Page 14 - MidWeek - July 6, 2022

14 MIDWEEK JULY 6, 2022
This month, the familiar organization turns 75 years old, and it has much to be proud of regarding its storied past and future plans. Most importantly, the nonprofit continues to do what it does best, and that is to empower those with developmental disabilities or special needs thrive and live fulfilling lives.
CEO Andrea Pettiford is among those eagerly look- ing forward to broadening the company’s impact in the years to come.
Among the many who have been positively impacted by Easterseals Hawai‘i is Dan- ielle Yafuso, whose special connection to the organiza- tion comes not only as one of its board members, but also as a mother of a past pro- gram participant. When her son was diagnosed with au- tism spectrum disorder at 22 months, Yafuso recalls how the organization was able to offer her family its early intervention services, which included coping skills.
“This has been an amazing opportunity for me to share their service mission with a broader audience and also provide feedback to the or- ganization with the goal of positively impacting other families,” she adds.
Easterseals Hawaiʻi’s Home and Community-based Services, Adult Day Health program and Employment Services focus on enriching participants’ social skills, as well as enhancing their inde- pendence. Things like using a computer and navigating public transportation are ma- jor parts of the programming. For a well-rounded schedule, individuals also take part in creative projects like art and gardening.
In addition to implement- ing routines and schedules, being that the organization is big on community inte- gration, individuals have the opportunity to go out and ex- plore, and do things that any other adult would typically do such as go shopping or getting a bite to eat.
Amazingly, Easterseals Hawai‘i provides more than
“They provided critical behavioral, occupational and
“We provide person-cen- tered services,” she says. “It’s really important that we support our clients to choose
The Adult Day Health of- fering benefits more than 200 individuals throughout the is-
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200,000 hours of service annually to individuals and families across the state. Its programs, which cater to both children and adults, include early intervention, autism, and adult home and commu- nity-based services.
and important members of the community that they are,” Pettiford says.
speech instruction to ensure that my son will continue to thrive and remain on a path to living an independent and fulfilling life,” Yafuso states.
their own path, and then also support them in a way that’s most useful for them.”
lands, and one of those indi- viduals is Nate Sejalbo, who attends Easterseals Hawaiʻi’s ʻEwa Beach location.
“We work with our com- munity, partners, with our builders, and then with the board, also, to help us build the inclusive community where everyone is treated equally, and where our clients are recognized as the active
Pettiford notes that the nonprofit remains committed to assisting “people across their lifespan.”
Whether it be at the center itself, or out in the commu- nity, Nate spends about 30 hours a week with Easterseals Hawaiʻi. As a result, program manager Alexa Fuller, who’s
For 75 years, Easterseals Hawai‘i has been helping those with developmental disabilities or special needs lead productive lives.
What began as the Sultan Foun- dation Nursery School in the 1940s even- tually grew to include adult services, and with an expand- ed scope, came a new name: Easterseals Hawaiʻi.
Program manager Alexa Fuller (left) works with Nate Sejalbo on developing his computer skills at Easterseals Hawai‘i’s ‘Ewa Beach location.