Hi!  My name is Malinda.  I’m running for Homecoming Royalty at Hickman High School for the 2022 season. Each candidate must choose a charity to raise funds.  I’ve chosen Easterseals Midwest. Easterseals opened in 1919.  Their mission statement is:

“We are dedicated to helping people
with disabilities live independent, fulfilling lives, while defending their
civil rights and making the world a more inclusive place.”

Easterseals has made their goal clear: to help anyone and everyone who has disabilities live their life to the fullest. They’ve done this by setting up programs to help each individual to be successful. The programs differ from working one-on- one, helping individuals learn basic functions and skills that each person needs to master.  This helps so that he/she can thrive and live life independently.  Easterseals provides opportunities to connect with therapists in your community.  They also help individuals prep for the workforce, and find a workplace that meets the goals of each individual.  

I have personally seen Easterseals outcomes first-hand. My older brother has autism. He was diagnosed at age two.  He has been
with Easterseals since 2006 at 3 years of age. Easterseals helped with various therapies and supported my brother, and they continue to support him in reaching his full potential. When he was just 3 years old, Easterseals was also the bridge to help connect my mother with different types of local therapies that started the recovery process to beating autism and helping him finding his personal goals each year.  He has multiple therapies, including ABA (applied behavioral analysis) therapy, Speech/Physical/Occupational therapy, Music therapy and many, many others….   

He has completed hundreds of hours of therapy throughout the years. My brother has worked hard and he keeps beating the odds. He has been challenged throughout the years, but has been able to accomplished many goals.  He has been a Boy Scout for 13 years.  He played the double bass in Orchestra for 7 years (and he is really good!).  He is a licensed driver and drives himself to school (and he also drives himself to weekly to Easterseals for a social class).  He is an extended senior and will officially graduate in December of 2022. And he just started a part-time job, working at a local carwash.

Easterseals Midwest has given so much to my brother and my family.  This is why I am taking my opportunity to give back to this amazing and hardworking organization. Because I have no clue what my brother or family would done without them! Thank you.