presidents’ Council!

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Save the Date

Board Updates Paul Haviland was elected to serve as chairperson. He is the current business manager of Regeneron Healthcare Solutions. He has been an Easterseals Michigan board member since 2014.

2017 is shaping up to be a pretty busy year. Here is a list of upcoming events where you can show your support for Easterseals Michigan. Learn more about each event at www.EastersealsMichigan.com.

Raymond E. Card was elected vice chairperson. A business development manager for Emerson Process Management, Mr. Card has been an Easterseals Michigan board member since 2004.

Color Me Extraordinary Family Fun 5K Run Auburn Hills, MI June 24, 2017

John Zerbo was elected as treasurer. He is currently the president of Zerbo Consulting and has been an Easterseals Michigan board member since 1991.

Dream Car and $50,000 Raffle Troy, MI July 29, 2017

Matthew Van Haaren was elected as secretary. The CEO of Pixel Velocity, Mr. Van Haaren has been an Easterseals Michigan board member since 2015.

Walk With Me Detroit Detroit Zoo Royal Oak, MI August 6, 2017

Welcome, Talal Kakish

Talal Kakish has been added to the board. He is currently the vice president North America and president TouchSensor Technologies for Methode Electronics. His leadership in the world of business and finance will play a critical role on our success in the years to come. We are thrilled to have him on our team. Please join us in welcoming him into the Easterseals Michigan family!

Corvette and $50,000 Raffle Clarkston, MI September 16, 2017 Over the Edge Rappel Grand Rapids, MI September 22 & 23, 2017

Did You Know… Here are some facts and figures about Easterseals Michigan that you might not know….

11,809 

The number of people Easterseals Michigan proudly served in 2016

8% increase over the previous year!

0-5

6-17

18-25

26-60

61+

Celebrated their 25th year serving Royal Oak. Our impact over 25 years – Helped 785 people to live a better life!

1,097 5,803

916



1,004 2,989

785

Partnered with 78 different companies to find jobs for our members!

78 250

Found 250 jobs for the people we serve!

Easterseals Michigan offers comprehensive services that help individuals of all ages. We serve the community by offering a variety of evidence based practices and innovative new programs.

25 25 years and going strong!

+ + will continue helping in the years to come!

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Registration: 8:30am PRESENTERace: D BY 10:00am $30 to$30 register Registration (includes free shirt and packet of color) includes T-shirt & color packet kids 6 and under are free Children 6 & under are FREE!

Emceed by: June 24 – Auburn Hills WXYZ Anchor & Reporter Ann Marie LaFlamme

Downtown Auburn HillsTo volunteer, contact:

SATURDAY JUNE 24 !

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To become a sponsor, contact: Stephanie Holland • sholland@essmichigan.org