Easter Seals NJ 2015 Annual Progress Report

Client Jose & a supporter enjoy the Walk With Me event

Vicky waters the new Health & Wellness Garden

2015 PROGRESS REPORT T H E M E A S U R E S T H AT TELL TH E S TO RY: 365 Days of Spreading Help, Hope & Answers

Debbie focused at work in New Brunswick

A game of ball at Camp Merry Heart in Hackettstown

LO O K W H AT YO U R G E N E R O S I T Y AC C O M P L I S H E D I N N E W J E R S E Y I N A Y E A R :

Total number of individuals with disabilities or special needs served by our programs

Percentage of program participants that reported an improved quality of life since joining Easter Seals New Jersey

Number of individuals provided with employment services including work training, job coaching, and job support services

Number of individuals that were able to receive necessary medical care thanks to our programs

613

614

79

962

Number of campers with disabilities served by Camp Merry Heart—safe, fun recreation in a supportive environment

Number of people with developmental disabilities that received community integration services, like accessible transportation

Number of families that received education and support to help them care for a relative with a mental illness

Number of participants who were able to avoid involuntary hospitalization thanks to our programs

2015

306

2014

702

2013

95%

2012

8,797

LE A R N , CO N N ECT, G E T I N VO LV ED !

eastersealsnj.org

LO O K W H AT YO U R G E N E R O S I T Y AC C O M P L I S H E D I N N E W J E R S E Y I N A Y E A R :

440 Number of low-income seniors age 55 and older provided with training and employment assistance

366

99% Percentage of participants that reported learning new skills or enhancing existing skills since joining Easter Seals New Jersey

132

820

LE A R N , CO N N ECT, G E T I N VO LV ED !

Number of New Jerseyans living with mental illness that were able to obtain or maintain stable housing

Get information about our programs, discover inspiring stories, and find volunteer opportunities at eastersealsnj.org and on our social media.

4,798

Easter Seals New Jersey 25 Kennedy Boulevard East Brunswick, NJ 08816 eastersealsnj.org

facebook.com/eastersealsnj twitter.com/eastersealsnj Number of individuals with psychiatric disabilities provided with transitional residence or 24-hour crisis residence

Number of individuals provided with emergency shelter at the Easter Seals Adult Homeless Shelter

Number of individuals provided with money management assistance to create personal budgets, access services, and build independence

youtube.com/eastersealsnj linkedin.com/company/ easter-seals-new-jersey

“ YO U A L L WO R K H A R D E V E RY DAY TO K E E P O U R LOVED ONE S SAFE AND YOU HELP THEM D E VELOP SKILL S TO GUIDE THEM IN THEIR LIVES .

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU D O! ” Mary Anne Filljaw, Mays Landing, NJ

REVENUE Government Grants & Fees

EXPENSES

$ 119,057,900

Program Service Fees

$ 4,823,534

Sales to Public

$ 1,796,890

Direct Services Management & General Fundraising National Fees

Public Support

$ 535,858

Investment Income

($ 30,606)

Other

$ 301,361

Total

$ 126,484,937

Note: These figures are audited year-end financials from fiscal year 2014–2015.

Total

$ 121,308,263

2015 in the news RVW-ESNJ honors participants with special needs MyCentralJersey.com click to view >

2015 in the news Disabled Want Working Life TheDailyJournal.com click to view >

2015 IN THE NEWS ADA 25th anniversary, Easter Seals celebrates success Hunterdon Democrat - NJ.com click to view >

2015 in the news Easter Seals NJ Garden Teaches Hands-On Health & Wellness MyCentralJersey.com click to view >

2015 IN THE NEWS Flemington Man Treasures Son’s Independence on Father’s Day Hunterdon Democrat - NJ.com click to view >

2015 IN THE NEWS Millville and Easter Seals Partner to Beautify Abandoned Homes South Jersey Times click to view >

$ 4,664,137

$ 619,678 $ 71,492 $ 126,663,570

0% 4%

96% Breakdown of each dollar: 0% fundraising expenses 4% management expenses 96% goes directly to service

Find out more about our many generous donors at: eastersealsnj.org/supporters S TAT E : NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities — Division of Mental Health Services, Department

of Children & Families — Division of Youth & Family Services, Department of Education — Division of Finance, Department of Labor — Division of Vocational Rehabilitation | F E D E R A L : Department of Housing, Urban Development, Department of Labor | C O U N T Y: Burlington, Camden, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Somerset, Sussex, Union, Warren | LO C A L : Boards of Education, Public Schools, and Hundreds of Individual Donors!

LIVE

Marine Veteran Overcomes Homelessness and Depression with Assistance from Easter Seals New Jersey I was feeling. After all, marines are tough guys right?” While a missing limb is easy to see and understand, mental illness is hidden and insidious. Frank struggled with his PTSD and tried to get through it on his own.

He was able to earn his degree with the help of the G.I. Bill, and life began to turn around. Frank eventually got married, had two kids, and was able to provide for his family.

Frank saw combat in three countries and was wounded twice during his eight years of service in the United States Marine Corps.

