Spring/Summer 2015
MEET OUR Ambassadors We are very pleased to introduce our 2015 child and adult ambassadors. They were nominated by Easter Seals Michigan staff and we are proud to have them represent us. Be sure to come to one of our events and meet these extraordinary individuals. Punky Punky is no stranger to Easter Seals Michigan. She has been involved with The Miracle League of Michigan, our baseball league for children and adults with disabilities, for several years and she looks forward to the start of every season. Punky was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) when she was very young. Last year she accomplished one of her major goals, to walk to first base!
Melvin Melvin receives services out of our Pontiac location. His warm attitude and willingness to help others is contagious. Melvin was diagnosed with a mood disorder and has made huge strides in his personal development. He enjoys being a mentor to other people with mood disorders. Melvin recently represented Easter Seals Michigan at an advocacy event in Washington DC and met with members of the Michigan delegation. He stressed that affordable medication is key to finding the way back to being productive and living in family and community settings. In addition to moving into his own apartment, he recently got a job working at a homeless shelter. When asked what he likes about Easter Seals, Melvin said, “Easter Seals Michigan saw something in me that I didn’t. They believe in me.�
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!
Cheers to the Holidays – On December 5th over 250 people packed Bowman Chevrolet in Clarkston for the 3rd annual “Cheers to the Holidays” beer and wine tasting event. We kicked off the holiday season with live music, strolling appetizers, both a silent and live auction, and the annual wine pull. This year’s event raised over $30,000 for services.
Easter Seals Michigan Holiday Parties – Thanks to local donors, volunteers, and many Easter Seals Michigan staff, we are able to host numerous holiday parties for the individuals we serve and their families. Planning for the parties begins in August and includes food, friends, gifts, and lots of fun!
Corks, Pucks and Brews – The 4th annual Corks, Pucks and Brews event took place on March 16 at the Goei Center in Grand Rapids and it was the biggest yet. Over 350 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 over $35,000 for Easter Seals Michigan.
For Women Only – From January 31 – February 2, Easter Seals Michigan and over 30 riders gathered in Grayling, MI for the 28th For Women Only snowmobile ride. This women’s-only event raised nearly $32,000 for Easter Seals 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!
TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO PROVIDER HAS GONE BEFORE… Easter Seals Michigan is proud to launch The LUNA (Look, Uncover, Nurture, Act) Model, a groundbreaking program that addresses trauma prevention and intervention in children and teens age 18 and under. LUNA is made possible by a $4.1 million dollar grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. The National Center for Mental Health Promotion and Youth Violence Prevention estimates 26% of children living in the U.S. will witness or experience a traumatic event before they turn four., and, left untreated, the consequences can be deadly. Children who have experienced trauma and chronic stress without treatment are: • 4x more likely to become an alcoholic • 3x more likely to have serious employment problems • 15x more likely to die by suicide • 3x more likely to experience depression The LUNA Model will take place in collaboration with key partners at eight sites throughout the state, including Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Kent, Genesee, Kalamazoo and Isabella counties as well as in the Upper Peninsula. The LUNA Model includes a free online screening test, a comprehensive trauma assessment, and a multidisciplinary team assessment. To learn more go to www.LunaModel.org
Did You Know... Here are some facts and figures about Easter Seals Michigan that you might not know… Michigan has a higher prevalence of individuals with disabilities that any other state in the nation. There are 69 different groups available to those we serve to help improve wellness. These are important because: • People with recurrent depression live 7-11 years less than the standard life expectancy. • People with bipolar disorder live 9-20 years less than the standard life expectancy.
Easter Seals Michigan served 9,271 people last year, up 15% from the prior year. In 2014, Easter Seals Michigan staff logged 338,954 miles! That’s the equivalent to driving around the earth 13.6 times!
13.6X
• People with schizophrenia live 10-20 years less than the standard life expectancy.
Stay connected to Easter Seals Michigan!
Find us on these sites for fun contests, heartwarming stories and breaking ESM news! essmichigan.org
facebook.com/EasterSealsMI
twitter.com/EasterSealsMI
CONSUMER SPOTLIGHT Frances Culver
How long have you been a consumer at Easter Seals? “This is my second time with Easter Seals. I have been a client for over a year.” Describe the services you have received from Easter Seals during your time here? “Counseling, the opportunity to get my medication, and case management.” What has Easter Seals helped you accomplish during your time here? “Easter Seals has helped me to stay positive, to meet my goals, and it has allowed me to know that there is a support system.” What does Easter Seals mean to you? “Easter Seals means that I am not alone, that I have a support system to go to if I need to talk.” How has Easter Seals helped you grow? “I know I have a support group that helps me to stay positive and stay on the right track with my goals.”
GET TO KNOW THE STAFF Marguita Dawson
How long have you worked at Easter Seals and what is your role here? “I have worked for Easter Seals in various capacities for 13 years. Currently, I am the Insurance Verification and Benefit Specialist at Adult Services in Southfield. I have been in this position for one year.” What do you enjoy most about working for Easter Seals? “I would definitely say the consumers and staff. I like people and enjoy helping meet their needs.” How have you grown during your time working at Easter Seals? “I have worked in various departments over my time at Easter Seals; including Corporate, Family Services, and Adult Services. I learn something new here every day, which helps me grow both personally and professionally.” Why did you choose to work for Easter Seals? “I love the Easter Seals philosophy and what it stands for. I enjoy helping people and Easter Seals is an organization that puts helping people first.” What do you like to do outside of work? “I like to cook, read, and listen to music.”
RAFFLE WINNERS!
William P. of Harrison Township, MI won $100,000 on November 22, 2014
Eugene G. of Farmington Hills, MI won a 2015 Cadillac CTS and $50,000 on February 28, 2015.
