Easterseals Iowa & Camp Sunnyside

Our CSI friends (Clients Socially Integrated) explored the South Des Moines Sculpture Park near McKinley. Fun to jump in and be part of the art 😁

Don't miss out on hearing our Easterseals Iowa Director of Rural Solutions & Assistive Technology at the Farm Progress Show (Boone, IA). Tracy will be sharing information about the services available for Iowa's farmers & family members with disabilities.

Our heroes are clients & campers who overcome barriers to reach goals, their supporting families & Easterseals team members who never stop working for inclusion & equity. Join our Be a Hero Campaign! Your donation will be matched for a superpower impact! Learn more...https://eastersealsiaheroes.com

On this Wellness Wednesday, a great example of self-care as our AIM clients (Achieving Independent Methods) and team members, practice yoga in the park!

A special event celebrating the creativity & talent of students in the Focus Program, a collaboration between Broadlawns & Des Moines Public Schools dedicated to enhancing children's mental health!

Our last week of the 2024 camp season was fun, fun, fun until the last minute! Here's a few highlight photos. You can check out more pictures of your specific camper(s) in CampSite https://campsunnyside.campmanagement.com. This is the same place you registered for camp. Remember you must upload a clear face photo of your camper to CampSite to see pictures. Thank you!

At Easterseals, we're committed to supporting students of all ages by providing essential programs and services. Whether it’s getting your child ready to start kindergarten or preparing for the transition to college or employment, Easterseals Iowa is here to support the educational journey. Together, let's create a future where every student has every opportunity to thrive!

This week’s DSP (Direct Support Professional) Spotlight is Kennedy Rohe. She started working in our weekend respite program last November. Learn more about Kennedy with a quick Q&A.

Q: What brought you to Easterseals?
A: I needed volunteer hours for a Social Work class I was taking. I loved that very first weekend I volunteered and decided immediately to come on as a staff member, committing to two weekends a month. It’s a great place to be since I’m working on my bachelor’s degree at UNI and will acquire my master’s degree in social work as well. I loved the thought of going to a camp. Zach (Director of Training & Development) was amazing to work with and made it such an easy process to join the team.

Q: What do you appreciate about your day-to-day work?
A: I love seeing the campers grow and change. We have so much fun & I am always looking forward to coming to work on the weekends. Not a whole lot of people can say they like working on the weekend!

Q: Do you have any favorite memories or stories?
A: I love outdoor activities, like fishing and boating with the campers. We were playing tag one weekend and I tripped with a full-on face plant. It was pretty funny! I just love getting the campers to try new things and challenge themselves.

Q: What have you learned about yourself through your work?
A: I have learned that I will always go above and beyond for those I love and care about. It’s a gift and a challenge. I have to be careful not to wear myself out. Self-care is important too!

Q: Is there anything you wish more people knew about Easterseals?
A: I wish people knew more about all the services we provide. I’m still learning about the programs we offer, for example, the Assistive Technology program. They help find devices that support our clients to be independent. Easterseals goes above and beyond for people that need our help!

It may only be August, but it's not too soon to check out the Spirit Halloween Store at Valley West Mall! Clients Socially Integrated (CSI) had a blast checking out decorations & trying to look scary 👻👻👻

Thank you to our friends from McAninch Corporation for spending the afternoon crafting with our Life Club clients making adorable birdhouses. We enjoyed your visit and sharing talents!

This is a great example of finding a beautiful place to exercise body & soul. Angela, a supported community living client, worked on her walking goals and enjoyed the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden!

Thank you to the Ankeny Knights 15603, from St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church for their ongoing support the Easterseals Iowa mission! We appreciate all you do to support our Iowa communities.

Vote today! Survey closes tomorrow! Please support Easterseals Iowa and help us obtain the prestigious distinction of "Most Influential Non-Profit" by the Business Record! Simply click below & vote Easterseals Iowa! Voting closes at 11:59 PM August 16th! Please Share!

https://go.eastersealsia.org/NDgxLVpQWi03MjkAAAGU0V6y80AhzYg8iba59tJLQP3xjG8Ggkj3QBOZ-DRAUFCNSEsFPHf_aXHGuRHXiXZs2FDU6cU=?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3on4wVk38zJr8iBw2b7LjylqfIqvupJnmjqbm2whvG66SlQItiwW7RWXY_aem_Iw9_gFyZL56q5Gc7PkuQFw

Throughout the Iowa State Fair (Aug. 8-18), the MidAmerican Energy Foundation will donate $1,000 to 10 community organizations nominated by you! On the last day of the fair, one of the 10 winning organizations will be randomly selected for the $10,000 grand prize!

Nominate Easterseals Iowa by clicking the link below or by visiting the MidAmerican Energy building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds! Thank you for supporting our mission.

Enter your favorite organization! Submit the name of a deserving community organization for the opportunity at a $1,000 donation and the $10,000 grand prize drawing, courtesy of the MidAmerican Energy Foundation!

Double the impact of your donation. The Be a Hero campaign will match your gift! You can help make it possible for individuals with disabilities to live independently & campers have a meaningful Camp Sunnyside experience. Learn More..https://eastersealsiaheroes.com

A great opportunity at the Des Moines Playhouse! The Penguin Project takes to the stage to perform a modified version of the Broadway musical Frozen! All actors are young artists with developmental disabilities (ages 10-21). They are joined on stage by a dedicated group of peer mentors—youths the same age who work side-by-side with the artists through 4 months of rehearsals & the final performance. More information in link below!
https://bit.ly/3SHHJZu

The Penguin Project - Des Moines Playhouse The Penguin Project The next Penguin Project production is Disney’s Frozen JR, Aug. 15-18, 2024. Click here to learn more about Frozen JR and to purchase tickets. Penguin+ Returns Fall 2024! Learn more about Penguin+ About The Penguin Project® A group of youths, ages 10-21, in a program called Th...