While his wounds may have healed, he returned home with a different enemy: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

For Frank, transitioning to civilian life was difficult. As Frank explained, “I felt isolated, but was embarrassed to tell anyone how

By a stroke of luck, his counselor knew the Homeless Outreach Supervisor at Easter Seals New Jersey, and Frank was quickly approved for a spot in their independent living program.

“That was six months ago, and I cannot begin to tell you how much better my life is now,” Frank reported. “Having a home restores self-confidence and gives you hope for the future.”

Life was good for twelve years.

Then his marriage ended in a bitter divorce, and his depression returned, only this time it was worse. “I was unable to work and was unable to cope with anything,” Frank said. He ultimately ended up losing his residence, his car, and everything he owned. “Once you fall into the black pit of depression and PTSD, it is almost impossible to climb out.”

Frank applied for and was awarded Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but found that in New Jersey the most difficult thing to obtain was affordable housing. For years he lived in rooming houses and motel rooms.

But when rates increased for summer, Frank could no longer afford it and found himself homeless.

Click to view “Frank’s Story.”

“I am on my way back to full independence! Easter Seals has given me my life back, and I will always be grateful [to] them for that,” said Frank. “Not only are their employees extremely supportive, they are all good, caring people who want their clients to succeed.”

See more success stories at eastersealsnj.org/stories.

LEARN

Adrien Finds Success Outside Her Comfort Zone with Support from Easter Seals New Jersey Adrien lives with both physical limitations and intellectual disabilities. In spring 2014, she signed up for tutoring with Easter Seals New Jersey with the hopes of one day passing her driver’s test, among other goals. When she started with Easter Seals, Adrien had difficulty developing relationships and adapting to the new atmosphere. With perseverance and a positive attitude, however, she was able to overcome her social barriers.

As of December 2015, Adrien is officially a licensed driver in the state of New Jersey. “Easter Seals has changed my life in many ways, and the staff has made a big impact on my life,” Adrien said. “I used to be shy, and Easter Seals helped me with my people skills and made me open up to be more adventurous and to try new things. When I first came here, palletizing [for example] was difficult for me and scary -- now I’m really good at it!”

Soon her hard work began to pay off. While studying to take the written driver’s test, Adrien also began working for Easter Seals New Jersey. With continued encouragement from staff, Adrian finally received her driver’s permit and was able to pay for driving lessons with the money she earned from her job.

When asked about what’s next, Adrien shared her hopes of pushing forward towards the future. “I’d like to work for the Easter Seals organization as a staff member, maybe a job coach, and help people like me with disabilities. I’d also like to go on to get my forklift license.”

“Adrien has made great progress in various areas. She is always willing to go above and beyond to help her fellow co-workers,” said Vicki Landicini, one of Easter Seals New Jersey’s Senior Service Coaches. “She has become dependable and always stays on task. We are so proud of all of her accomplishments, and she truly has become an inspiration to her co-workers.”

Adrien has proven that with hard work and a positive attitude, any goal can be accomplished and most obstacles overcome.

See more success stories at eastersealsnj.org/stories.

WORK

Nicole Triumphs in Her Employment Search with the Help of Easter Seals New Jersey In her early twenties, Nicole set out to pursue a career and establish her independence. But her limited mobility presented various accessibility obstacles, and prospective employers often lacked suitable accommodations.

In addition, because she found standing for long periods of time to be very tiring, she needed a job with a good balance of sitting and standing. These modest requirements proved to be a major barrier in her search for employment. After all the challenges Nicole had overcome in her life, she never imagined it would be so difficult just to find a job.

At age 11, Nicole was a fun-loving kid and avid figure-skater that enjoyed sports and outdoor activities. Nicole’s life was forever changed when one morning she woke up paralyzed from the waist down. She was later diagnosed with a virus called Transverse Myelitis, which causes inflammation of the spine. The inflammation was so severe in Nicole’s case that it damaged nerves in her spine, ultimately causing her paralysis. Nicole’s doctors were sure she would never walk again, much less skate, and urged her parents to prepare Nicole for life in a wheelchair.

Nicole, however, was unwilling to accept this fate. She spent three painful years in physical therapy hoping to regain some feeling and mobility in her legs. Her persistence and determination paid off as she progressed from using a walker, to forearm crutches, and finally to walking on her own with limited assistance, disproving her doctors’ projections. Despite the amazing progress she had made, she continued to have difficulty with fluid movement.

She would never skate again, and other areas of her life would be affected as well.

“I spent almost two years looking for a job that would support both my passion and my disability,” Nicole explained, “but every day was a struggle, and some days I felt that hope was lost.”

Finally, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation referred Nicole to Easter Seals New Jersey to help her try to find a job that would be the perfect match. Easter Seals’ Manager of Supported Employment, Daniela Bardesio, was assigned to her case.

Daniela met with Nicole every other week to improve Nicole’s resume, write cover letters, search for job openings, and prepare for

interviews. After a few weeks of searching, Nicole was hired by the accounting department for Easter Seals New Jersey itself.

Now, in addition to her accounting work, Nicole also works alongside Daniela to help others. She plans to visit programs throughout the state to share her story in the hopes that she can motivate people with disabilities to not give up on their dreams of finding or maintaining a job.

