Behind the Scenes with Jack

At 18 years of age, Jack is figuring out his future. With high school graduation behind him, he is just now discovering his options.

Elementary school was hard for Jack; he achieved all the developmental milestones, but he was very anxious. Professionals arrived at an autism diagnosis in the early school years.

“Jack had a hard time communicating with other kids. He had eruptions when things were too loud and he would sit under his desk,” said mom Kim. “The school bell was so loud; every time it rang, it just made my ears feel like they wanted to pop off,” said Jack.

As Jack transitioned to high school, his anxiety continued and his family worked with their school to identify resources. “Sometimes I would be so out of control that they had to remove me from class. I hated to go to lunch; I yelled at people to stay away from my table.” said Jack.

“Easterseals Crossroads’ autism services began working with Jack in high school. He and his therapist Brooke Bastin have a theme of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable,” said Kim. “When I first started coming here, Brooke would ask me to do something that seemed impossible and I would tell her no. She kept pushing me and well, here we are,” said Jack. Jack graduated with the Core 40 diploma and he received an award at the end of the school year for working hard to achieve his good grades and cope positively with the school environment. He adapted to the point where he could eat lunch with other students.

“To think of Jack as that little first grader who was too afraid to come out from under his desk to seeing him walk across the graduation stage and give a big fist pump – that was huge.” said mom Kim.

Jack continues to work with staff at Easterseals Crossroads to discover opportunities for his future. He recently started volunteering in our INDATA Depot, which is a program that accepts donated computers to refurbish and give to people with disabilities in our community. Jack checks monitors and power boxes, and he removes old hard drives; he works alongside others each day.

Jack’s experiences at Easterseals Crossroads have helped him gain confidence, create coping mechanisms and develop work skills. His family is thrilled with all of his progress and look forward to his continued success. Many of our programs depend on generous support from people in our community who want to make a difference for families like Jack’s.

Because of Easterseals Crossroads, Jack is learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

2021-06-29T12:51:41-04:00December 13, 2019|Our Blog|
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Behind the Scenes with Rachel

“Rachel was diagnosed with her disability as a child after recovering from meningitis,” said Rachel’s sister Georgena. As part of a close family, Georgena looks out for Rachel. “I’m many things to Rachel. I’m her sister; I’m her direct support staff; I’m her legal guardian. I’m her good friend and I handle her finances,” said Georgena.

After 25 years of searching for a day program where she could learn, have fun and gain independence, Rachel has found that pace at Easterseals Crossroads.

Once they settled on Easterseals Crossroads as a day program, they were thrilled to once again entertain the idea of an independent living situation for Rachel. After years of various living situations from staying with Georgena to living with roommates to living in a group home, Rachel found an independent option near her sister.

Part of what made this living option a reality was technology recommended by Easterseals Crossroads’ INDATA program. INDATA program director Brian Norton evaluated Rachel’s needs and recommended options. “We were able to take smart home technologies and put them in Rachel’s home so that she can voice the need to turn on lights or music. Within the smart speakers, we made reminders to do things like go to bed or start dinner,” said Brian.

Equally important to the helpful home technology, was the practice of living skills learned in the adult day program at Easterseals Crossroads.

With independent living as a goal, Rachel has spent many hours working on home skills. “I like working on my handwriting, practicing my money skills and cooking with my friends,” said Rachel. “Rachel has gained so much confidence in her skills, which has been a huge part of reaching her goals,” said Tara Vajner, manager of adult day services at Easterseals Crossroads.

“It can be very challenging to find something that a person loves to do on a day-to-day basis. Coming to Easterseals Crossroads was like hitting the jackpot, because we had been struggling and pushing to find an activity Rachel would love,” said Georgena.

And both sisters have come to love Easterseals Crossroads with all the doors that have opened for them relating to independence. These two sisters are happy where they have landed.

Donate today so that Easterseals Crossroads can help more individuals in our community.

