Grant supports Central Indiana veterans, caregivers and individuals with disabilities on path to better health through Freedom from Smoking program
Blog contributed by Tessa Barnard
Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the United States. While more Americans are kicking the habit, 42 million still identify as smokers – accounting for 1 out of every 5 citizens. People living with disabilities face even higher instances of smoking, nearly 40% more than those who reported having no disability (CDC, 2011).
CVS Health knows promoting a tobacco-free lifestyle extends well beyond their cigarette-free stores. That’s why they’re working with Easterseals, the nation’s indispensable resource for people facing disability, to help the disability community, veterans and caregivers kick the habit for good.
“If we are to help Americans on their path to better health, then tobacco-free living must remain a top, public health priority – for people of all abilities,” said Eileen Howard-Boone, President, CVS Health Foundation. “And that path starts in a different place for everyone. Together with Easterseals, we’re engaging the populations they serve including people with disabilities, veterans and caregivers who we know want to quit, but may not know where to start.”
Through support from the CVS Health Foundation, and in collaboration with the American Lung Association, Easterseals is advancing a smoking cessation program specifically tailored to the populations it serves: people with disabilities, veterans and caregivers – all groups with higher incidence of smoking. The partnership leverages the American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking online program, which takes participants through modules containing tips and lessons to quit smoking.
“We’re proud to partner with the CVS Health Foundation as we help the individuals and families we serve kick the habit for good,” said Patrick Sandy, President & CEO of Easter Seals Crossroads. “It’s a true honor to be selected among the grant awardees. We hope Central Indiana families are inspired to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Easter Seals Crossroads was among six affiliates to receive this year’s grant. The grant will support local efforts to put the Central Indiana community on the path to better help.
Learn more about smoking cessation
CVS Health is a pharmacy innovation company helping people on their path to better health. Through its approximately 9,600 retail pharmacies, more than 1,100 walk-in medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with more than 75 million plan members, a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than one million patients per year, and expanding specialty pharmacy services, the Company enables people, businesses and communities to manage health in more affordable and effective ways. This unique integrated model increases access to quality care, delivers better health outcomes and lowers overall health care costs.
Learn more about how CVS Health is shaping the future of health

Easterseals Crossroads has been a vital resource for 80 years. Throughout those years, we have responded to community needs with our programs and services for adults and children with disabilities, special needs and challenges.
We started in 1936 with a club of 12 teenagers with disabilities who formed a social group. The group formally organized in 1939 under the leadership of the Indiana Society for Crippled Children and leased a building at 30th and New Jersey streets. A curative workshop was established to prepare persons with disabilities for jobs in the community. In 1956, the organization moved to a newly built two-story structure at 3242 Sutherland Avenue, and in 1958, became an affiliate agency of the United Way of Central Indiana.
Our Easterseals affiliation came years later in the late 1980s followed by a physical move to our current main location at 4740 Kingsway Drive. We maintain this facility, along with two others – our Industrial Services division at 8302 East 33rd Street and our south location at 3215 East Thompson Road.
Our “look” has changed over the years in addition to our physical location. When we affiliated with Easterseals, we adopted the Easterseals logo, which was a blend of the national organization’s integral icons – the lily (introduced in 1952) and the seal (incorporated later because it captured the appeal of the signature fundraiser and namesake for Easter Seals).
In May of this year, our national organization introduced a new philosophy, brand and architecture to be adopted by all 70+ affiliates within the next 2 years. This new look is accompanied by our affirmation as the leading disability service provider locally and nationally – and we are taking on disability together as a national effort.
At the beginning of November of this year, Easterseals Crossroads will sport the new look and we are excited to be part of this national effort to change the way the world defines and views disability. While we may look different at the beginning of November, be assured that we continue to hold the best interests of our consumers, donors, volunteers and partners at the very core of our service delivery.

Think of Easter Seals Crossroads as your family’s back-to-school support team!
We understand the demands on our busy families’ lives; that is why we want to help in every way we can. We offer programs that help our families live, learn, work and play all during the year.
Our full-range of services for families include:
Vital programs to help individuals live independent lives.

