Today’s post was written by Sara Croft and features Advisory Board member Dean Weseli.
Dean joined the board in August 2014 after spending many hours volunteering for Easterseals Crossroads in programs like CHEER, a respite program for adults with disabilities. Since then, Dean has helped us build new brand awareness and fundraising relationships with the community through our fall Hallow’s Eve event and he participates in the development committee on overall fundraising opportunities for the agency.
Current career: Director of Wealth Management, The Windsor Group, Ltd.
Education Background: Bachelors –Finance from University of Dayton; Masters – MBA with concentration in Finance from University of Cincinnati
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN. I have called Indy home for over 25 years.
How were you introduced to Easterseals Crossroads?
I first was introduced to Easterseals as a guest at the Annual Business Lunch. I was very impressed with the organization and the depth of services. It was good timing as I was looking for a way to get more involved in the community.
What have you learned from volunteering in CHEER?
First, I really liked the idea of CHEER, which is a fun night for the adult consumers while their families get a night to relax. I have learned so much volunteering at CHEER and truly have enjoyed the experience. The biggest takeaway for me is experiencing the positive energy and the uplifting spirits of the consumers that participate in CHEER. It really is infectious. I also find it to be very humbling experience to say the least.
Why do you continue to stay involved?
It’s funny, it seems as soon as I think I know most of the services that are offered through Easterseals Crossroads, I learn of another outstanding service provided. For example, the board recently took a tour of the Assistive Technology Center headed up by Wade Wingler and his team. That was very impressive. Obviously technology moves quickly and the fact that Easterseals is leading a statewide initiative is something to very proud of. I mention that because the services provided and all the people I have gotten to know through Easter Seals are at the core of why I stay involved. I hope to continue to be an advocate of the organization for many years to come.

Today’s post was written by Sam Sanders
Finding the confidence to sign up for a 5K, half marathon, or full marathon is one thing a lot of people are still looking for, but this confidence is just one of the many beautiful characteristics Pamela possesses. Pamela has participated in all kinds of races such as the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes, the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, and many others. This year Pamela has decided to compete in the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon 5K. Pamela’s story would be much different without these opportunities to walk, but now she cannot wait to participate in another race with the help of Easterseals Crossroads. Pamela has been receiving services from Easterseals Crossroads for two years and is an avid participant in the Adult Day Services.
The inspiration for Pamela came from her parents who had both passed away from kidney disease. “I saw them go way down with it so I told myself I would take good care of myself and take long walks and exercise and diet and so on. I was 400 pounds and lost a significant amount by diet and exercise,” she explained. Pamela began training three years ago, first with a friend and then on her own for the last two years. Pamela enjoys walking alone, but doesn’t mind the company when a friend wants to join. Her favorite places to walk with a friend are on the trails at both IUPUI and Butler University. She enjoys the long walks and loves the scenery, especially the fountains at Butler.
A normal day for Pamela begins with a trip to the gym to lift weights, walk on the treadmill, and bike – sometimes at 9:00 a.m. She continues the day at Easterseals Crossroads where Pamela says they “have fun and enjoy life!” Pamela explains that she is able to participate in a variety of activities, “We go out into the garden and plant flowers and tomatoes and herbs. We go out and play basketball and take walks around the block.” Her favorite of these activities is walking with the other clients in the Adult Day program. It sounds like the training never stops for Pamela!
There is nothing holding Pamela back as she looks forward to the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon 5K. She says, “I love walking for Easterseals Crossroads. You see, my sister was scared the last time when I did a race by myself, but now she’s cool with it. Now I can go on and just have fun. She waits for me when the race ends and I hold up my medal!” Pamela loves power walking and plans to do it for this race. She explained, “I’m training now to walk around so I’m not so tired.” Her goal is to walk the entire race without stopping.
Pamela has some words of encouragement for anyone who is a competitor or is thinking about racing, “Don’t give up. Keep going because it took me five years to walk. I was around 400 pounds and I lost a significant amount by diet and exercise.” Pamela brings a smile to everyone’s face at Easterseals Crossroads. She is always a pleasure to be around and makes it a priority to never let anything get in the way of her walking.

Today’s post was written by Sara Croft
When a person comes to us for assistance finding a job, there are many areas where Easterseals Crossroads can help. From career assessment tests to resume writing and interview skills, our job coaches are preparing people every step of the way to meaningful employment.
Certain jobs often require a uniform or dress code that may or may not include items a person already owns. When you do not have a job, purchasing the required clothing may seem near impossible. Thanks to Worth New York, our job coaches now have several women’s clothing options that are on-the-job and interview appropriate.
Worth New York sent three boxes packed with high quality button-down shirts, jackets, dresses and skirts in a variety of sizes to our office. Our employment team has everything hanging up in a closet, available for browsing at any time.
“The Employment Services department of Easterseals Crossroads is so fortunate to have received this generous donation from Worth Collection. Having the opportunity to pick out a brand new outfit of high quality clothing for interviewing or working, not only enhances the physical appearance of our job seekers, it also truly enhances their self-esteem and confidence,” says Marjorie Mansfield, Manager of Employment Services at Easterseals Crossroads.

