Free screening of Disability Film Challenge winners and finalists on October 11

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (October 4, 2022) – Easterseals Crossroads, a local nonprofit organization providing disability services, is excited to partner with the Heartland International Film Festival to highlight the 2022 winners and finalists of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge.

Created in 2013 by actor, comedian and producer Nic Novicki and launched in 2014, the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge gives filmmakers — with and without disabilities — the opportunity to collaborate to tell unique stories that showcase disability in its many forms, inviting aspiring storytellers to creatively write, produce and complete short films. The week-long filmmaking contest, which is open to all, provides a platform for new voices in the entertainment industry.

Heartland International Film Festival is offering a free screening of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge winners and finalists on Tuesday, October 11 at 7:30 p.m. The screening takes place at Deboest Lecture Hall at Newfields, located at 4000 N. Michigan Road in Indianapolis. Nic Novicki will be at the screening to present this year’s lineup. Order your free screening tickets by visiting: https://tickets.heartlandfilmfestival.org/schedule/free-screening-easterseals-disability-film-challenge-finalists-6318bf039d2eee00296464b0.

“I am so excited to come back to Indianapolis for the Heartland Film Festival. Every year it is such an honor to screen our finalist films at such a prestigious film festival alongside films that will end up being in the running for Oscars and Golden Globes consideration,” Novicki said. “This exposure helps provide opportunities for our film challenge participants, and that has always been the mission and the reason I created the film challenge.”

“Easterseals Crossroads is delighted to support the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge’s participation in the Heartland Film Festival,” said Easterseals Crossroads President and CEO David Dreith. “These amazing filmmakers and actors with disabilities are leading the way to 100 percent equity, inclusion and access for all people with disabilities and their families.”

The 31st Heartland International Film Festival takes place October 6-16. Heartland Film is a nonprofit arts organization that runs the 11-day Heartland International Film Festival in October, the Academy Award®-Qualifying Indy Shorts International Film Festival in July, the Truly Moving Picture Award and other year-round programs. Based in Indianapolis, Heartland Film was founded in 1991 with the mission to curate, promote and celebrate thoughtful and engaging films from diverse perspectives.

Easterseals Crossroads Hosts Community Day to Highlight Community Resources

Saturday, October 1, at John Boner Neighborhood Centers

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (September 26, 2022) – Easterseals Crossroads, a local nonprofit organization providing disability services, is hosting a Community Day Event, presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and in partnership with JPMorgan Chase, at John Boner Neighborhood Centers on Saturday, October 1.

This free, family-friendly event takes place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at John Boner Neighborhood Centers, located at 2236 East 10^th Street in Indianapolis. Easterseals Crossroads will provide free, on-site child development checkups; share information about employment services for individuals and families living with disability; and offer information about support services for veterans facing homelessness.

“As a leading provider of services for people with disabilities in central Indiana, we realize not all people have equal access to what they need. Community Day events highlight resources available to people from a variety of partner organizations within the area,” said David Dreith, President/CEO of Easterseals Crossroads.

“We are grateful for this important partnership with Easterseals Crossroads,” said James Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of the John Boner Neighborhood Centers. “This essential effort supports our IndyEast Promise Neighborhood initiative that promises access to great schools and whole-family support to ensure a successful transition from cradle to career.”

An exhibit hall of community partners will offer book giveaways, information on programs for adults and children, games, food and fun. Highlights include food box distribution courtesy of Gleaners Food Bank and Eskenazi Health and diaper distribution courtesy of Indiana Diaper Bank as well as a financial journey information session hosted by JPMorgan Chase. In addition, HealthNet will be on site with a mobile unit, offering BMI, blood pressure and glucose screenings along with information and interactive games. The first 150 people also receive free lunch.