• Families living with autism can benefit from behavioral treatment services from an interdisciplinary team of clinicians who provide individual as well as family intervention.
• Our diagnostic clinic offers comprehensive evaluation services for children ages 18 months through 8 years with symptoms that may indicate the presence of ASD or other developmental disorders.
• Physical, occupational and speech-language therapy services are available for children with special needs ages 3 – 18 years old to help them maximize their independence.
• Community services are available for children, teens and adults with developmental or special needs and can include respite, individual community hab (CHIO), personal assistance care (PAC) or recreational therapy.Resources and therapy that help people learn in order to grow, develop and thrive.
• Free and open to the public, the Autism Family Resource Center is a place for families to connect through parent-to-parent support, use library and video resource materials, access the internet and engage in support groups.
• The Speech and Hearing Resource Center – offered in partnership with Hear Indiana – provides speech therapy, audiology, information and referral, school outreach and counseling for parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• We provide specialized driver evaluation and training for adolescents and adults with disabilities.
• Our Assistive Technology Center is a nationally-recognized resource for individuals with disabilities.
• Early intervention therapy services are available for children ages birth to 3 years. We offer a free screening tool, the Ages & Stages Questionnaires, which will help identify if your child could benefit from developmental services at Easter Seals Crossroads.Activities that help families and children relax and enjoy play.
• Respite services include Parents’ Night (and Day) Out programs at multiple locations and Teen Night Out for adolescents.
• Summer camps for children and adolescents to enjoy recreational time and enjoy learning during the summer months.

Employment Consultants are top producers

The Employment Division at Easterseals Crossroads is a community resource for businesses, employers and job candidates. We work with qualified individuals who are seeking employment and we match their abilities to open employment opportunities.
Our employment consultants work directly with job candidates and potential employers; they are highly skilled in analyzing necessary qualifications for job success and they work diligently to make successful outcomes.
Two employment consultants have been honored as being top producers within the division this year – Sherri Negri and Marlene Martin.
Sherri Negri
Sherri has worked at Easterseals Crossroads for over a year now and she has been an employment consultant for eight years. Sherri assists individuals in finding employment that fits within their interests, backgrounds and skills set. This means everything from entry level positions to seasoned professionals.
Sherri has found that many businesses in our community know our brand name and that this recognition often helps open doors for discussion. She is quick to tell employers who are not aware of us that our candidates are pre-screened for employment by a team of qualified consultants and that we have a high level of long-term job retention among our candidates.
“I love helping individuals seek out and achieve their goals and dreams to live a more fulfilling life,” said Sherri. Sherri typically works with 20 – 25 individuals seeking employment during any given month.
One dream job that Sherri recently helped someone achieve was a culmination of this person’s goals and interests, which included teaching, advocacy and office work. Together, they researched opportunities and discovered that a career in mental health required her skills set and interest level. The consumer completed some necessary coursework, applied for some open positions and was thrilled to obtain her dream job shortly after.
Marlene Martin
Marlene has been an employment consultant at Easterseals Crossroads for over 2 years and has over 20 years of experience in the field.
Marlene loves to meet and help people find jobs to sustain them in their daily living. She has helped people find employment in professional positions such as government offices and other organizations; service positions in restaurants and dining halls; and industrial and janitorial positions in stores and the hospitality industry. She finds that much of our community is very aware of the excellent reputation that Easter Seals Crossroads has earned; this helps her learn of employment opportunities that are available.
“I am here to help future employers; my goal is to make their jobs easier by offering training and support services to my job candidates,” said Marlene.
Marlene’s best advice to individuals seeking employment is to learn how to handle an interview well and maintain a positive attitude. Being able to excel during an interview often lands a person the job and the positive attitude often helps maintain that job.
Last year, our Employment Division assisted in placing 145 people with disabilities into permanent positions and arranged 83 internships with community employers. Thanks to the hard work of consultants like Marlene and Sherri, we are often the number one choice for businesses seeking qualified job candidates.

Join us for Sunset Polo

Join Easterseals Crossroads for a fun, family-friendly polo event at Hickory Hall Polo Club on Friday, August 26. Easterseals Crossroads is the nonprofit partner who will benefit from sales made at the gate.
Tailgating with your own food and drinks is encouraged; a food truck may be available. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the match begins at 6 p.m.
The cost to attend is $20 per carload (cash only, no advance ticket sales).
For more information about Sunset Polo at Hickory Hall, contact us.

Donate a bicycle in good working condition and help a veteran thrive!

Did you know that a bicycle often helps eliminate huge employment barriers for veterans? Easterseals Crossroads Veteran Services is asking for your help. Many of the veterans we serve are challenged with employment and housing issues.
You can help by providing a bicycle in good working order; each bicycle will be given to a veteran who needs help getting from home to employment or from home to a bus stop.
Our Bikes to Vets (BV2) project will accept bicycles in good working order and distribute them to veterans who need transportation assistance. Not only will your donated bicycle help a veteran with transportation, it will also help promote good health to improve the veteran’s quality of life!
Bicycle donations can be made at:
Easterseals Crossroads | 4740 Kingsway Drive | Indianapolis, IN 46205
Contact us if you need more information; donations accepted August 1 through September 16, 2016. Pick up can be arranged when donating three or more bicycles.

