Easter Seals Disability Services

The Story of Easter Seals

The mission of Easter Seals New Jersey is to enable individuals with disabilities or special needs, and their families, to live, learn, work and play in their communities with equality, dignity and independence.

For over 60 years, Easter Seals New Jersey has provided services through programs designed to remove obstacles along the path to independence for thousands of individuals and families living with disabilities statewide. These services are provided through the generosity and commitment of individual and corporate donors, and grants and funding from county, state and federal agencies. Ninety-three cents on every dollar of revenue goes directly to provision of services.

The basic activities and life events of the average person present some of the biggest challenges for people and families living with various disabilities. Walking unassisted to the corner store, attending recreational camp or traveling, learning skills to obtain employment, or simply being able to remain in one’s own home are just some of the challenges faced by people receiving our services. Our goal is to empower individuals facing obstacles in today's society as a result of mental, physical or developmental disabilities, or because of age, lack of employment training, socialization skills, parenting skills or a secure family structure, or economic disadvantage.

For example, securing a job and receiving a paycheck is just a part of life's daily responsibilities for most of us. But for many people living with a disability, simply obtaining employment is more than just receiving a paycheck. It’s an achievement that instills a sense of personal accomplishment and pride in being a part of their community and providing a valuable contribution to society.

The comprehensive services and programs currently provided for individuals and families with varying disabilities, including Autism, are:

• Supportive residential and outreach services
• Day programs with transportation for learning daily living skills
• Employment through skills assessment, evaluation and job placement
• Camping, recreational, and travel programs
• Respite services
• In-home care and assistance
• Case management and education
• Individualized budget management for self-directed care
• Interim housing and counseling services for the homeless
• After-school educational care and summer enrichment programs

“We strive to consistently identify the need for new services or modifying existing services to meet changing needs and facilitate success for people with disabilities and their families,” says Brian Fitzgerald, ceo and president of Easter Seals New Jersey. “The ability to touch and improve the lives of so many by providing real, life-changing solutions and services that make a difference is our priority.”

“We believe that everyone has a valuable contribution to make to their community,” added Fitzgerald.

• Download Our Brochure              (PDF)
• Download Our Business Profile   (PDF)
• Biography of Edgar Allen            (PDF)

Follow us on Twitter at:  www.twitter.com/eastersealsnj

Join our official cause at:  www.causes.org/eastersealsnj

Become a fan on Facebook at:  www.facebook.com/eastersealsnj

Friend us on MySpace at:  www.myspace.com/eastersealsnewjersey