2021-06-29T12:51:41-04:00December 2, 2019|Our Blog|
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CHEER Celebrates Thanksgiving

Article and photos submitted by team lead Katy Everhart

CHEER is our monthly respite program for individuals with disabilities who are 18+ years old. While participants enjoy fun activities with peers, family members and primary caregivers are able to enjoy some time to themselves out in the community or relaxing at home. Earlier this month, we had 22 adults come for our Thanksgiving Feast CHEER event.

At our Thanksgiving Feast event, participants sat together family style around long tables and served mashed potatoes, chicken, green beans, macaroni and cheese and pumpkin pie. Without prompting, one participant encouraged everyone to state what he/she was thankful for. The group is close-knit and many have been a part of CHEER for years. 

After enjoying our meal, we played a game of turkey toss by tossing newspaper balls into a paper bag turkey. Our craft for the evening was a pumpkin centerpiece made out of a roll of toilet paper and fabric. The participants enjoyed helping each other make and decorate their pumpkins. The night passed quickly and before we knew it, caregivers arrived signaling an end to our evening.

CHEER events are thoughtfully planned to ensure all members of the group are able to participate. As we spend many of our events in the community, that often means collaborating heavily with off-site locations to make sure we can make the evening as seamless as possible for our participants. We take into consideration any adaptations our consumers may need. Full participation means reducing accessibility barriers and making every event approachable.

 We try especially hard to create events that foster friendships, belonging and fun. Many of our respite families and participants have become close friends over the years and spend time together outside of CHEER. The participants know who to expect each month and ask about each other if someone is absent. As our events are a respite time — a break for both the caregivers and the participants — the emphasis is not placed on learning, although that does happen naturally. An outstanding event is when everyone is engaged throughout the duration of the event. 

CHEER is a valuable program to Easterseals Crossroads because it creates a safe environment for friendships; it provides relief for caregivers; and it allows people to participate in unique community events. Easterseals Crossroads provided 1,804 hours of respite care for families so that parents and caregivers could benefit from valuable time for themselves this past year.

Contact us to learn more about our respite programs.

-article contributed by Katy Everhart, Respite Team Lead

2021-06-29T12:51:41-04:00November 26, 2019|Our Blog|
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Amazing Happens Here

For over 80 years, we have been actively engaged in helping individuals with disabilities achieve their greatest levels of independence. Independence is what inspires us, motivates us, drives us; independence is what we celebrate with those who come through our door.

Independence does not happen quickly; it can take many years. It can fluctuate — it can improve — it can decline. Behind every independent moment at Easterseals Crossroads is a team who plans, practices, encourages, guides and celebrates — a team who stands with our families and spends many behind-the-scenes hours in preparation for a moment of independence.

Behind the scenes is where all the good stuff happens. It is where a teenager with autism gets behind the wheel for the first time; the first independent drive can be many months later. It is where a child with cerebral palsy takes her first independent step after years of therapy. It is where a young adult with a learning disability earns his first paycheck after 12 months of looking for that first job.

It takes a community to support our behind-the-scenes work. We rely heavily on our devoted staff who share our mission to make profound, positive differences in people’s lives every day. In addition to our staff, we cannot thrive without our partners, sponsors, advocates, volunteers, supporters and donors. We cannot do what we do without support from people who know that independence takes work, time, and money; people who know that community support is what enables Easterseals Crossroads to do what it does best.

Donations help us assist children and adults achieve milestones in independence. Your contribution supports our mission to promote inclusion, independence and dignity for the many people whose lives are affected by disability or special needs.

Your donation made now through December 31 is matched through the generosity of a matching gift sponsor. Donate today and double the impact of your gift!

Watch our video!     Read our annual report!     Donate today!

2021-06-29T12:51:42-04:00November 22, 2019|Our Blog|
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Curious about SEARCH?

Job coach Kelly Pattison answers questions about this transition program for final year high school students at Community Hospital North

Tell me about Project SEARCH North.