Camps offered by Easterseals Crossroads provide great opportunities for children and adolescents to grow, learn and play.
As we wind down this year’s summer camping season, we want to thank the many, many staff members, camp counselors, volunteers and community partners who helped us offer the following series of camping programs:
CampAbility for children with special needs ages 4 to 10
Children enjoyed outdoor play, amazing field trips, peer play and more.

Camp Rocks for young people with autism ages 10 to 18
During this week-long, overnight camp, 76 young people enjoyed the outdoors by hiking, horseback riding, swimming and more.

Camp FUEL for adolescents with special needs ages 11 to 17
Adolescents enjoyed fun and unique experiential learning during June and July by taking field trips and interacting with peers.

iCan Bike for individuals with special needs
Forty individuals made great strides in learning to ride a two-wheel, conventional bicycle during an intensive one-week bike camp.

Gadget Camp for young people who use augmentative communication devices
Children and adolescents enjoyed a week of indoor fun and outdoor play.

Camp FUEL is a camp for adolescents with disabilities and special needs who are ages 11 – 17 years old. Participants benefit from Fun and Experiential Learning Activities at FUEL from skill building and special guests to field trips and peer mentoring.

Our Camp FUEL Staff are REVVED up for Summer Fun

Angie Hilligoss • Manager, Respite Services

Angie joined us last year as a lead counselor at CampAbility; she liked it so much that she was quick to accept the position as our manager of respite services when it became available. In this position, Angie oversees all of our respite programs, which include not only our summer camps, but our Parents’ Night Out, Teen Night Out and CHEER (adult respite). Angie received her degree in child development from Owens College; she has over 20 years of experience working with children with special needs and disabilities, and we are thrilled that she has made Easterseals Crossroads her work home!

Bailey Brown • Counselor

Bailey is a senior at Trine University with a double major in exercise science and psychology. She is a member of Theta Phi Alpha; she works on campus as a resident assistant; and she plays lacrosse on her school’s team. Her plans include graduate school to study occupational therapy. This is Bailey’s second year with Camp FUEL and she is excited to be back.

Kelly Hendricks • Counselor

Kelly is a senior at the University of Indianapolis double majoring in psychology and social work. After she graduates, she plans to purse her master’s degree in social work. Kelly has worked at Parents’ Night Out for two years, and this is her second summer with Camp FUEL. For fun, Kelly loves snorkeling with manatees.

Moira McKinney • Counselor

Moira is a junior at the University of Indianapolis majoring in anthropology and religion. She worked in our Parents’ Night Out for almost two years, and she was a counselor at CampAbility last summer. She is a caregiver and tutor for children of all ages. Moira is an animal lover and owns a bearded dragon, crested gecko, two snakes and two kittens.

Sami Schweiger • Counselor

Sami is a senior at Ball State University in Muncie, IN, and looks forward to graduating in May 2017 with her bachelor’s degree in special education – intense interventions. She gained quite a bit of experience working with children and adults with disabilities during her practicums and student teaching experiences at Ball State University. After graduating, she plans to find a job as a high school special education teacher. Sami just returned from her third mission trip to Guatemala.
 

CampAbility is offered each summer for children with special needs and disabilities who are ages 4 through 10. Our staff at CampAbility are a terrific group of individuals who provide amazing opportunities for kids to grow, learn and have fun.

Meet our CampAbility Staff

Angie Hilligoss • Manager, Respite Services

Angie joined us last year as a lead counselor at CampAbility; she liked it so much that she was quick to accept the position as our manager of respite services when it became available. In this position, Angie oversees all of our respite programs, which include not only our summer camps, but our Parents’ Night Out, Teen Night Out and CHEER (adult respite). Angie received her degree in child development from Owens College; she has over 20 years of experience working with children with special needs and disabilities and we are thrilled that she has made Easterseals Crossroads her work home!

Tim Blanusa • Lead Counselor

Tim just graduated from Butler University (elementary education/mild intervention). Tim works regularly at Parents’ Night Out for Easterseals Crossroads; he is very excited to be a lead counselor this year and he cannot wait to meet all of the terrific campers and families!

Tim Keating • Lead Counselor

This is Tim’s second year at CampAbility. He has his bachelor’s degree in social work and is currently working on obtaining his master’s degree in special education. He has worked at a camp for adults with disabilities and he has been employed at his school’s disability services office. During the school year, he is an instructional assistant at Nora Elementary; he is an ABA therapist; and he is a team lead at Parents’ Night Out. Tim is excited to work with such a great group at CampAbility this year.

Chris Tyler • Lead Counselor

Chris is new to CampAbility. She recently graduated from IUPUI with her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She intends to begin her master’s degree in public health. She has worked at Parents’ Night Out and is excited to spend more time with all of our campers this year.