“Patience is key,” said Nicole about overcoming the accessibility limitations in the job market for people with disabilities. “For years I sat around my parents’ house, unhappy, and did nothing but watch TV all day. I am now independent, pay my own bills, drive my own car, and love my job. I can finally say that I have a job that I look forward to going to when I wake up. This all would not have been possible without the help of Daniela and Easter Seals. If Easter Seals can do it for me, they can do it for anyone.”

See more success stories at eastersealsnj.org/stories.

P L AY Opportunities for recreation and social interaction are an integral part of ALL Easter Seals programs and services and are more than just “fun”... the many benefits they provide are a necessary part of maintaining a healthy state of mind and lifestyle for everyone

Mets Baseball team experts and fans, this trio is showing off their Mets pride at our Sayreville location.

Day program participants from across the state enjoy a jolly time at the annual Holiday party at Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft.

Click to view “Through our Eyes at Camp Merry Heart!”

Here is Bruce enjoying his summertime crabbing trip in South Jersey – look at that pride in his catch!

Program participants in our Hotel and Travel Respite program spend a great day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

For additional information on our development plans, sponsorship, or how you may be able to support the facility, please contact Helen Drobnis, Chief Advancement Officer, at hdrobnis@nj.easterseals.com or 732.955.8380.

PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL

Updated February 1, 2016

Thank you to our generous donors who have supported our mission with gifts of $1,000 or more in a 12-month period!

INDEPENDENCE LEVEL 25,000+

DIGNITY LEVEL $2,500–4,999

Anonymous Britt Worldwide Charities, Inc. The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey We Live To Give Foundation Wells Fargo-Crippled Children’s Fund

Beyondpay AP Select Payroll, Inc. Cheryl & Alex Young Institute for Education Leadership, Inc. Robert Half International Inc. John Glynn Joseph J. Reo Kevin Paccione KPMG LLP Lamb Financial Group MetLife Foundation Michael Greenstreet New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company NJ State Council Knights of Columbus Rotary Club of Denville Roxbury Rotary Club The Provident Bank Foundation

EMPOWERMENT LEVEL $10,000–24,999 A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts Century 21 Action Plus Realty Friendly’s Restaurants, LLC Jersey Mike’s Subs Johnson & Johnson The Healthcare Foundation of NJ OPPORTUNITY LEVEL $5,000–9,999 Anonymous Century 21 Real Estate Corporation Century 21 Van Der Wnde & Associates, Inc. Frank M. Lavadera John & Jean McILwain May and Samuel Rudin Family Foundation, Inc. Millie Ryan New Concepts Leasing, Inc. Ott Klein Foundation Rotary Club of the Caldwells TD Charitable Foundation William T. Byrne

ABILITY LEVEL $1,000–2,499 Alexander E. Perriello Anonymous (2) Barbara Kolesnikov Blairstown Rotary Club Bressler, Amery & Ross P.C. Brian J. Fitzgerald & Linda Rondinelli C21 HOPE Foundation Charles E. Stohlberg Community Health Charities of N.J. Crest Furniture Inc. Dave’s Suburban Disposal Service, LLC Dee Wayland Don K. Seibert

Donald & Jeanette Seip Eric R. Kunkel Eshon Mitra Estate of Veronica M. Curran Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Harry F. Tracy Helen & Michael Drobnis Henry G. Klein iHeartMedia J.T. Mase & Company, Inc. Jean Kirschenbaum Jignesh Shah James & Nancy Smith John Lawrence K & R Vending Services Katie McGee Kenneth & Judy Seip Lee Ann DeMatteo Line Systems, Inc Lisa Gannon Lowenstein Sandler, LLP Magyar Bank Charitable Foundation Mark Foreman Merrill Lynch The RVH Group Merrill Lynch Michael Bisesti Mitchell S. Landis Montclair Rotary Foundation Nancy Goguen & Richard Menninger Netcong-Stanhpe Rotary Club New Life Spa New Meadowlands Stadium Company, LLC Pamela S. Friedman Paul B. Solomon Paul S. Boorujy Pedram Alaedini

Phyl’s Fund Inc. Pro Staff Physical Therapy and Dynamic Hand Therapy Qualifacts Systems Inc. Raj V. Tahil & Mary Jo Wrenn READ Foundation Richard & Alice Stenson Richard Davidson Robert J. Ciatto Rotary Club of Madison Rotary Club of West Orange Royal Oaks Club, Inc. Sandy Babey Sarayu Mitra SBS Masonry Contractors, Inc. Sean Wilcox Shelley Samuels Stephen & Jessica Hoelper Steven Lainoff Thomas O’Hern Trent S. Dickey Virginia Hajeian Wellcare Health Plans Winsor Staffing

A day at Raritan Valley Work Center

Essex County Residential program participant Mark with staff member Ed Haas

A happy camper enjoying carnival day fun

Nearly

9,000 The number of individuals or families in the state of New Jersey you helped us move along the path toward independence, inclusion, and full community integration.

Easter Seals New Jersey 25 Kennedy Boulevard East Brunswick, NJ 08816 732.257.6662 eastersealsnj.org