Today’s post was written by Troy Frisz
What benefits are there for employers to hire persons with disabilities? Several industry surveys show that employees with disabilities have low turnover rates, low absenteeism, and high productivity. Furthermore, employers may receive tax credits and incentives from state and federal governments. When utilized, employees with disabilities have a strong support system that can provide additional training, accommodations, and/or employer advocacy.
The Great Recession hit the disability population harder than other demographics. The recovery has shown little change in the displaced disabled workforce. In order to stay profitable during the recession employers consolidated job descriptions in order to reduce their workforce. In today’s recovery, job opportunities have increased, but those jobs now require the ability to perform several skills in order to successfully complete all assigned tasks. The days of job carving are long gone.
Over the last 10 years eligible candidates have increased for Vocational Rehabilitation services. The increase is related to veterans, an older generation staying in the workforce, and the redefining definition of disabilities. Currently, few programs address older workers and the new challenges that they face. Veteran programs are often determined on a year to year basis thus doing little to address any on-going services. When a disability is redefined, it is seen as the trendy cause of the moment, often pulling funds from existing programs and rarely encouraging any new funding.
Peter at Butler University smiling at cameraDr. Christopher T. King looks at how the existing system can improve under the WIA. Dr. King is the former director of the Ray Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resources at the Lyndon Baines Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. His study is called “Improving Service for Persons with Disabilities under the Workforce Investment Act and Related Programs: Challenges, Opportunities, and a Way Forward.” This study’s focus is on the difficulties of employment services post recession.
“This paper concludes that employment support programs will benefit substantially from using performance standard adjustments and service incentives. These instruments will lessen unintended disincentives for service providers that the WIA system generates. In addition, data collection is often limited to self-reporting of disabilities, making it difficult to clarify the mix of services that should be provided… Lastly, there should be a concentrated effort to build a collaborative network of partners that involve not only state VR (Vocational Rehabilitation) programs, but other organizations that are tasked with serving individuals with disabilities as well.” (D, King. P 5.)
Tools that are now becoming more readily available are internships and work trials. Internships often provide interns to employers at no cost or commitment. Interns are given a chance to prove their capabilities within a reasonable time frame. Depending on the internship’s funding, interns can be paid a small stipend that will help cover transportation, clothing and food. Work trials are on the job assessments. Often the candidate is followed by their support system to evaluate their capabilities so that an accurate placement can be pursued. At this time these are the most commonly used tools that would be in line with Dr King’s recommendations.
The Connect to Work internship focuses on building job skills and experiences for candidates that have little to no work experience or large gaps in their work history. Through a private grant, Easter Seals Crossroads offers a weekly stipend to their internship candidates at no cost to host companies. Candidates are required to work 15-20 hours weekly for 8 weeks. Host sites are never asked for a commitment of employment at any time during the internship.
Host companies receive the benefit of visible assessing quality applicants. Each candidate goes through a pre-admittance assessment that provides the best qualified intern for each position. Once placed, Easterseals Crossroads provides worksite training for each intern which is designed to meet the host company’s specifications. Throughout the internship the candidate is assigned both a Project Coordinator and an Employment Specialist that follows the candidate’s progression to ensure the best results to both the host company and the intern.
The Connect to Work internship is yet another way that Easterseals Crossroads is leading the way in Vocational Rehabilitation Service.