Project SEARCH has been at Community Hospital North since fall of 2011. It is a school to work transition program for individuals with disabilities. Project SEARCH North is a collaboration between Community Health Network, Easterseals Crossroads, MSD Lawrence Township, Vocational Rehabilitation, and the IU Institute on Disability & Community. There are Project SEARCH sites around the world, and Community North is one of the biggest programs in terms of class size and number of students hired by the host site (19 former students currently work at North).

Who attends Project SEARCH North – where are the students from, what are their hopes, etc.

We recruit students from Lawrence North and Lawrence Central High Schools who are 18-21 years old. Project SEARCH is considered their final year of high school, but instead of going to the high school buildings, they come to the hospital each day for class and on the job training. Sometimes we accept students from other school districts or who are older than 21.

What makes Project SEARCH North different than a typical final year for most high school students?

Students with disabilities can attend high school until they “age out” at 22 years old. Our students often complete four (or more) years in the high school, go through graduation ceremonies with their classmates, and then come to Project SEARCH. They are still enrolled in school and instructed by a licensed teacher. Since they were able to “graduate,” they really feel like this experience is comparable to a post-secondary educational experience. Students receive an updated IEP, and our teacher focuses on work related goals, which can help them in their careers going forward.

What is a typical day like at the beginning of the year, toward the middle, at the end?

Project SEARCH takes place from August to May. In August, the job coaches and teacher assess the students’ interests and abilities to determine their first internship rotation. Each intern has three unpaid job rotations during the year. Once students are assigned to their first jobs, the job coaches train them until they are independent enough to work without direct support. Each rotation lasts about 10 school weeks. Students are eligible for hire at any time throughout the year, but it is also not guaranteed within the hospital. Midway through the school year, the students host an open house for their families, coworkers, and interested parties to come learn more about the program. They present posters and get experience public speaking. At the end of the year, the students have a Project SEARCH graduation ceremony.

What do you teach during the classroom part of Project SEARCH North? What about the rotations?

Students are in class for about an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon. During class, our teacher follows the Project SEARCH curriculum. Topics include workplace behavior, healthy living, money skills, independent living, and much more. Students work on soft skills, including how to engage in a workplace conversation, as well as how to present oneself in an interview. Students are paired with local business people in an email mentor program. They practice typing in a professional manner as well as how to network with new people. This year, a student is very interested in gardening, so our teacher helped the whole class learn how to repot seedlings into pots.

How do you hope and encourage the students to become friends and bond? What other outside the classroom things do you do each year? Why is it important to have these group type activities?

Our students and their families often express an interest in making more friends and having a more fulfilling social life. During class, the students are encouraged to work with each other on projects. We role-play workplace interactions and promote open and honest conversations each day. The Project SEARCH staff have tried to facilitate opportunities outside the classroom for interns to have social time. Our teacher hosted the entire class and their families at her house for a bonfire earlier this fall. The students planned the menu and brought appetizers and desserts from home. Some of them brought games to play. They cooked s’mores, played a game, and read jokes to each other from a student’s joke book. It is also nice for the families to connect because they can plan weekend activities a little easier than we can.

We also take a couple field trips using IndyGo. We take the class to Community East to visit their students. We go to job fairs. In the spring, we go downtown for Indy Free Tree Day. Students who do not need a tree are able to offer them to their hospital coworkers, which also creates a unique social moment. As a part of the Health curriculum, our class participates in a couple 5K walks throughout the year. This year, we have done the Heart Walk with Community Health Network’s team.

What are some things your interns say at the beginning of the year? What about the end of the year?

Many of the interns are unsure about what kind of job they would like to have. By the end of the year, they tend to know what type of job they want and what businesses would be a good fit for them. They are all usually more outspoken and confident by the end of the year. A lot of students say they miss high school a little, but they like working better.

What are some comments from you current interns about the program?

Shantel – At first I didn’t think I would like my job in Behavioral Health, but now I really like it.

John – P.S. is fun and you get to know a lot more people. It helps you find jobs that you might like.

Ronald – I’ve learned a lot. It’s important to follow the rules at work.

Isaiah – P.S. is a prime opportunity to move past any pain you felt in school.