Jodi Churchill • Behavior Specialist

This is Jodi’s second summer at CampAbility. Jodi has bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice and psychology from Indiana University. For the past six years, Jodi has worked with kids with mental/ emotional disabilities and developmental delays in various school and community settings. Jodi loves working at CampAbility and she is thrilled to be back.

Magale Avitia • Camp Counselor

Magale is a sophomore at the University of Indianapolis majoring in applied public health with a concentration in physical therapy. She has her certificated in medical interpreting from St. Vincent. She works at Parents’ Night Out and also in retail at the Loft Outlet. Magale has an 8-year-old brother who has Down syndrome. Magale was born in San Antonio, Texas, and is a Spurs fan.

Kaley Burch • Camp Counselor

This is Kaley’s first year as a counselor at CampAbility. She is a senior at Purdue University studying special education and elementary education. She has been a camp counselor at various locations and she loves being outdoors and playing her guitar. She is from Santa Claus, Indiana.

Hannah Fogo • Camp Counselor

Hannah has returned for her second year of CampAbility. She is a junior at the University of Indianapolis studying elementary and special education. Hannah is super excited to be back and she is looking forward to meeting all the new campers. Hannah loves to travel whenever she can.

Ellen Hodson • Camp Counselor

This is Ellen’s second year at CampAbility, and she has also worked at Parents’ Night Out. She is a junior at the University of Indianapolis studying psychology and pre-occupational therapy. She is very excited to be back at camp and have fun with all the great campers and families! Ellen loves to travel; especially when it involves using her passport.

Allie Humbird • Camp Counselor

This is Allie’s first year at CampAbility, although she works at Parents’ Night Out. She is a sophomore at IUPUI studying exercise science, pre-physical therapy. She loves to do triathlons, eat ice cream and spend time with her family and friends. She is especially looking forward to all the fun ahead at CampAbility this year.

Kariann Martin

Kariann is new to CampAbilty this year and she is excited to be part of the team. Kariann graduated from Kentucky Christian University with a degree in elementary education and Bible studies. During the school year, she teaches at Bell Intermediate Academy in Martinsville. She loves new experiences and is looking forward to lots of fun times with the campers.

Erin Mills • Camp Counselor

This is Erin’s second summer working at CampAbility. She has been looking forward to camp all year and is very excited to be back. Erin is a junior at the University of Indianapolis studying psychology and pre-occupational therapy. She loves traveling and she spent time in Poland this past spring. Erin loves having the opportunity to meet so many terrific campers and families this year.

Megan Saunders • Camp Counselor

Megan is a health science and Spanish major at Bradley University. This is Megan’s first year as a CampAbility counselor, but she has volunteered at both CampAbility and iCan Bike for the past few years. She is looking forward to a fun-filled camp season this year.

Drew Smith • Camp Counselor

Drew is a student at Ball State University studying secondary English education. He has worked with a project called the Prism Project in Muncie, Indiana – an organization that specializes in services for children with autism. It is through this connection that he developed a passion for teaching and helping others. In his free time, Drew is developing his cooking skills; so far, he has mastered cereal and toast! Drew is looking forward to a great summer at CampAbility.

Abbey Weisenbach • Camp Counselor

Abbey has returned to CampAbility for her second year. Abbey is a junior and is currently studying human development and psychology at Indiana University and she hopes to become an ABA therapist upon graduating. Abbey is very excited for another great camp year.

Keep Learning all Summer

Recently our own Tracy Gale, PsyD, and Laura Tease, BCBA, wrote an article for Indy’s Child Parenting Magazine – our partners and friends. Specifically for parents and caregivers, the article addressed ways to keep learning active for your child all summer long.
Read the article here (page 36).

Summer can be daunting for parents of children with special needs since school-based services and therapies may be put on hold and the possibility of losing progress is high. Here are a few tips to help prevent the summer slide.
Look for opportunities within the school.
Depending on your district, some schools offer summer therapies and extended school year (ESY) services. Although not as intense as school, these services can continue progress throughout the summer.
Explore summer camp options.
Agencies around central Indiana offer day and overnight camps for children with special needs. Summer camps can offer opportunities to learn new skills and maintain abilities, while providing a structure similar to the school day.
Plan activities during the day.
Seek out one “major” activity during the day as a focus, such as the park, pool, play dates and weekend trips. Some attractions offer free or low-cost memberships during the summer.
Consult with therapists about home programs.
Before saying goodbye for the summer, check with your child’s therapists to see about any programs you can implement at home to address needs.
Consider outpatient summer therapies.
Summer my be a good time to address activities that require a higher level of effort and supervision, like toilet training or feeding. Consult with agencies to see about summer availability.