Annual Meeting & Celebration: The Power of US! | |
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On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, our Easterseals family of staff, BOD, participants, sponsors, donors and volunteers gathered at Hartford Golf Club for our annual meeting to celebrate honorees and 2025 accomplishments.
“In 2025, we made meaningful progress together—supporting more than 3,500 people. We delivered essential care and connection in Day Support, strengthened life-saving suicide-prevention services for Veterans, ensured food security through Meals for Military, and expanded access to meaningful career pathways for Veterans and people with disabilities. This year showed that when we unite with purpose, we do more than provide services, we create hope, dignity, and lasting change.” -Robin Sharp, President & CEO
Click HERE to access our 2025 Annual Report Infographic
Click HERE to check out our photo album from the event!
At our Annual Celebration, we recognized individuals and partners whose dedication and heart shape the work we do every day. Over the next few months, we’ll be sharing the stories of our 12 honorees to celebrate and honor their impact.
Pictured from left to right above, Click HERE to read the stories of:
Day Support Participant of the Year (East Hartford): Karl Sherp
Day Support Participant of the Year (Norwich): Pam 'Pammy' Pulk
Corporate Partner of the Year: M&T Bank
| | | | Giving Tuesday Campaign Results | | | |
Employment Journeys that Inspire
We featured several Easterseals employment program participants in our Giving Tuesday/End of Year Campaign, including Amy, who found her dream job, VaShaun, a proud employee of one of our Easterseals Social Enterprises, EnviroShred, and Zach who hit a milestone of 90 days employed at Geissler’s.
Thanks to our Board of Directors, Leadership team, and generous donors, nearly $14,000 was raised through our digital, print, and peer to peer campaigns. Your support of Easterseals programs drives a significant impact--making Easterseals participants stronger, confident, and more independent.
| | | Practical Tools for Leading, Coping, & Caring | |
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Learning Skills for Life
Check out some hospitality careers and wellbeing training courses from our friends at Diageo—choose the modules that are right for you! Topics include: Communication & Teamwork, Equality & Diversity, Selling your Personal Brand, and MORE!
If you’re interested in general workplace skills, self-care including responsible consumption tips or service/hospitality training, access the modules HERE
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Self Care: Metabolism 101
Metabolism is a complex process that involves converting nutrients into energy. This energy fuels everything from breathing and circulating blood to building and repairing cells and other tissues. While metabolism naturally slows with age, there are still
some things you can do to maintain balance. Learn more HERE
Recipe of the Month: Honey Garlic Paprika Shrimp
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The Sandwich Club: Tools for Caregivers
Caregiving can feel overwhelming—especially when you're supporting both aging parents and children. That’s why Easterseals is sharing The Sandwich Club, a digital membership built to support caregivers with empathy, tools, and community.
Get immediate answers from an AI trained to respond to caregiving questions, plus insights and encouragement from a community of fellow caregivers. From curated guides to real-life advice, The Sandwich Club helps you navigate challenges with clarity, confidence, and connection. Check it out HERE
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Spring 2026 Skills Groups – Enrolling Now
Accepts most insurance plans. Space is limited. Contact 860-270-0600 or email clinicalservices@escrec.org for more info.
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Spring Skills Groups- Enrolling Now
We are now enrolling for two skills-based groups starting in March 2026: SPARK and NeuroWise DBT.
SPARK is a social skills group for young adults ages 18–30, focused on building communication skills, friendships, boundaries, and managing social anxiety using PEERS informed strategies. Groups begin March 30.
NeuroWise DBT is a neurodiversity-affirming DBT skills group for adults (18+) who identify as autistic, ADHD, or otherwise neurodivergent, with a focus on managing emotions, anxiety, and relationships in ways that honor individual differences.
Groups begin March 25.
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Clinical Therapy Openings Available! Our licensed clinical staff provide compassionate care for the prevention and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges. We help individuals and families strengthen coping skills, improve communication, and enhance overall well-being. Staff specializes in neurodivergent children, adolescents, and young adults, helping them to develop skills to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
Contact: clinicalservices@escrec.org, 860-270-0600 x100
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Easterseals Earns Forbes
Top 50 Charity Recognition!
