Stories Archive
Tom’s Independence Journey with Support from Easterseals Northeast Indiana
Over the course of decades, Tom has worked his way into more independence. Throughout his progress from a group home to maintaining his own apartment in northeast Fort Wayne, Easterseals Northeast Indiana has been a steady partner for him.
Nick’s Amazing K’nex Creations and Easterseals Creative Activities
Nick’s latest big project was supposed to be even bigger. He began intending to build a Ferris wheel 6 feet in diameter, but he ran out of K’nex before he could accomplish that.
Empowering Individuals with Disabilities Through Family History Research
Ashley discovered her interest in family history more than 20 years ago through a high school project on tracking hereditary diseases.
Michael
Michael, a junior at Norwell High School, spent the summer as an intern in the school district’s information technology department as part of Pre-Employment Transition Services delivered by Easterseals Northeast Indiana.
Nick
When United Way of Whitley & Kosciusko Counties asked for a volunteer who loves reading, Nick was an obvious candidate.
Kylee
Kylee has enjoyed her work at Angola’s Dairy Queen for about 15 years. There’s just one problem: There’s not enough of it. So, she now holds two jobs.
Brad
Employment specialist Ayreal Lanman began working with Brad in 2023. Early on, they didn’t find any business that looked like a promising prospect. Then Lanman learned that Covington Box, which employs several people she had worked with before, had an opening.
Zach
One of the things Zach learned in his years at the restaurant was the importance of attendance and punctuality on the job. That shows in Zach’s work for Refreshed Tech. He’s been absent only one day since he was hired in March, said Kathy Stellhorn, the director of human resources at Refreshed Tech.
Aubrie
Earlier this year, Aubrie, a participant at Easterseals Northeast Indiana in Angola, began leading what had been a long-dormant group there: the Client Council. Assuming the leadership of the group was a natural step for Aubrie, who has led other groups at Easterseals Northeast Indiana in the past.
Antonio
After discovering he was prediabetic, Antonio learned about VeggieRx, a program operated by Parkview Health. Since then, he has become more mindful about eating more fruits and vegetables to improve his overall health.
Ayla
Ayla Wagner’s afternoons at Easterseals Northeast Indiana for her volunteer internship often start with card players beckoning. “That would usually be Jerritt,” Wagner said. “He’s the one holding up the cards usually.”
Delores
This was certainly a birthday to celebrate. Delores was now 95, the oldest person currently served by the Easterseals Northeast Indiana network.
Delores ranged from happy to almost giddy throughout the party attended by family, housemates, friends and staff.