Today’s post was written by Sara Croft
Last week, several Easterseals Crossroads staff members attended the Crossroads Guild’s 60th Anniversary Luncheon. Organized in 1955, the goal of the Guild is to help the children of Easterseals Crossroads reach their full potential, and to enrich and make a difference in their lives with compassion and respect for differences in abilities through volunteer service, staff support, promotion of Crossroads’ values and services, the education and socialization of Guild members, and fundraising.
President Linda Knoderer reflects on her the past, present and future of the Crossroads Guild:
“After six decades, Crossroads Guild continues to make a difference in the lives of children. All members have the same ideas and goals in mind when they join the Guild, and that is to support the children’s programs of Easterseals Crossroads by volunteering and fundraising. Of course, with membership comes added benefits, such as developing lasting Guild friendships, and working with dedicated and caring staff members at Crossroads.
2014 Crossroads Guild Check PresentationOur Guild fundraising goals for the upcoming 2015-2016 Guild season will include the same events as always with the possibility of adding a few new ones. To quote the old saying, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” pretty much sums up the Guild’s thinking about fundraising. We will continue with our longstanding letter writing campaign, host a Christmas in July craft fair and bake sale at Easterseals Crossroads, and exhibit our crafty wares at the annual Gift and Hobby Show in November. We are also discussing the addition of another artistry venue in October to promote and sell our handmade items. However, as we continue with our ongoing established fundraisers we are always on the lookout for new and innovative money makers. Our fundraisers this past fall were very successful, and we were able to donate $10,000 to the center for Wish List items and $2100 for therapists’ stipends. Fundraising is an important goal, but Guild gals also take pride in volunteering their time to help out when needed at Easter Seals. It’s not unusual to see Guild members lending helping hands at Easter Seals Crossroads sponsored events.
As I complete my tenure as president, I feel extremely blessed and grateful that our supportive group of women continue to make a difference with dedicated commitment to Guild and Easterseals Crossroads. I am only a five year Guild member, so my presidency has been a jump right in learning experience about Guild and Easter Seals Crossroads. It has been a fun, busy, rewarding, and wonderful time, and I am proud to be a Crossroads Guild member and Easterseals Crossroads volunteer!”
Volunteer Support: During their 2014-2015 fiscal year, Crossroads Guild volunteers contributed 4,443 hours of service, an increase of 1,403 hours over last year. Tessa Barnard, Volunteer Coordinator at Easterseals Crossroads, presented certificates to Guild volunteers and thanked everyone for understanding how important volunteers are to the success of our organization.
 
Financial Support: Their fundraising efforts through their Blue Boy Campaign, Christmas in July Event, Gift and Hobby Show, Cash for Kids, and general donations have raised $10,751. Over the last ten years, the Crossroads Guild’s fundraising efforts have totaled $115,700.
The generosity of the Crossroads Guild members and friends allowed them to support the 2014 Annual Family Fun Day, the Autism Family Resource Center Halloween Celebration, the Cookies and More Party for Easter Seals Crossroads staff members, gifts for the Children’s Respite Holiday Party, Autism Awareness Month Seminar Meetings, therapist spending stipends, and the 2015 Easter Seals Crossroads Wish List.
Linda Knoderer, President of the Crossroads Guild, presented President and CEO Patrick Sandy, Vice President Scott Fogo and Manager of Clinical Services Sherry Floyd a check for $10,000. These funds will be used to purchase wish list items for the Children’s Medical Rehabilitation program.
 
EastersSeals Crossroads is thankful for such a longstanding partnership with the Crossroads Guild.

This past April at our Ability Lunch, we recognized the abilities of Josiah, a five-year-old boy who began receiving early intervention services from us at 8 months of age. Josiah was diagnosed with Noonan Syndrome which has created a set of challenges for him and his family, but through the work of speech and occupational therapists at Easterseals Crossroads, he is meeting important developmental milestones. You can watch, listen or read the captions to his incredible story here:

On Saturday, May 23, Josiah was surprised with an incredible day of fun involving The Indianapolis 500 and race car driver Josef Newgarden of CFH Racing. Josiah was nominated for and won a room makeover contest thanks to Century 21, and on that Saturday he and his family left for the day only to return to a remarkable change.
Century 21 Scheetz realtors and staff volunteered to spend the day painting walls, assembling furniture and transforming the room both Josiah and Isaiah, his four-year-old brother, share together. A race car bunk bed was built along with vinyl wall decals of Josef Newgarden and his car.
 
 
 
 
 
While they were quickly turning his room into a new play space, Josiah’s siblings and parents all went to the 500 Festival Parade in downtown Indianapolis where Josiah and his mother rode in the pace car with Josef Newgarden. Once the parade was over, they traveled back to the house where a large group of Century 21 staff and media representatives were present to unveil the room to the family.
Once Josiah and Isaiah saw the large yellow and black balloon arch, they ran inside and went straight for their room. Both boys were overcome with “wow’s” and cries of joy as they began investigating all of the new items in their room. The light fixture in the ceiling was replaced with a race car that lit up, and upon seeing it Josiah said “How’d they get that up there?” Josef Newgarden quickly came in and autographed the race car for him, along with a piece of the car that he crashed last week.
 