What would your interns say to future interns?

Shantel – It’s a good program. I would suggest coming to see if you like it. They help you find jobs.

John – Have fun. Don’t be nervous. Always have confidence.

Ronald – Work hard. Be self-motivated. Don’t be too giggly, but be friendly.

Laura – Make new friends and be nice to each other. On the first day, you might be nervous because you’re meeting new people, but you get used to it.

What is the best part of the program?

I think the best part of the program is changing people’s perceptions about what young adults with disabilities are capable of. It’s not just a program that “gives them something nice to do.” It is real life job experience that can launch a very productive career. There are many students who cannot vocalize their strengths to potential employers, but all of my students can show them their strengths. The hospital coworkers in each department do a great job of teaching as many useful skills as possible during their assignment.

Why do you think it is successful and unique?

The program challenges people’s assumptions about employment opportunities for people with disabilities. It can be difficult to hold back assumptions about what each student can do, but until the students have tried a new task, I really cannot know if they are able to do it or not. We have to assume ability. We have to ask employees in the hospital to assume ability.

What do you love most about your job?

I love working with all of our students’ families. It is interesting to hear how far the students have come. A lot of their parents are surprised by how much they are able to do here at the hospital and very grateful that we are here to help them. The students are all so different, but many have faced similar challenges growing up. I like seeing their growth and increased confidence each year. It is also really nice that we stay in touch with past students and families.

I love when they get job offers! Often, HR will call me first and then the student and I call back together. Watching a reaction is so rewarding, and he/she is always so excited to tell their classmates and parents.

Visit Project SEARCH North and learn more!

An Open House is scheduled for Thursday, December 12, from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Community Hospital North (7250 Clearvista Drive, Indianapolis. The Open House takes place in the Multi-Service Room in the 7250 Building, 3rd Floor. Contact us for more information.

2021-06-29T12:51:42-04:00November 14, 2019|Our Blog|
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Veteran Services

Thanks to Buzz Smith who is our Veteran Resource Navigator at Easterseals Crossroads for this article

Easterseals Crossroads is very proud of our service to veterans and veteran families. Not only do we help veterans reintegrate into their communities after serving our country, we offer programs that include support for military service members, veterans and their families.

Here are some things to know about our veteran services program.

​Many of our veteran services staff members are veterans.

Our veteran services team consists of veterans from various branches of the military, including the Marine Corps, Army and the Navy. All veterans on our team served in Desert Storm. In addition to the veterans on our team, our team also has family members who fought in various other wars including World War II.

We help veterans in a variety of ways.

​Our veteran services team works under the Federal Department of Labor Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program Grant (HVRP).  HVRP has established two core objectives:

  • to provide services to assist in reintegrating homeless veterans into meaningful employment within the labor force
  • to stimulate the development of effective service delivery systems that will address the complex problems facing homeless veterans. HVRP grantees accomplish these objectives through a variety of core services.

We partner with other professionals in our community to provide quality services.

​In addition to employment, our veteran services team partners with a variety of community partners to assure that our clients receive the supportive services they need, such as housing, training, transportation, education and anything else that will help them in their quest to become an asset to themselves, their families and society. The veteran services team brings in these community partners every other month to Easterseals Crossroads for the Joining Community Forces Indiana meetings. Some of the community partners are Veterans Affairs (VA), Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA), Indiana National Guard Family Programs (INNG), WorkOne, Indy Vet Court, Indiana Legal Services, Indiana Military/Veterans Coalition, Employer Support of Guard and Reserve (ESGR), HVAF, Operation: Job Ready Veterans (OJRV), Marine for Life (M4L) and many more.

We engage our community to support our mission of providing services for veterans.

​One way that the general public can help support our mission is by increasing awareness through the Remembering Our Fallen from Indiana. This exhibit is an awe-inspiring, touring photo display of Indiana’s military who have died in a combat zone since September 11, 2001. The exhibit is available and can be scheduled in a variety of different venues. This memorial not only increases awareness, but also provides funding for services to our clients such as, work clothing, gas cards, tools and other items that will help them in their new job.

