THE BIRTH OF THE SEAL

In the spring of 1934, the organization launched its first Easter "seals" campaign to raise money for its services. To show their support, donors placed the seals on envelopes and letters. Cleveland Plain Dealer cartoonist J.H. Donahey designed the very first seal. Donahey based the design on a concept of simplicity because those served by the charity asked "simply for the right to live a normal life." The lily — a symbol of spring – was officially incorporated as the National Society for Crippled Children’s logo in 1952 for its association with new life and new beginnings. and recovery programs, assistive technology, camp and recreation, caregiving support including respite—and much more. Additionally, they’ve served transitioning military, veterans and their families and caregivers since WWII and continue to be the “go-to” resource for them to help ensure successful transition to civilian life.

Easterseals Local Story

Easterseals North Texas has provided services for individuals with disabilities and their families since 1939. Each year, with their assistance, over 5,000 individuals of all abilities are able to live, learn, work and play in our communities. As a nonprofit organization, they are always ready to provide expert help, hope and answers. It’s who they are, and what they have been doing for over 75 years in North Texas. Easterseals North Texas has a longstanding history in our community of providing unique programs and services for individuals with a wide variety of disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Mental and Developmental Delays. Their services continue to evolve with the needs of the community, and are provided in their Fort Worth and North Dallas centers. In some cases, Easterseals can even bring their services to your home.

Easter Seals Funding For Futures

Easterseals receives funding from a variety of sources, including private insurers, government agencies and fee-for-service. To make their services accessible to as many people as possible Easterseals also relies on public contributions. Public contributions help cover the difference between actual program costs and what their clients can afford. You can help them to continue to provide these exceptional services by making an online donation. Easterseals is proud of putting all of your donations to work effectively. More than 90 percent of Easterseals’ revenue goes to support services in the area where funds are raised. Easter Seal is a grassroots, community-based organization.

WHAT EXACTLY ARE EASTER "SEALS?"

Easter ‘seals’ are stamp-like seals that were first created in 1934 to raise money for services benefiting children with disabilities. Then known as the National Society for Crippled Children, the organization was re-named “Easterseals’ in 1967—reflecting the public’s awareness and acceptance of the campaign.

DO EASTER "SEALS" STILL EXIST TODAY?

Yes. In fact, Easterseals still mails seals to more than 19 million households across the country every year, raising almost $14 million to support services to children and adults with disabilities and their families.

Seeing Beyond The Limitations

Every day, people with disabilities can and do add value to America’s workplaces. Take for instance, Easterseals North Texas client Destiny who works at Ross. Or how Cole attained employment with the help of Easter Seals North Texas after suffering a traumatic brain injury when he was just seven weeks old. An actual job seemed like a distant dream for him, but Cole craved community involvement so he looked to Easterseals North Texas for help. There are many stories of hope that Easterseals has written. These success stories are not the exception, they are the rule. They are the reason that Easterseals keeps doing what they do. This is their mission and purpose.

IT IS ALL POSSIBLE WITH VOLUNTEERS

Easterseals is committed to caring for all children and adults with physical and mental disabilities and special needs resulting from any cause—diagnosed at birth or incurred through disease, or accidental injury or the aging process. Easterseals is also not affiliated with any religion and does not discriminate. At the core of the Easterseals organization is a common passion for caring, shared by their entire staff and by all of those who support this mission.

IT IS ALL POSSIBLE WITH VOLUNTEERS

Easterseals' continued success in their mission to provide services to people with disabilities would not be possible without volunteers! Your time, energy and hearts will inspire and touch the lives of those they serve. Your personal commitment enhances the services that they provide to the Easterseal clients nationwide. You can search for a local volunteer opportunity in your area by scanning this QR code.

Easterseals programs across the country provide a wide variety of the interventions that help individuals of all abilities. Your support can be a lifeline of funds that enables your local Easterseals to continue providing vital services and support to people with disabilities and their families. Easterseals is for all abilities and provides limitless opportunities to all.

INTERVIEW BY SHANNON STEWART SALINSKY | PHOTOS BY LORRAINE HAAN-STEWART

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