Barb L. of Sterling Heights, MI won a 2015 Corvette and $50,000 on April 18th, 2015.
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Easter Seals Michigan
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Presidents’ Council
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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. Independence Level Over $25,999 David Benoit ^
Paul Haviland ^ Michael Hayes Leonard Hayes August Hofweber Thomas Hogan Rich Hollis * Jackie Hooper * Toby Horner * Stacy Horton Claire Hulleza * Lawrence Johnson Judith Johnston Elizabeth & John Kersten ^ Joseph Kolly Donald Kopka Mark Kurzawa Glen Langston Charles Lawson Richard Leachman Kevin Lupton Richard Marakovits Larry Markland Joanne McClure Terry & Tami McLaughlin * Norman Medford Paul Michalski Kathy Miller Joan E. Miller Estate David Moellring Doug Monforton Melissa Moody * Peter Nagle Donald Neill
Troy Barnhart ^ John Barrett, Jr. John Bartosz Ilene Beers Mindy Biglin * Empowerment Level $10,000 - $24,999 The James L. Boeberitz Family Trust Ann Marie Holland Trust David Bommarito Raymond & Laura Card ^ Opportunity Level Michael Cloutier $5,000 - $9,999 Frances Creveling Katherine Mann Charitable Trust Thomas Cunningham Bill McCune Ezra Cutler Margaret Nemethy Estate Wayne Damron Mark Waad Jackie & Bill Dangl ^ Susan Davies Dignity Level Donna DeFilippo $2,500 - $4,999 Stephen Destafano Fred Gibson William Dickens Dr. Nicanor Castedo * Duane Dunn Denise Durkee * Todd Santomauro Marylynn Early Ability Level Patricia Edmonds $1,000 - $2,500 Christopher Fish David Albee Arthur Fitzpatrick Steve Allen Dr. Sam Flanders ^ Dolores Ammar Norbert Froeschke Robert Amori Fred Fuller Trust Catherine Andrea Ken Gabriel ^ Daniel Atkins Bernard Gross Diane Austin * David Haas John L. Harkins Charles Avis Juliana Harper * Gail Babb * W. Kirke Harris Louis Baca * Easter Seals Michigan Employee
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John Pastor Jerry Pencak Sam Pizzo Norb Promo * Rainey Repins ^ Michael Rezmerski Sharon Riordan Michael Ryan Bruce Schuman Dwayne Seals Jennie Sebruk William Sklut Terry Spicer Wendy Standifer * Julia Swanson ^ Leon Szlachta Sherman Taylor John Tobin Robert Tremblay Lee Uhlig ^ David Vanderhovel David Vanlangenhoven Dr. Lalitha Vemuri * Zsolt Vicsacsan Marian Ward James Whitaker Ian Wilson ^ Brent & Shana Wirth * Stephanie Wolf Hull * Leon Woods Michael Woods Gregory Wronkowicz Frank Zamarelli
Easter Seals Michigan Board Member
Create a World Better Than They Ever Imagined Just a few sentences in your will can make their dreams for the future become a reality. To learn more about this simple yet powerful way to support the work of Easter Seals, contact us today.
Gift planning team:
248.475.6409
Norb Promo - npromo@essmichigan.org
W ALK W I T H M E G R A N D R A P IDS - J U N E 16, 2 015 ONE MILE FUN WALK AROUND JOHN BALL PARK, THEN A STROLL THROUGH THE ZOO
CHECK IN AT 5:30 PM REGISTER AT WALKWITHME.ORG/GRANDRAPIDS Contact Denise Durkee at ddurkee@essmichigan.org or 616.942.2081
W A L K W I T H M E D E T R OIT - A U GU ST 2 , 2 0 15 ONE MILE FUN WALK THROUGH THE DETROIT ZOO
CHECK IN AT 7:30 AM REGISTER AT WALKWITHME.ORG/DETROIT Contact Jennifer Cleary at jcleary@essmichigan.org or 248.475.6413
Helping People Live, Learn, Work, and Play
BOARD MEMBERS Dr. Sam Flanders was elected to serve as 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.
Easter Seals Michigan
David Benoit has been named vice 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.
AgrAbility helps Michigan farmers that become disabled through illness or injury to continue to farm by providing adaptive equipment. We have also partnered with the Michigan State University Extension and received a grant from the US Department of Agriculture. This grant will allow us to continue to enhance these services.
Jackie Dangl has been named treasurer. She is currently a global strategic planning manager with Amway and has been an Easter Seals Michigan board member since 2008.
Paul Haviland was named secretary. He is currently cardiometabolic district manager with Regeneron Healthcare Solutions. He has been an Easter Seals Michigan board member since 2014.
The Miracle League of Michigan provides children with disabilities or special needs the opportunity to play baseball as a team member in an organized league on an adaptive field. The Miracle League’s impact last season included: • • • • • •
35 companies supporting teams as buddies 400 players with special needs 800 grateful parents 1,500 volunteers 65,000 devoted and cheering fans The Miracle of countless smiles in one season
Welcome, Juanita Savage
Juanita Savage has been added to the board of directors. She is currently Director II, Medical Affairs, Reimbursement Strategy and Ancillary Programs Management for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and has had a very successful career in the medical field. We are thrilled to have her on our team. Please join us in welcoming her into the Easter Seals Michigan family!
Come to a meeting! Easter Seals Michigan has several meetings that are open to the public. Feel free to attend a board meeting or advisory council meeting. Learn more information about these meetings, including times and locations, at essmichigan.org.
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Run starts at 9:00 am Park at Avondale High School 2800 Waukegan St., Auburn Hills, MI 48326