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Recognized for Impact
Easterseals is proud to be ranked by Forbes in 41st place among its list of the top 100 Charities of 2025. Based on total private donations raised, total annual revenue, fundraising efficiency and percentage of funds applied to charitable commitment. With our 70 affiliates nationwide, Easterseals once again, made the top 50.
We are extremely committed to stewarding donated funds with great care and we never take for granted the incredible benevolence and generosity of millions of individuals whose donations enable Easterseals to support more than 1.5 million people with disabilities annually. Read more here: https://www.forbes.com/lists/top-charities/
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Join a Trusted Charity-
for a Night of Limitless Impact
Join us for our largest fundraiser of the year—Hartford’s Premier Event attended by hundreds of corporate executives, the medical community, local, state and nationally elected officials and prominent members of the community. This fundraiser benefits our Easterseals Veterans’ and disability programs.
Saturday, March 21, 2026
6pm - 11pm
The Riverview, 10 Winslow Place
Simsbury, CT 06089
| | | | For sponsorship and table host opportunities, please call Wendy Archer at 860.270.0600 x153 or email warcher@escrec.org | | |
Throughout the holiday season, participants and staff shared the spirit of giving in countless heartfelt ways—from collecting and delivering toys for children at the OPMAD afterschool program to decorating trees and writing letters to Santa.
These moments of connection and generosity brought smiles to children’s faces and reminded all involved of the joy that comes from giving back to the community.
The highlight of the season was a surprise visit from Santa himself. He was thrilled to see a room decorated just for him—Santa’s Workshop!
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Easterseals Veterans Rally Point and our Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant team was proud to host the Connecticut Veterans Mental Health Coalition meeting at VRP.
The team welcomed the New London Police Department K-9 Unit, featuring two very special members of their team: Traveler and Chase. Community Resource Officer Christina Nocito with K-9 Traveler, and Officer Heather McClelland with K-9 Chase, shared a powerful demonstration highlighting the impact of the Police Facility Dog Program.
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Our Easterseals Door Decorating Contest turned our halls into a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and holiday cheer. Staff across all three Easterseals locations—Windsor, Norwich, and East Hartford—collaborated to design beautiful displays. Participants joined the fun by voting for their favorite designs on our Facebook page. We’re delighted to share that the winning door (pictured above) was created by Michael Wilk, Easterseals’ Chief Information Officer, whose Santa’s Toy Shop—complete with lights and tinsel.
Congratulations, Mike- you're truly the Chief Holiday Officer!
More photos HERE
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Rebuilding Minds. Bodies. Lives.
Exclusively for Service Members, Veterans, and their families.
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Special Dates/Events
February 11th: Meals for Military- Free Community Meal, 4pm
February 14th: Valentines Day ♥
February 17th: Random Acts of Kindness Day ♥
February 16th: President's Day
February 19th: Coast Guard Reserve Birthday
February 21st: Designer Bag Bingo Fundraiser: TICKETS HERE
Announcements:
★ Check out our NEW Building hours at VRP below!
★ Meals for Military is a free community meal, served for members at VRP, to build camaraderie and enjoy good food with good people! Email hproulx@escrec.org to RSVP.
★ Designer Bag Bingo at VRP, 2/21/26, Buy Tickets HERE
★ Don't forget to wear RED on Fridays at VRP - honoring and remembering those who are deployed. ♥
★ Support Groups, led by trauma-informed Case Managers, are open for drop-ins. 1. Combat Theater Support Group and 2. Tranquility Support Group. See Flyers HERE
★ Grab-N-Go meals are on sale every Tuesday at VRP from 10am until supplies last.