How everyone can help.

Understand the differences between memorial day and veterans day.
​Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance and November 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans—living or dead—but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.

Simply say thank you to those who have protected us and our country.
​A simple “Thank you for your service” is generally accepted with most veterans. Some veterans do not like to be singled out and feel that their service to their country was their duty. Most feel honored to have served.

“Military Veterans who serve our nation are deeply deserving of our honor and respect. Whether in times of war or peace, veterans and their families devote their lives to the service of our country and the freedom and ideals we hold dear. The sacrifices they make are without parallel. 

Easterseals Crossroads has served Veterans in a variety of ways for more than 20 years. Most recently, we have devoted a great deal of resources to serving veterans in need as they reintegrate back into civil life after a career in the military. We are honored to serve as a leader in the community in providing the supports necessary to help Veterans thrive.” – Bruce Schnaith, Vice President, Easterseals Crossroads

Contact us for more information about veteran services.

2021-06-29T12:51:42-04:00November 4, 2019|Our Blog|
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Meet Tara

Tara Vajner, Manager of Adult Day Services North, Easterseals Crossroads

Tara is our manager of the adult day program at our north location. Tara is an LPN and she has worked in a variety of settings from urgent care to pediatrics to long-term care. “Easterseals Crossroads is by far the most rewarding and fulfilling job I have ever had,” said Tara.

Our adult day program, which is under the larger umbrella of Community Day Supports, exists for adults who are 18+ years of age. This blended social and medical model of day services is especially geared toward adults who have developmental or acquired disabilities. We meet the needs of our program participants in a safe, supportive, environment. Daily living activities are provided by skilled nursing staff members. Social and skill building activities include group exercise, memory strengthening activities, current event discussions, games, creative expression, community outings and more.

“A typical day in adult day services at Easterseals Crossroads is unique in that there really is not a typical day. Every single day is different and that is one of the things that I love about working here. You never really know what to expect and that is the beauty of the program. We are all just ready to take on whatever the day brings,” said Tara.

The program appeals to many families in our community since it is so safe, effective, unique, family-friendly and fun. “I think that in addition to meeting people where they are at in terms of development and ability, we become an extended family for our participants. If someone is hurting, we are hurting; when someone is happy, we are happy. We celebrate victories – large and small. Our participants feel comfortable with us and they definitely feel supported,” said Tara.

An important part of the program model is decision making. At the beginning of every month, staff meet with participants to learn more about what each person would like to do. “From that point on, we gather things from the list that are possible. Disneyland may not be possible, be we can do other things. And once we have a list, we look at individual goals and how we can incorporate those goals into the fun activities that people want to do. We take it from there; sometimes the plan works and sometimes it doesn’t, but we roll with the punches. Community outings are very important; we plan those every day,” said Tara.

One of our adult day program participants recently obtained independent housing. This was a great thing for this person’s family and our adult day program worked on building skills in those areas necessary for independent living. “I think that coming here can give people the confidence to try new things. People often have the ability within them, but the confidence they gain through our adult day program can be a been a huge part of reaching specific goals.  We can help people become more independent and that helps them believe in themselves,” said Tara.

The adult day program at Easterseals Crossroads celebrates independence. “A great day for me and the for the program is full of community integration. It is a day where everyone is engaged; everyone is participating in their own way. People are walking away with new experiences and they are walking away with new friendships. All the moving parts are working together and we are able to give everyone the opportunity to do things and work on things that matter to them,” said Tara.

At Easterseals Crossroads, we celebrate independence and the ability that is within every one of our program participants. Learn more about adult day services at Easterseals Crossroads.

Interested in supporting community outings for adult day services participants? Donate today and make a difference.

donate box with words I want to support Easterseals Crossroads with my donation.
2021-06-29T12:51:42-04:00October 29, 2019|Our Blog|
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Hot Cider Hustle

We need volunteers for the Hot Cider Hustle!