 
 
 
 
Shortly after the boys explored the room, the President and CEO of Century 21 Real Estate, Richard Davidson, presented the family with five tickets to attend The Indianapolis 500 in the Century 21 suite. Josiah’s father Bill stepped outside to reflect on the joy that was presented to his family, all because of the support Century 21 gives to the community and to Easterseals. He was very humbled to be receiving such support for his family.
Easterseals Crossroads is proud to partner with Century 21 Scheetz for our annual Bingo Bonanza event and other volunteer opportunities and fundraisers throughout the year. Many thanks go to Mick Scheetz, Valerie and Neil Perry, Rick Davidson, Tracy Hutton, Jill Johnson, Brian Wayman and Ron Green for spending the day in support of Josiah and his family.
For more information, read the article from Will Higgins in The Indianapolis Star and view photos on our Facebook page.

Today’s post was written by Sara Croft
It is May in Indianapolis, which means thousands of people from all over the world are in town to watch IndyCar drivers race their way around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at 200+ MPH. On May 15, staff from Easterseals Crossroads went to the track to experience an achievement of another kind.
 
In June 2014 I had the pleasure of meeting Ben Trockman in Washington, D.C. He and other Easterseals representatives from all over the United States came together to lobby on Capitol Hill for critical funding to support people with disabilities. You can read about our trip and see the photos here.
Ben Trockman was a local Adult Representative for Easterseals Southwest Indiana in 2010. After a motocross accident in 2006 left Ben paralyzed from the neck down, he met with therapists and assistive technology professionals through Easterseals who helped make his home accessible and created ways for him to use a motorized wheelchair with a “sip-and-puff” system.
Since 2006, Ben has graduated from the University of Southern Indiana and is currently employed at Old National Bank in Evansville where he has the mission of helping the company become a leader in disability employment. Ben has become an advocate not just for Easter Seals in Indiana but for all of the affiliates throughout the United States. When he isn’t working at Old National Bank, Ben writes for his personal blog where he keeps people up to date on his advocacy efforts. Accessible airlines and transportation is important to Ben. He and his family have driven 12 hours across the Midwest to met with industry representatives in Washington, D.C. in hopes of helping people understand why accessible transportation is so important.
Last Friday I listened to Ben receive the Ralph Braun Foundation Spirit of Ability Award presented by Sam Schmidt, a former Indy Racing driver who was rendered a quadriplegic after an accident in 2000 at the Walt Disney World Speedway. Sam chose to stay in the racing world by creating Schmidt Peterson Motorsports, which has become the most successful team in the history of the Indy Lights series, and also build the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation.
Sam presented Ben with this award for many reasons. You can listen to the presentation with captions here.

We look forward to seeing all of the progress Ben makes towards employment for people with disabilities in Indiana and accessible airplanes! Many thanks to BraunAbility, the Ralph Braun Foundation and Superior Van and Mobility for creating this opportunity.

Today’s post was written by Sara Croft and features Fran Gale, who has spent over 12 years as a board member and advocate for Easterseals Crossroads. During her time with us, Fran has brought numerous corporate partnerships and individuals to us to further extend the reach of who we serve. 
Current Career: Retired as president of Gale Force Software Corporation
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Indiana University – French and Journalism
Hometown: All over the US, England, and Germany – raised in an Air Force family (my father was in the Air Force for 27 years, serving as a fighter pilot in Korea and retiring as a base commander). Accepted a job with Eli Lilly and Company upon graduation from IU and have lived in Indianapolis ever since.
How did you become introduced to Easterseals Crossroads? I worked with an individual who was on the board of Easterseals Crossroads, and he invited me to a breakfast meeting to learn more about the organization (he knew that my grandfather was in administration with the Indiana School for the Blind and that I had volunteered there while I was a college student). I was later invited to consider joining the Board of Directors, and I immediately became involved in supporting the work of the organization. I have served as a volunteer, advisory board member, board member, and executive committee member since joining the organization in 2003. I have recruited other people to serve on the board, and they have all become strong ambassadors of the unbelievable work done by the Easter Seals Crossroads team.
Why do you continue to stay involved?  Once I started meeting children and adults who have benefited so greatly from the services they have received from Easterseals Crossroads, my passion for supporting this work continued to grow. It is hard to wrap your mind around all of the services offered and the people whose abilities are enhanced through receipt of those services – it’s almost overwhelming to witness the difference that Easterseals Crossroads makes in people’s lives. One encounter in particular has stayed with me over the years: I went to the graduation day of the I Can Ride program that teaches children how to ride two-wheeled bikes. As I was leaving, a young mother approached me and asked if I had a child in the program. I told her that I did not but that I was a board member of Easterseals Crossroads and that I wanted to attend the final training and graduation. She burst into tears, gave me a hug, and told me what a huge difference learning to ride a bike was making in the life of her seven-year-old son. He could finally join the neighborhood kids on their bikes, and his self-esteem had risen unbelievably. She wanted me to convey her thanks to others at Easterseals Crossroads. I still get tears in my eyes when I think about this one experience, and there have been many others that continue to renew my commitment.