See February Menu HERE
| | | New! Building Hours for VRP | |
Community Partners Rally for Vets over Holiday Season
-See Below for Media Highlights-
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Over the holidays, community partners came together in Norwich to support Veterans and their families with food, gifts, time, talents, and essential supplies. We cannot express our gratitude enough for this amazing community of generous and caring people, including Premium Utility Contractors, Electric Boat, M&T Bank, The Carter Mario Law Firm, The Occum Fire Department, The Marine Draftmen's Association, The U.S. Coast Guard, St. George's Church, Knights of Columbus Council 3928, Bob Keiser, Burr Elementary School, Union’s MDA UAW Local 571, Beard Octane, Nikolaos Alevras, Charlie Strickland, The Little Patriots, Dave Stevens, local news stations, and many private donors. Special shout-out to SantaDave, The Grinch, and Cindy Lou Who for bringing the holiday cheer!
The entire holiday season of giving, an effort coordinated and organized by Associate Director of Military Services, Ryan Landry, Kitchen Manager Hazel Prouxl, and the VRP team, highlighted the power of local collaboration and shared commitment to honoring those who served. Thanks to generous donors and dedicated volunteers, Veterans connected to Easterseals Veterans Rally Point received meaningful holiday support—strengthening connection, dignity, and care during a season when it matters most.
Bringing these moments to life, we are grateful for the time and talent provided by Board Member and Disability Advocate, Dave Stevens, and the VRP Broadcasting Studio Students. You can see their productions of the holiday season here:
Meals for Military Event
Holiday Season Food Drive
Local News Articles:
Fox 61
WFSB Channel 3
The Day
Norwich Bulletin
| | | When the Mission Changes- The Service Continues | | |
For many Veterans, service has been a defining force in life. It shaped our routines, our values, our sense of belonging, and our purpose. Then one day, the uniform comes off. The structure changes. The mission isn’t as clear. Retirement or separation brings freedom, but it can also bring an unexpected question: What now?
At Easterseals Veterans Rally Point, we see this moment not as an ending, but as a transition. Service does not disappear when military or professional careers conclude, it evolves.
Read the Full Article about Purpose after Serving HERE
Interested in Volunteering?
If you are navigating life after service or simply looking for a meaningful way to give back, we invite you to explore volunteering at Easterseals Veterans Rally Point. Talk with any member of the VRP staff to learn more about opportunities that align with your interests, skills, and availability. Email rlandry@escrec.org or call today (860) 859-4148
Your service still matters.
Your experience still matters.
And together, we can continue building the strong, healthy community that defines Veterans Rally Point.
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Suicide is a national public health crisis that affects all Americans, including Veterans, their families, and their friends. Our team, consisting of Case Managers, Peer Support Specialists, and Outreach Specialists aim to serve and support Active Duty, Veterans and their families when they need it the most. As a Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program awardee, Easterseals Veterans Rally Point offers outreach and education, risk screening, Case Management, referrals for long-term clinical treatment, and wrap-around support.
If you or someone you know is having a Mental Health Crisis and needs immediate assistance, please pass along this contact information:
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Easterseals Veterans Rally Point SSG Fox Program
Norwich (24 Stott Ave. Norwich, CT 06360)
Windsor (100 Deerfield Road, Windsor, CT 06095)
M-F 830am - 4:30pm
(860) 859-4151
VetsHelp@escrec.org
24-7 National Veterans Crisis Line:
Dial 988, press 1 for Veterans
Text 838255
More Info click HERE
Vets4Warriors: Dial 1-855-838-8255
Someone is available right now to answer your call.
There is no time limit on the duration of your call.
There is no limit on the number of times you can call.
| | Peer Meetup Support Group | |
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Peer Meetup is a weekly opportunity to connect and share personal stories and experiences with the Easterseals VRP community or listen to invited guest speakers on various topics.
No registration required. Hot meal served starting at 4:00pm. Speaker begins at 4:30pm.
If you’d like to bring a dessert or drink to share with the group, you are welcome to! Please come, listen and learn, and meet some new friends.
Would you like to share your story? Email Thena Cranfill at tcranfill@escrec.org
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PEER MEETUP SCHEDULE:
2/4/26- TBD
2/11/26- Bob Conley, Topic- Phone Photography/Editing with a presentation of variety of his own photos.
2/18/26- Michelle Swanson, Topic- Insurance Education
2/25/26- Dan Martin, Topic- Reason to Ride Organization Presentation
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