This week only! Save up to 25% off your Iowa Cubs tickets for any of the remaining homes games this 2024 Season (while ticket last)! Link below to purchase & enjoy an evening at the old ball game 🎶

fevo-enterprise.com

No time for summer-slow down just yet! Last week's campers were buzzing with fun and friendships! Here's a few highlight photos. You can check out more pictures of your specific camper(s) in CampSite https://campsunnyside.campmanagement.com. This is the same place you registered for camp. Remember you must upload a clear face photo of your camper to CampSite to see pictures. Thank you!

Please support Easterseals Iowa and help us obtain the prestigious distinction of "Most Influential Non-Profit" by the Business Record! Simply click below & vote Easterseals Iowa! Voting closes at 11:59 PM August 16th! Please Share!

https://go.eastersealsia.org/NDgxLVpQWi03MjkAAAGU0V6y80AhzYg8iba59tJLQP3xjG8Ggkj3QBOZ-DRAUFCNSEsFPHf_aXHGuRHXiXZs2FDU6cU=

At Easterseals, we believe that every student deserves an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. An inclusive education system benefits everyone, fostering understanding, respect, and a supportive community. Join us in advocating for inclusive education & supporting students with disabilities throughout this back-to-school season and beyond. Let’s create a future where every student can thrive!

Iowa Dept of Health & Human Services Feedback Session Today! You can join an online facilitated session about Iowa's Behavioral health delivery system. Today, August 12th from 2:30pm to 4:00pm. Registration link below. Thank you!

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Iowa HHS Stakeholder Input: IBHA/IACP/Coalition. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting. Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Iowa HHS Stakeholder Input: IBHA/IACP/Coalition. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

This week’s DSP (Direct Support Professional) Spotlight is Nathalie Wiles. She started in our Child Development Center (CDC) in the Spring of 2023. She’s currently studying for her master’s degree at Grand View University, in the pursuit of becoming a licensed mental health counselor. Learn more about Nathalie with a quick Q&A.

Q: What brought you to Easterseals?
A: One of my friends who works at the CDC told me about an opening and I was finishing another job, so the timing was perfect to apply. Now we are co-workers!

Q: What do you appreciate about your day-to-day work?
A: Being with the kids reminds me to slow down and appreciate the simplest things that adults easily overlook due to busy schedules. I feel happy, proud, and joyful just to watch them roll down the hill on our beautiful campus.

Q: Do you have any favorite memories or stories?
A: A couple of months after I started, I helped with graduation. It was awesome watching the kids and their parents hit that milestone!

Q: What have you learned about yourself through your work?
A: I have more patience than I give myself credit. I appreciate being in a workplace where compliments and positivity happens every day. I love the work I do and interacting with parents who want to share their kids with us!

Q: Is there anything you wish more people knew about Easterseals?
A: I enjoy all the fun activities that are offered to the Easterseals team members. I really like our monthly Thankful Thursdays. It’s a simple opportunity to spend a little time with other team members. Our inclusive environment makes it easy and comfortable to go to activities on your own!

Aurora recently celebrated her 9-year anniversary at Fareway. We are so proud of her and look forward to her next set of accomplishments! Remember when she was featured on WHO 13 News last year?

Easter Seals Iowa helping adults with disabilities secure jobs URBANDALE, Iowa — If you’re stocking up on groceries for the holidays at the Fareway store in Urbandale, you’re likely to see a familiar face at the checkout line. “I’m courtesy. I go up and …

https://bit.ly/IRHAEaster

Join our Be a Hero Campaign! Your contribution can be more impactful than ever. All donations will be MATCHED up to $125,000. Find out more...https://eastersealsiaheroes.com

Please support Easterseals Iowa and help us obtain the prestigious distinction of "Most Influential Non-Profit" by the Business Record! Simply click below & vote Easterseals Iowa! Voting closes at 11:59 PM August 16th! Please Share!

Vote Easterseals Iowa for Most Influential Non-Profit!

It was a hot, hot week of camp! However, pool time, boating, lake fun, slip & sliding, and some indoor activities kept the campers smiling! Here's a few highlight photos. You can check out more pictures of your specific camper(s) in CampSite https://campsunnyside.campmanagement.com. This is the same place you registered for camp. Remember you must upload a clear face photo of your camper to CampSite to see pictures. Thank you!

Thank you for coming out and learning about our Assistive Technology Center and how important this program is to independence for our clients! We loved having you.

This week’s DSP (Direct Support Professional) Spotlight is Jacob Vaske. After completing his graduate program from Clark College last May, he started working in our Brain Health program. Learn more about Jacob with a quick Q&A.

Q: What brought you to Easterseals?
A: I liked the Des Moines area and all the opportunities. I knew about Easterseals strong values and stumbled upon the therapist opening on Indeed. Previously, I worked with people who have disabilities at Camp Courageous (Monticello, IA). It’s similar to Camp Sunnyside. I did respite care and was a summer counselor.

Q: What do you appreciate about your day-to-day work?
A: I love how much the staff supports each other. I’m never afraid to ask questions because everyone is helpful and if they don’t know, we find out together. It’s a very welcoming & inclusive environment.

Q: Do you have any favorite memories or stories?
A: It was very cool to see the annual Sunnyside Regatta event this year. The energy was incredible. I enjoyed seeing all the local businesses supporting our mission and being a part of camp!

Q: What have you learned about yourself through your work?
A: I’ve learned I can be patient. At home, it seems like my patience is different, but here at work I notice a difference.

Q: Is there anything you wish more people knew about Easterseals?
A: With the Brain Health program being new in the last few years, I wish more people knew about our services. I’m sure they would appreciate our impact in the community.