Saturday, December 7, 2019 | 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.
White River State Park, Indianapolis

Easterseals Crossroads is a volunteer partner for the Hot Cider Hustle — a 5K walk/run at beautiful White River State Park. We have agreed to provide volunteers and we will receive donations from All Community Events for doing so. This is a great opportunity to bundle up and start your day early on a cool, crisp December morning and act for Easterseals Crossroads at the same time.

Volunteers will act as registration assistants, food / drink hosts, course marshals and water station hosts. Volunteers will most likely work more than one station during the event.

If you can volunteer, please complete this form. We will update you with pertinent information before race day.

If you would rather run or walk Hot Cider Hustle, sign up today! In addition to all the fun, you will receive some fun perks including a quarter-zip pullover, a finisher mug, apple cider and caramel apples.

2021-06-29T12:51:42-04:00October 22, 2019|Our Blog|
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Halloween Party

presented by Autism Family Resource Center

October 23, 2019 | 3 – 6 p.m.
Easterseals Crossroads
4740 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205

The Autism Family Resource would like families to join them for their annual Halloween party. There will be trick-or-treating, snacks, games and more for children. Come in costume for extra fun!

RSVP by 10/16 if you plan to attend.

2021-06-29T12:51:43-04:00October 9, 2019|Our Blog|
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Disability Employment Awareness Month

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is recognized during October each year. NDEAM not only highlights the contributions of workers with disabilities, it also creates awareness of the benefits of an inclusive American workforce.

This year’s theme – The Right Talent, Right Now – resonates with the Employment Division at Easterseals Crossroads with our own staff and with people whom we serve.

Meet Morgan Kirk
Morgan Kirk is a retention specialist at Easterseals Crossroads. In her position within the Employment Division, she helps individuals with disabilities retain their jobs that our employment consultants have helped them obtain. Our professionals work with individuals of all ages – from young adults straight out of high school looking for a first job to older adults who have had careers, but also a change in ability necessitating a new type of employment situation.

Our consultants work with individuals with disabilities to evaluate needs, wants, skills, experience and goals. Focusing on strengths and abilities, a job seeker learns how to present himself or herself to potential employers. Consultants work with job seekers to create resumes and cover letters; assist with job exploration; evaluate openings within the community; practice interviewing techniques; work on presentation skills; and accompany job seekers to interviews when necessary.

Employment consultants and retention specialists offer encouragement, provide morale building, offer guidance and give constructive feedback to job seekers. It can be challenging to determine if a person is a good fit for a potential job opening, even though our professionals have several tools that can be used to determine achievable employment. An initial meeting or intake can often reveal much about a person’s qualifications and readiness for employment. If we see at the first meeting that a person is late, inattentive, distracted or even unprofessionally attired, this may indicate that this person has some areas on which to improve before that first interview. We work with people to advance to employment readiness.

Support does not stop after the job is obtained, which is where Morgan’s skills step in. “Easterseals Crossroads is unique in our community because we are the middlemen for many of our job seekers. We offer many resources that can help people begin and retain successful employment paths,” said Morgan.

Morgan currently works with John, an employee at Kroger where he works as a bagger. Morgan visits with John monthly at his job to assist with employment needs. She communicates with John and his managers to keep conversations open, and she helps with any other issues that relate to his employment.

“John is an awesome man; he is outgoing, funny, and bright. He always has something new and interesting to say, and he loves to interact with the customers at Kroger. John’s position at Kroger as a bagger is a perfect fit; the company celebrates his strengths as a people person and a fantastic employee,” said Morgan.

“Easterseals Crossroads is unique in that our staff members are very hands on. We will do whatever it takes to help people with disabilities in our community find employment positions that focus on their strengths and abilities. We honestly love what we do; anyone working with us can see that,” said Morgan.

For businesses seeking qualified, pre-screened job candidates, the Employment Division at Easterseals Crossroads is your employment resource. 

If you are a business seeking qualified job candidates, learn how Easterseals Crossroads can help you.

2021-06-29T12:51:43-04:00September 30, 2019|Our Blog|
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