In 2014, Camp ROCKS was a new experience for 11-year-old Nathan who was nervous about going to an overnight camp for the first time. Camp ROCKS is offered each summer by Easterseals Crossroads for children and adolescents who have autism. It takes place at Bradford Woods where campers can enjoy activities in a beautiful outdoor setting packed with options from swimming to boating to rock climbing and more. “I felt nervous about going away to an overnight camp, but once I heard that Camp ROCKS was a camp specifically for adolescents and children on the autism spectrum, I felt more confident in my social skills,” said Nathan.

Nathan’s family was very familiar with services at Easterseals Crossroads. Initially, Nathan was connected through First Steps for an augmentative communication device and was involved with various programs since he was 2 years old. Nathan’s grandmother Linda has been involved with Easterseals Crossroads Guild volunteer group and was a founder of the grandparents’ support group for those with grandchildren with autism.

“At Camp Rocks, my favorite activities were swimming, horseback riding, canoeing, riding the zipline and performing in the talent show. I learned that you should always respect the capabilities of your friends and peers, and that you shouldn’t be shy or anxious about having new experiences,” said Nathan. Many of the life skills that Nathan learned at Camp ROCKS helped him in school activities such as forming new friendships, communicating, trying new things and staying focused on academics. Nathan graduated from Lawrence North High School this year with a strong academic and extracurricular performance. Not only was Nathan a National Honor Society member, he also played tennis and was manager for both the girls’ basketball team and the baseball team.

“Camp ROCKS provides campers with a week of fun, outdoor activities. More importantly, Camp ROCKS provides individuals with opportunities to form connections with peers, practice life skills and develop independence. It is unlike any other experience available to adolescents with ASD in Indiana,” said Tracy Gale, PsyD, and director of autism services at Easterseals Crossroads. Easterseals Crossroads has always responded to community needs with program options that fill a void or gap for those with disabilities and hopes to offer Camp ROCKS again in 2022.

“Camp ROCKS was the absolute best. Nathan loved the entire experience and it helped raise his self-awareness. After his first year at camp, Nathan mentioned, ‘Did you know that I have autism?’ This was huge because he had never verbalized that to us. We were able to discuss autism on his own terms,” said Nathan’s dad Troy.

This fall, Nathan is off to college at University of Indianapolis. He feels as well prepared for the new experiences ahead of him. “The advice that I would give other young people with autism is to always be prepared and ready for a challenge every day and work hard in order to be successful and achieve your goals. I would also tell them to not procrastinate and not wait until the last minute to get assignments done. I’ve also learned that the more involved you are outside of academics, the more successful you’ll be not only in the classroom, but in the community as well,” said Nathan.

Camp ROCKS has been a camp favorite for more than 80 children and adolescents each season throughout the years.

Century 21 Scheetz and HSA Home Warranty present $10 Grand in your Hand raffle to benefit services and programs for people with disabilities at Easterseals Crossroads.

Learn more about Century 21 Scheetz	Learn more about HSA

Tickets are on sale now for the chance to win the $10,000 prize, which will be drawn via Easterseals Crossroads Facebook Live on April 14, 2021, at 12 p.m. EST. (license 000834)

Where to Buy Raffle Tickets

Tickets are $50. According to charity gaming laws, tickets can only be purchased via cash or check. Only 600 tickets will be sold; purchase early.

View and download a raffle ticket order form.

View the raffle rules.

Purchase by Mail (Checks Only)
Complete the form below and send to:
Easterseals Crossroads, Raffle. 4740 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205
Once we process your payment, we will enter your name in our raffle
and mail you the ticket stub.

Purchase in Person
Purchase tickets via cash or check (payable to Easterseals Crossroads) at the following locations. Please call the location to confirm ticket availability.

Easterseals Crossroads (Mondays – Fridays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

• 4740 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205 (317.479.3249)

Century 21 Scheetz Locations

• 4929 East 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240 (317.705.2500)
• 270 East Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN 46032 (317.844.5111)
• 135 East Sycamore Street, Zionsville, IN 46077 (317.873.1700)
• 11504 Lakeridge Drive, Fishers, IN 46037 (317.595.0021)
• 1533 Olive Branch Parke Lane, Suite A, Greenwood, IN 46143 (317.881.2100)
• 643 Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317.814.5500)
• 1155 South College Mall Road, Suite C, Bloomington, IN 47401 (812.336.2100)

Raffle participants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of purchase. Confirmation of your ticket number(s) will be sent to you upon receipt of your order form and payment. If sold out, your order form and payment will be returned to you. The drawing will take place on April 14, 2021, at 12 p.m. EST via Easterseals Crossroads Facebook Live. Payment of all applicable federal, state and local taxes are the responsibility of the winner. Winner must complete a W-9 form and will receive an IRS tax form W-2G stating the prize value. Winner must take possession of the prize within (60) sixty days of the drawing and must present a photo ID and completed W-9 form to claim prize. For federal income tax purposes, 24% of the $10,000 prize will be withheld as required by the IRS. Prizes are not transferable.

“I lost everything including my place to stay and a lot of items that I cherished. I had problems just keeping money in my pocket. That’s when I told myself that I just didn’t need to live like this any more,” said Jeff who is a US veteran.

Jeff sought help from our veteran services department for assistance and resources to help with housing, transportation and employment. “There are plenty of resources out there to help veterans, but it is hard to take that first step. “Without Easterseals Crossroads, I would probably still be lost and trying to find my way back,” said Jeff.

The veteran services team at Easterseals Crossroads spent 11,700 hours connecting veterans to jobs and resources necessary to maintain employment.

Our team of qualified employees has experience working with employers and can offer veterans the assistance needed to gain a competitive edge in their job search. We assist veterans who want to secure employment by providing the following

• personal career coaching
• assistance with resume development
• opportunities to network
• assistance with job searches
• weekly job club with employment-related topics

Contact us for more information about veteran services at Easterseals Crossroads.

With the close of 2020, we want to thank you for what you have done to strengthen our ability to provide services for people with disabilities in our community. Whether you made a donation to us, volunteered your time, partnered with us for an event or shared our message of service for those with disabilities — your contribution made a difference.

We appreciate the work and dedication of our community — the corporations, organizations, individuals and groups who support our purpose to change the way the world defines and views disability.    Your support means that we are so much closer to meeting the needs of the men, women and children with disabilities in our area — people who need us to live, learn, work and play in our community.    With the start of 2021, we know that community support is critical now more than ever to meet the continuing needs of people with disabilities. Please consider a donation to us today for a stronger tomorrow. 

Easterseals Crossroads is stronger with community support. Our matching gift sponsor Redux has generously agreed to match all donations through 12/31 up to $25,000. This allows us to double our impact in the community as we continue to provide services that develop and maximize independence for people with disabilities. 

Your support is critical now more than ever as we continue to serve those who need us during this extremely difficult time. We need to be the resource our community can count on for disability services.

About Redux

Founded by Reuben Zielinski and Joel Trusty in Indianapolis in 2013, Redux uses a patented technique to remove moisture from personal electronic devices with a vacuum drying process that reduces moisture completely and at a safe temperature. 

Redux chose to partner with Easterseals Crossroads this year because the company realizes the importance of what we do for our community. Redux is dedicated to serving veterans and individuals with hearing loss so that they can maximize their independence. Learn more about Redux.

Because Easterseals Crossroads depends upon philanthropy for 25 percent of its operating budget, your support is critical now more than ever before. Please consider a donation today to keep us stronger for our community.