Easterseals encourages and advocates for as much independence as possible for individuals in our programs. One of the ways we do this is by connecting our program participants with experiences in the community that are personally meaningful. Here’s how three participants in our Community-Based Services (CBS) program recently achieved goals and made some great memories with the help of Easterseals staff.
Justin’s First Trip to the Museum of Science
Justin has been with Easterseals since 2013 and currently lives in a residential program with CBS in Manchester, NH. His goal is to get out of his comfort zone and try new activities. A field trip to the Museum of Science (MOS) in Boston, funded by generous donors, gave him the chance to do just that. Visiting the museum was an incredible accomplishment for Justin, made even better because he learned and grew from the experience.
“It was fun! I loved the electrical stuff. Everything was so cool to see how it worked… We went to the healthy body section, and they talked about what was eaten back then and now.”
Justin on his trip to the Museum of Science
Ryan’s “Best Birthday Ever”
Ryan began with Easterseals NH’s Youth Transitional Services in high school and transferred to CBS upon turning 21. He has always loved the musical group Recycled Percussion and has enjoyed visiting their store in Laconia. While volunteering at the NH Veteran’s Home, his admiration for the band only deepened when he met a couple of band members there to film for their Chaos & Kindness show.
Ryan attended the Chaos & Kindness concert at The CAKE Theatre in Laconia. With the help of CBS staff, a backstage pass was purchased.
He met the entire band, held one of their Emmy Awards, and was even offered a job as a ticket taker for an upcoming show. “This was the best birthday ever,” Ryan says.
Mike’s Day Out at Discover WILD New Hampshire
Mike has been part of the Easterseals community since 2016. He became interested in NH Fish and Game when he met one of the officers at a diner. The officer was very friendly and signed a card (baseball-style) for Mike. Since then, Mike has met several other officers at different events. He still carries the souvenir card in his wallet. When CBS staff learned that WILD New Hampshire Day was returning to Concord, staff stepped up to attend the weekend event with Mike. The highlight of his day was meeting members of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, including Major D. Walsh, Sgt. K. St. Pierre, and Lt. D. Brown, and collecting baseball cards with the officers’ personal information. Mike will never forget this hands-on meet-and-greet experience, and he plans to display the baseball cards of his new Fish and Game buddies in his room.