Running head: EASTER SEALS

Agency Report
Wilmington University
Debbie Litten

EASTER SEALS

A Mission
Easter Seals is a non -profit health and human services organization. They are
dedicated to raising funds and providing service programs to individuals with disabilities.
Founded in 1919 by Edgar Allen, donors were given a seal to place on enveloped to show
their support. The seal showed a lily and has been the Easter Seal logo since
1952(http://www.easterseals.com/who-we-are/history). There are currently, 550 affiliates
throughout the United States, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico
(http://www.easterseals.com/who-we-are/faqs/).

I am currently working at Easter Seals

Delaware and Marylands Eastern Shore located in New Castle County, Delaware.
The mission of the Easter Seals agency, as outlined in the employee handbook, is to
provide exceptional services, to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs
and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their
communities. They aspire to positively impact individuals by delivering a
support system of quality services to those with disabilities. Easter
Seals serves all ages and disabilities and promotes a life of
independence.
B. Demographic Information
The demographic target population is individuals that have disabilities. A specific
disability is not targeted. Easter Seals are interested in providing services to children and
adults that display intellectual, physical or special needs. These needs can present at
birth, a result of an injury or disease or the consequence of aging. This agency offers
resources from birth through end of life care.
Easter Seals have been assisting families in Delaware and Marylands Eastern Shore

EASTER SEALS

with specialized care for more than 65 years. The organization currently helps more than
25,000 individuals yearly. There are 6 Easter Seals service sites situated in Delaware and
Marylands Eastern Shore (www.easterseals.com/de/who-we-are/faqs/). Easter Seals
Leadership 2016 statistics provided demographics for each region during 2014. New
Castle, Delaware served 1185 people. Newark, Delaware served 144 people. Dover,
Delaware served 633 people. Georgetown, Delaware served 1.304. Salisbury, Maryland
served 524 and Chestertown, Maryland served 144 people. Over all 5,559 people in the
community were assisted with direct hands on care. In addition, 26,515 people were
helped through indirect service. Program services included autism services, adult
services, military, senior, employment and camp recreation
(http://www.easterseals.com/de/our-programs/senior-services/in-home-services.html?
referrer=http://www.easterseals.com/de/get-involved/volunteer/).
C. Policies and Procedures
Major policies and procedures can be defined as by the Easter Seals Office of Public
Affairs. They make sure that the rights for the target population are safeguarded and
increased. They are interested in focusing on disabilities, veterans and the aging
population. There is also support for education and growth of individuals with
disabilities. The focus is on advocacy and education. In addition, they have a Legislative
Action Network for updated news from Capital Hill. The foundation for major policies
includes protecting and expanding rights as granted in the Americans with Disabilities
Act. (http://www.easterseals.com/get-involved/advocacy/public-policy-priorities.html).
Major policies and procedures take place in many key administrative areas within the
organization. Administration enforces a strict ethics policy with employees through

EASTER SEALS

human resources. Procedures are in place to ensure delivery of community-based

services. Financial officers ensure that 90% of the money raised stays in the community.
Volunteer management consistently builds a strong volunteer base. Procedures are in
place for program participants are active and visible in the facility and within the
community. A supervisors manual outlines compensation policies for hiring, salary
levels and a salary matrix. There is also a corporate compliance policy that outlines
training, auditing and discipline. Procedures are in place for background checks. There
are also policies and procedures for an employee recognition program.
D. Structure
Description of the organizational structure of Easter Seals Delaware and Maryland
Eastern shore is complex. The Easter Seals building is separated into two separate floors.
The first floor is where the service programs take place. It contains the early childhood
evaluation, adult day services, lunchroom, activity room and resource center. Attached is
the

organizational chart for Adult Day Health Services. The second floor contains the
administrative offices including human resources, finance and the CEO. Also attached is
the organizational chart for the leadership team.

EASTER SEALS

Easter Seals Delaware & Marylands Eastern Shore Leadership Team

Easter Seals Delaware & Marylands Eastern Shore Adult Day Health Services

C. Governance
There are many individuals who are on the Easter Seals Board of Directors. The
governance of Easter Seals relies on this group to uphold the mission and vision of the
organization. They review procedures, guidelines and make key decisions that impact the
organization and programs. The officers consist of the Chair, Vice Chair, Immediate Past
Chair, Treasurer, Secretary and President/CEO. In addition, there are 25 Board Members
and 5 Ex-Officios that are active.
Easter Seals Board of Directors
Officers

