Welcome to Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford

Need help? Donate
Home
About
Programs & Services
Resources
Employment
Engage
Contact
Donate

HarrysButtons

Buy buttons, magnets, and apparel. Support individuals with disabilities with employment opportunities.

Shop now

We improve the lives of individuals living with autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities by providing employment training and opportunities. Our employees learn all aspects of business operations and receive individualized training with customized supports.

You can support our work by purchasing from our store or creating custom apparel. Our products are perfect for promoting your business, team, or organization or for celebrating birthdays, family reunions, weddings, school events, and more.

How It Works

Uniforms and Custom T-shirts

Custom Buttons and Magnets

Custom Order Form

Events

Check out upcoming events.

Event
  • 02/24/2023 at 5:30 pm

Night to be Inspired Gala 2023

Please join us and be inspired by the many achievements of our students and families. This night to remember will include dinner, cocktails, music, and dancing. Scroll down for sponsorship and ticket information.

Learn more
View all

Search our resources.

Educational Programs

Therapy for Autism

Family Training and Parent Support

Latest

Blog
  • 01/27/2023

12th Annual Autism Awareness Night with the Rockford IceHogs

On January 21, more than 6,400 fans packed the BMO Center in Rockford to celebrate the 12th Annual Autism Awareness Night with the Rockford IceHogs. This was a SOLD OUT event—the first of the season for the IceHogs—and a portion of the ticket sales went back to supporting The Autism Program at Easterseals.

Blog
  • 10/25/2022

Help us Embrace Abilities, Expand Possibilities with a Year-End Gift

Help us in Embracing Abilities, Expanding Possibilities. That's our tagline and North star. Every person our affiliate serves has unique abilities. Our job is to help those abilities shine to expand their possibilities today and in the future.

Podcast
  • 09/17/2022

Episode 3: How to Turn Around a Nonprofit in Crisis

When Sara Ray Stoelinga became the new President & CEO of Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford in May 2019, the organization was in financial and organizational crisis. They were more than $22 million in debt with an additional several million dollars in unpaid bills and were barely making payroll. The direction and sustainability of the agency were uncertain. This podcast delves into how Stoelinga — together with the Board of Directors, strong new senior leaders, and essential external partners — righted the ship at the non-profit and the lessons learned along the way on the journey from organizational peril to a future of growth and prosperity.

Blog
  • 07/01/2022

CEO Stoelinga honors five "crucial" partners at Golf Classic

Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford awarded five Partner Awards at its Annual Golf Classic.

Blog
  • 06/30/2022

A Teacher Appreciation Week message from our CEO

May 2-6, 2022 is Teacher Appreciation Week! This year, our President & CEO has a special message.

Podcast
  • 08/01/2022

Episode 1: In Conversation with Carter Sanders

Carter Sanders is a person who approaches everything with intention, dedication, and preparation. He is on the autism spectrum and is a graduate of Easterseals Academy, an alternative school placement for students with ASD, emotional disability, developmental delay, or intellectual disability. Carter is currently an Easterseals employee, as well as a Special Olympian and energy ambassador. In this episode, Carter joins Sara Ray Stoelinga, President & CEO of Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford (ESCGR) as well as Jason Reis, former ESCGR Employment Services Coordinator, and shares his journey.

Podcast

Listen to the Embracing Abilities, Expanding Possibilities podcast.

Podcast
  • 09/17/2022

Episode 3: How to Turn Around a Nonprofit in Crisis

When Sara Ray Stoelinga became the new President & CEO of Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford in May 2019, the organization was in financial and organizational crisis. They were more than $22 million in debt with an additional several million dollars in unpaid bills and were barely making payroll. The direction and sustainability of the agency were uncertain. This podcast delves into how Stoelinga — together with the Board of Directors, strong new senior leaders, and essential external partners — righted the ship at the non-profit and the lessons learned along the way on the journey from organizational peril to a future of growth and prosperity.

Podcast
  • 08/01/2022

Episode 1: In Conversation with Carter Sanders

Carter Sanders is a person who approaches everything with intention, dedication, and preparation. He is on the autism spectrum and is a graduate of Easterseals Academy, an alternative school placement for students with ASD, emotional disability, developmental delay, or intellectual disability. Carter is currently an Easterseals employee, as well as a Special Olympian and energy ambassador. In this episode, Carter joins Sara Ray Stoelinga, President & CEO of Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford (ESCGR) as well as Jason Reis, former ESCGR Employment Services Coordinator, and shares his journey.

Stay connected

Follow us on social media.


Discover more

Connect

Resources

  • Need Help?
  • Donate
  • Blog

Join our mailing list to stay up to date on the latest news from Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford.

© 2023 Easterseals Serving Chicago and Greater Rockford

  • Privacy Policy
0