“Attending these Community Day events at the neighborhood centers sponsored by Easterseals Crossroads has been a wonderful way to connect with families and provide information and resources about Adult & Child Health,” said Carla Orr, team lead with Adult & Child Health. “As a vendor attending the event, I have gained information from the other vendors to share with my agency and have appreciated building relationships with the team members at the neighborhood centers.”

For more about Easterseals Crossroads or to donate, visit www.eastersealscrossroads.org.

About John Boner Neighborhood Centers

John Boner Neighborhood Centers inspires neighbors and partners to improve the quality of life on the Near Eastside by providing tools for change and growth. To learn more about John Boner Neighborhood Centers, visit jbncenters.org.

Easterseals Crossroads Hosts Community Day to Highlight Community Resources

Saturday, September 17, at MLK Center in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (September 12, 2022) – Easterseals Crossroads, a local nonprofit organization providing disability services, is hosting a Community Day Event, presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and in partnership with JPMorgan Chase, at MLK Center on Saturday, September 17.

This free, family-friendly event takes place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at MLK Center, located at 40 W. 40^th Street in Indianapolis.

Easterseals Crossroads will provide free, on-site child development checkups; share information about employment services for individuals and families living with disability; and offer information about support services for veterans facing homelessness.

In addition, an exhibit hall of community partners will offer book giveaways, information on programs for adults and children, games, food and fun. Highlights include food box distribution courtesy of Gleaners Food Bank and Eskenazi Health and diaper distribution courtesy of Indiana Diaper Bank as well as a financial journey information session hosted by JPMorgan Chase. The first 150 people also receive free lunch.

“As a leading provider of services for people with disabilities in central Indiana, we realize not all people have equal access to what they need. Community Day events highlight resources available to people from a variety of partner organizations within the area,” said David Dreith, President/CEO of Easterseals Crossroads.

“Not everyone can easily access the things they need for their family – and may not even know what is available to them. Meeting people where they are, in their neighborhood, is essential,” said MLK Center Executive Director Allison Luthe.

For more about Easterseals Crossroads or to donate, visit www.eastersealscrossroads.org.

About MLK Center

The MLK Center mission is to create a meaningful impact on the lives of those in the neighborhoods served, through quality, multi-generational programs that build community, invest in youth, empower families, advocate for neighbors and provide a peaceful space to connect. To learn more about the MLK Center, visit https://mlkcenterindy.org/.

Easterseals Crossroads Sponsors Ability Awareness Day at Indiana State Fair on July 31

First-ever Ability Awareness Day includes sensory garden, adaptive sports

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (July 11, 2022) – Easterseals Crossroads, a local nonprofit organization providing disability services, has recognized the need and created a public platform for creating ability awareness. The first-ever Ability Awareness Day will be held at the Indiana State Fair on Sunday, July 31. Easterseals Crossroads is partnering with Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (RHI)/RHI Foundation, Bosma, Superior Van and Mobility, BraunAbility, JPMorgan Chase and Engledow Group, among other groups and organizations.

Easterseals Crossroads and its partners will host several booths along State Fair Boulevard that day, designed for attendees to gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities — through enjoying sensory-friendly Midway hours, experiencing a sensory garden, learning how to play an adaptive sport and exploring an adaptive vehicle, among other activities.

“As a leading service provider and community resource for people with disabilities, we realize the need for inclusion, diversity and equity in all aspects of daily living,” said Easterseals Crossroads President and CEO David Dreith. “The Indiana State Fair has a 130-year history of welcoming all Hoosiers, and we are thrilled to partner with them on the first-ever Ability Day to open the fair. This long-awaited event will include a significant gathering of partners providing resources, information, contests, activities and fun! Hoosiers will not want to miss this day created to celebrate and recognize the ability of everyone in our state.”

Easterseals Crossroads is still looking for volunteers for Ability Awareness Day at the Indiana State Fair. If interested, please fill out the form here: https://bit.ly/3IEmm5j. Volunteers must be 18 years and older; but those 16 and older may volunteer with parents.