EASTER SEALS
Chair, Martha Rees, DuPont Company (Retired)
Vice Chair, Jeffrey Gosnear, Grotto Pizza, Inc. Vice President
Immediate Past Chair, Cynthia Morgan, Delmarva Broadcasting Company (Retired)
Treasurer, Christine Sauers, Better Business Bureau of Delaware, President
Secretary, David Dougherty, AT&T, Sales Vice President
President/CEO, Kenan J. Sklenar
Members
Craig Binetti, DuPont Nutrition & Health (Retired)
Thomas L. Corrigan, Christiana Care Health System, Senior Vice President & CFO
Ernest J. Dianastasis, CAI, Managing Director
David C Doane, Jefferson, Urian, Doane & Sterner, PA, President
Robert J.A. Fraser, MBNA, (Retired)
David Goodman, Barclays, Senior Director, Marketing
Julie Master Grilliot, Bank of America, Senior Vice President
Joseph A. Guariano, On Time Staffing, Chief Operating Officer
Roger L. Harrell, Dorchester County Health Department, Chief Public Health
Robert Hemmen, Rotary 7630 District Governor
Paula Hill, Community Leader
Keith A. Kepplinger, Chase, Vice President Commercial Banking
Roger Kirtley, The Lyons Companies, Account Executive
Andrew M. Lubin, The University of Delaware, Director of Real Estate
Kathleen S. Matt, Ph.D., Dean, College of Health Sciences, University of Delaware
Walter P. McEvilly, Jr., Stevens & Lee, Attorney
Terence Murphy, Bayhealth Medical Center, President & CEO
John S. Riley, Ashland Inc., Director of Public Affairs
William A. Short, Creative Treatments, Inc., Owner, and Board of Kent County
Commissioners
Gary W. Spitzer, DuPont Chemicals & Fluoroproducts, President
Susan M. Stinson, UBS Trust Company, N.A., Executive Director & COO
Amy M. Walls, Discover, Assistant CRA Director
Mary Jane Willis, Community Leader
Rudy Wolfs, Capital One 360, Senior Vice President, Card IT
Scott Young, CiTi Cards, Managing Director-Global Networks &Business Development
Ex-Officios
Ronald W. Davies, MBNA (Retired)
Barry M. Granger, DuPont Company, Government Affairs, Vice President
Klaus Liebig, Bay Star
Ann H. Simpler, Motel/Hotel Owner
Beverly Ward, Wicomico County, Youth Development/Gang Reduction Coordinator

EASTER SEALS

(Retired)
F. Funding
Easter Seals has a variety of successful funding sources. They rely on donations from
large corporations such as the Bank of America. They likewise depend on sizable
donations from private donors. Online donations are also accepted. Government
agencies and private insurers may also provide funding.
(http://www.easterseals.com/who-we-are/faqs/). Grants are often pursued. Workplace
giving is encouraged. Corporate fundraising such as dress down day is also promoted.
Event fundraising such as volleyball tournaments are supported. Volunteers may also
preform personal fundraising on their own, a bake sale for example. In addition, honor or
memorial gift are encouraged.
G. Relationship to other agencies
The relationship between Easter Seals and other human service agencies centers on the
need to educate and provide resources in the area of disability services to the community.
Some of the areas Easter Seals partner with are Delaware Life Span Respite Care
Network, Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities,
Down Syndrome Association of Delaware, Special Needs Alert Program United way of
Delaware, Yes You Can (http://www.easterseals.com/de/who-we-are/partners/). While at
Easter Seals, I have experienced openness to establishing relationships with local
businesses as well. Local banks, restaurants and fitness centers have established strong
relationships with the organization. It is refreshing to see how a community can
successfully come together on a local and state level to promote inclusion and improve
disability services for individuals.
H. Strength, trends and challenges

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Easter Seals has immense strength that helps to move their organization forward.
Advocacy in the area of disability services is an initial strength. The organization is also
a key policy maker for disability legislative action. They were also awarded accreditation
from the Commission on Accreditation on Rehabilitation Facilities in recognition of
Quality Rehabilitation Services. Another strength is their diverse fundraising techniques.
Trends include expanding community-based programs that focus on caregiving. For
example support groups for the aging population. Supporting the needs of those with
Alzheimer disease and providing respite care along with personal attendant services.
Early childhood recognition is also prominent with Make the First Five Count that
educates individuals on tracking childrens milestones and early intervention.
Challenges include receiving adequate funding and finding appropriate grants. There
is a definite need to find volunteers to support programs. In addition, here is also a need
to educate the public about Easter Seals resources. Many individuals in the community
do not realize that the Easter Seals organization provides service and resources for
individuals from birth through end of life.
I. Intern Role
The interns role at Easter Seals will vary based on role and location. I can offer
insight to the role of an administrative intern at the Easter Seals Delaware and Maryland
Eastern Shore. My main duties as an intern are to conduct research, work closely with
peers. I am expected to deliver my work in a timely manner. In addition, I must identify
goals and objectives for the projects I am assigned. I also have a duty to communicate
effectively with staff and clients. There is also a professional standard an intern is
expected demonstrate. I must conduct myself in a professional manner, support the

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organizations purpose, and uphold ethics policy

I am fortunate that my internship role has been tailored to developing the skills and
experience necessary to succeed in managing a nonprofit. They support the concept of a
Learning Contract and were eager to help me fulfill my goals. As a result, I have the
ability to work in administration and directly view how it impacts participants in the
program. The organization wants to provide a positive work experience.

References
History. (n.d.). Retrieved June 21, 2016, from http://www.easterseals.com/de/who-we-

EASTER SEALS
are/history/
Frequently Asked Questions. (n.d.). Retrieved June 21, 2016, from
http://www.easterseals.com/who-we-are/faqs/
Public Policy Priorities. (n.d.). Retrieved June 21, 2016, from
http://www.easterseals.com/get-involved/advocacy/public-policy-priorities.html

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