Harmony’s mom Tamara noticed some delays and sensory issues early in development. Knowing that early intervention services could make a difference, she connected with Easterseals.

Through occupational therapy, Harmony has learned how to handle her emotions and use her words rather than being upset. Being able to articulate her feelings has been a huge benefit. She has started to use her coping skills in playing with other kids and getting along with her sister. She is learning to express herself when upset.

Speech therapy proved beneficial as well. “I started to see a lot of improvement with Harmony once we started therapy – especially speech. We noticed sound errors with her speech and at 3 or 4 were not as concerned. But approaching 5, we noticed that it could be a delay,” said Tamara.

Harmony’s family did not realize all of the resources that were available in relation to children’s therapy services. Knowing that there was the possibility to have all of these services in one place for Harmony has made a huge difference for the family.

“We are able to work with families in ways that best meet their needs by offering occupational, physical and speech therapy all in one place. We have a great team at Easterseals Crossroads and we have inviting spaces that open the possibility of great outcomes for families,” said Haley Limper, who is an occupational therapist.

Possibility begins at Easterseals Crossroads for nearly 10,000 people each year. No matter when we enter a person’s life, our overall goal is to maximize independence and improve quality of life for people with disabilities. From birth throughout a lifetime, we are here for adults and children in our community providing resources, therapy, training, options and possibilities for people like Terrell and Jimmy.

Terrell just started first grade. Like any mother nearing that milestone, his mom Adel was fearful about the changes to his schedule because of his autism. But since she and Terrell have worked with
our autism services staff for the past four years in preparation for moments like this, she absolutely knew he had the tools to successfully begin his life.

Jimmy is an adult who sustained a brain injury as the result of a car accident. Because of the injury, he learned he could no longer work in his chosen profession. Not knowing if a different career was even possible, he worked diligently with our brain injury staff to discover options that aligned with his new life’s reality.

When life with disability begins or when it changes, Easterseals Crossroads is there with possibilities. But we need community support to invest in the future of the agency and those we serve. Thanks to the generous support from OneAmerica Financial Foundation, all gifts made to Easterseals Crossroads between now and December 31, 2024, will be matched. There has never been a better time to give!

Please join us in support of empowering possibility!

Thaddaus is a US Army veteran who completed his service in the early 2000s. He struggled to get his life back on track after some difficulties. Life after his service took some turns and at 35, he found himself in a rough place and eventually prison.

“I made some really bad decisions, and now I am living with the results of those decisions. I can’t go back and change what I have done, but I am learning from my mistakes. I am a stronger person because of my experiences,” said Thaddaus.

Thaddaus eventually entered a work release program and found veteran services, which led him to Easterseals Crossroads. Thaddaus is currently living in transitional housing and he is headed toward a better place in his life.

“When we get a veteran who needs our services, we figure out the immediate priorities like housing because it’s hard to get to work if you don’t have a place to come home to. Once we figure out all the obstacles in getting a veteran back to work, we create the path toward independence and an improved standard of living,” said Troy Drake, who is a career navigator in the veteran services program.

Thaddaus is working and he has signed up for courses in an information technology certification track so that he can advance. He has moved beyond major obstacles and feels his life is on track for a meaningful future. He has a career with plans for advancement through further education, he has a car and he is preparing to move into his own place.

“Everything is going pretty well, considering some of the circumstances in my past. I am moving forward and not dwelling on the mistakes that I made in my past. A year ago, I had gotten to the point where
I had given up on the possibility of even making it out of the correctional facility. I found the help I needed and I am somewhere that I didn’t think I could be a year ago,” said Thaddaus.

During October, our country recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) to celebrate the many contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy. This year, the theme for NDEAM 2024 is Access to Good Jobs for All.

At Easterseals Crossroads, we employee career coaches, navigators, coordinators, consultants, assistants and more to represent our various employment programs. We have a great team of people who advocate and work with our program participants to discover interests, skills and potential for future employment opportunities.

“Easterseals Crossroads is fortunate to have an amazing employment team! We are a diverse group of staff in terms of talent, background and skill sets that comes together beautifully to serve our equally diverse customer base providing individualized and impactful services with respect and passion,” said Marjorie Duryea, Director, Employment Programs.

View some of our employment services stories below or contact us for more information about employment services.

Pathways to Opportunity is a program designed to provide intensive services for individuals with disabilities who want to create their path to a good future with a promising job. Career navigators will guide candidates through individualized steps toward economic independence. Candidates must have a disability, live in Marion County and meet income level requirements.

Jeff is a recent program graduate. He started the program in September 2023 after experiencing some setbacks within his professional and personal life due to addiction.

He began a program with Alcoholics Anonymous and found temporary housing within Wheeler Mission. He was referred to our Pathways program and began the process of turning his situation around. After much hard work, he now has a promising job, a car, his driver’s license, healthcare and an apartment.

He still has goals ahead of him, but he is on his way toward self-sufficiency. Staff who worked with Jeff are so proud of his progress and consider him part of the Pathways family.

Contact us to learn more about Pathways to Opportunity.