Easterseals serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford

Today is Employee Appreciation Day and we celebrate everyone in our Easterseals serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford organization. Through the commitment of our incredible team, we’re able to serve more than 20,000 families each year in the Greater Chicago and Rockford areas. #grateful

For more than 80 years, Easterseals serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford has been dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities, young learners, and their families through personalized and empathetic services and expertise. Our mission—to embrace abilities and expand possibilities—has transformed thousands of lives each year. With your support, we can do even more. Save the Date! This June, join us for a fun- and sun-filled day at our Annual Golf Outing when we come together to celebrate our impact and our mission. Stay tuned for event details and registration information. We can't wait to see you on the course!? #ECR #Easterseals #EmbracingAbilities #ExpandingPossibilities

Our caring & dynamic therapeutic day schools serve students with autism and other developmental disabilities. With campuses in Chicago, Machesney Park, and Tinley Park, we partner with school districts to help students grow academically, develop communication skills, and achieve independence. We're looking for Special Education Teachers and these positions include a $3,000 sign-on bonus. Interested? Apply today: ?? Special Education Teacher - Machesney Park Academy (https://ow.ly/gZnX50VaKix) ? ?? Special Education Teacher - Tinley Park Academy (https://ow.ly/J1xw50VaKiz) ? ?? Special Education Teacher - Chicago Academy (https://ow.ly/3NGc50VaKiA)

Shoutout to HB Threads for being selected as this year's Manhattan Irish Festival Parade Grand Marshal! HB Threads will proudly take part in the parade and ceremony—come celebrate with us! ??? Saturday, March 8 ?? Manhattan, Illinois ?? Parade | 11 AM ?? Ceremony | 3:30 PM For the full event lineup, visit ?? https://ow.ly/ZiMa50Vaz27

Read Across America Week is here! Celebrated from March 2-6, this special week kicks off on the birthday of beloved author Dr. Seuss and shines a spotlight on the joy of reading all month long. How can you participate? ?? Make reading—together or independently—a part of daily routines. ??? Talk with children about the importance of reading. ?? Keep books and imaginative resources easily accessible. Take advantage of local resources like your public library! #Read #ReadAcrossAmericaWeek #UnitedforLiteracy

Did you know that our Family Support Services are here to help families make the most of their time together? We offer tailored programs designed to meet each family’s unique needs, whether through consultations, caregiver retreats, respite care, family days, or sibling support. These activities and resources--like this nature event we held at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens--are all about fostering quality time and creating meaningful connections for families with children who have disabilities. #EmbracingAbilities #ExpandingPossibilities

Did you know that people with disabilities experience an unemployment rate that is twice as high as that of workers without a disability? They’re also more likely to be underemployed, earn subminimum wages, and have fewer opportunities for career advancement. Yet what many employers may not realize is that individuals with disabilities are accustomed to navigating challenges in daily life and, because of this, they develop exceptional problem-solving skills that translate well into the workplace. Creating job opportunities for neurodiverse talent taps into a creative and motivated workforce. This is the mission of our social enterprise, HB Threads, where we employ and fairly compensate individuals of ALL abilities and produce high-quality custom apparel and goods, available for purchase on our website. Last year alone, our associates produced over 59,000 pieces of apparel for more than 350 customers. Shop at hbthreads.org, where every purchase supports meaningful employment opportunities and transforms lives.

Donna Iwanski has joined Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford as Chief Financial Officer! Donna comes to us from Start Early, where she was CFO leading finance, treasury, payroll, legal, compliance, and risk management. She also has extensive experience in the corporate sector in positions as controller and head of tax for large, publicly-traded enterprises. “We are thrilled to welcome Donna to the Senior Leadership Team at ECR," said President & CEO Sara Ray Stoelinga. "Donna brings deep expertise in the management of complex government-funded agencies like ours and a unique blend of experience across her career in both the corporate and non-profit sectors. We look forward to collaborating with and learning from Donna and continuing to enhance our financial operations and sustainability.” #ECR #Easterseals

Last night, at the prestigious Chicago Titan 100 Awards ceremony, we were so proud to celebrate our President & CEO Sara Ray Stoelinga, PhD!? Sara was honored as part of a select group of Chicago business leaders recognized for their incredible leadership, passion and vision. Since joining us in 2019, Sara has led with immense talent and grace, laying the foundation for an exciting and sustainable future for our mission-driven organization. Swipe through for highlights from the ceremony, which was made even more memorable because she was accompanied by members of our amazing Senior Leadership Team!?? #ChicagoTitan100 #EastersealsChicago #2025ChicagoTitan #titan100

We're delighted to share that our Board Member Marilyn Griffin, MD, DFAPA, DFAACAP is a 2025 Chicago Defender Women of Excellence Honoree!? This prestigious award highlights Dr. Griffin's unwavering commitment to excellence and the profound impact she has made in the field of medicine. With this award, Dr. Griffin joins a celebrated group of African-American women in our community who inspire others through their dedication, accomplishments, and positivity. As an adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist and Behavioral Health Medical Director for Aetna Better Health of Illinois, she contributes her clinical expertise and helps shape solutions that make a meaningful impact. She will be celebrated during a special ceremony on March 21st. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Griffin on this honor!???? ?? Learn more about The Chicago Defender's Women of Excellence Honorees: https://ow.ly/XzK250V3Sin ?? Read more about Dr. Griffin on our blog: https://ow.ly/X0Q250V3Sio #CDWOE25 #Easterseals #ECR #TAP