Marching Forward with Easterseals!

An All-Star Lineup

Easterseals Annual Crystal Ball

Join us for an all-star evening where every guest plays a key role in supporting individuals with disabilities and Veterans.

Saturday, March 22, 2025, 6-11pm

The Riverview, 10 Winslow Place, Simsbury, CT 06089

Click HERE for a video message from our President & CEO!

BUY TICKETS NOW

Have a Ball at the Crystal Ball!

Meet David the Fish!

Our East Hartford Adult Day Support participants are thrilled to welcome their newest aquatic friend! David the Fish is already making a splash, bringing joy, relaxation, and new learning opportunities to the program.

Having a class fish offers so many benefits—David helps create a calming environment, encourages responsibility as participants take turns feeding him, and even sparks engaging conversations about marine life. It’s a small addition with a big impact! Stop by and say hello to David next time you visit!

A Delicious Success!

Our latest VRP Cooking Class with Hazel was a hit! Students prepared a hearty American Chop Suey, using fresh, healthy ingredients to create a delicious meal for Wednesday night’s Peer Meetup Group—and it was enjoyed by all!

Coming in March: “Red, White, and Roux – We’re making Cajun for you!”

Don’t miss the chance to cook, create, and connect in next month’s class. Space is limited—email tcranfill@escrec.org if you are interested. VRP members only.

Easterseals at the New Britain Chamber of Commerce!

Our Easterseals team recently attended the New Britain Chamber of Commerce meeting to showcase our impactful Social Enterprise program, EnviroShred, and our Career Development Services Program. Both initiatives provide meaningful employment opportunities for adults with disabilities and veterans, empowering them with skills, independence, and career growth.

We’re proud to share our mission with the community and strengthen partnerships that create inclusive workplaces and brighter futures!

Conference Brochure

Dan Bracken is Challenging Perceptions - and we're here for it!

A huge shout-out to Dan Bracken, our Easterseals Career Development Services Manager, for being invited to speak at the 31st Annual EdAdvance Conference on Serving Adults with Disabilities! This esteemed gathering, taking place on May 30, 2025, brings together dedicated professionals committed to enhancing services for adults with disabilities.

Dan will be presenting "The Perception of Limitations vs. Disabilities," a thought-provoking session exploring societal labels, stigmas, and perceptions. His expertise and passion for breaking barriers make him a perfect fit for this important conversation.

Congratulations, Dan—we’re proud to have you representing Easterseals!

Rebuilding Minds. Bodies. Lives.

Exclusively for Service Members, Veterans, and their families.

Important Dates & Updates

March 3, 2025- Navy Reserve Birthday

March 13, 2025- K-9 Veterans Day - The official birthday of the United States K9 Corps

March 25, 2025- Medal of Honor Day - A holiday to honor the heroism and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients.

March 26, 2025- Cooking Class, "Red, White, and Roux" - Cajun cooking class. Pre-registration required. Space limited.

March 29, 2025- Vietnam Veterans Day - A National holiday to recognize and honor Veterans who served in the military during the Vietnam War.

★ NEW GROUP ★

Married to the Military: Military Spouse Support Group

Fridays, 2:00-3:00pm, Beginning March 7th

All are welcome. Please join us!

Click for VRP Programs Schedule

Coming Soon to VRP: Grab-n-Go Meals!

Starting March 17th, Veterans Rally Point (VRP) will introduce an exciting new initiative: Grab 'n Go Meals. This program is a vital part of VRP’s strategic plan to operationalize its kitchen while addressing food insecurity, reducing social isolation, and fostering entrepreneurial opportunities for service members, veterans, and their families.

To kick off, Grab 'n Go Meals will be available one day per week at an affordable price. These nutritious and delicious to-go meals will be available to VRP members, Easterseals staff, and the public, expanding access to convenient, high-quality food options. A monthly menu will be posted at VRP, allowing patrons to plan ahead and enjoy a variety of offerings.

Looking ahead, VRP envisions expanding the program by hiring additional veterans to work in the kitchen, furthering its mission of workforce development and economic empowerment within the veteran community. As the program grows, so will opportunities for veterans to gain hands-on experience in food preparation, packaging, and business operations.

A unique and impactful feature of the Grab 'n Go Meals program is our ‘Pay It Forward’ model. Proceeds from the Grab ‘n Go meals will help to expand the free meals offered to Veterans at Veterans Rally Point every week. Join us in supporting this meaningful program by grabbing a meal and spreading the word! Together, we can make a difference—one meal at a time.

For more information, email Ryan Landry at rlandry@escrec.org. To view upcoming menus, follow Veterans Rally Point on Facebook here!

2025 Digital Literacy Programs Have Begun

Professional Workforce Readiness (PWR Program)

Join our immersive 12-Week Digital Literacy training course and build the skills you need to thrive in today's job market. Course includes a $250 stipend for graduates!

Thursdays, beginning Feb. 27th from 5-7pm.

★ Expert Guidance

★ Aptitude Skills Testing

★ Assessment Certificates

★ Functional Skills

★ Effective Communication

★ Hands-On Internship & Job Placement

VRP Broadcasting Studio

Digital Media Class

This 12-Week Broadcasting Course is exclusively available for VRP members who are looking to excel in a career of broadcasting, reporting, or podcasting!

Tuesdays, beginning Feb. 25th from 5-7pm.

★ Equipment Handling & Set Design

★ Scriptwriting

★ Audio Production

★ Streaming Platforms

★ Editing

★ Produce your Own Show!

VRP PEER MEETUP

Peer MeetUp: Join Us

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. Held every Wednesday from 5pm-6:15pm in the VRP Community Room. No registration required. Hot meal served.

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. Email Director of Military Services, Lori Marriott, HERE.

March 5th: Join Scott Ennis on an amazing journey into history through Metal Detecting!

March 12th: Norwich resident and U.S. Army Veteran Johnna Tyson will share her powerful life story with the Veterans Rally Point Peer Meetup Group, highlighting inspiration and resilience through her journey.

March 19th: Barbara Kalpin will speak to VRP members about gambling addiction, offering insight and supports.

March 26th: Dr. C. Hong will speak to VRP members about drug and alcohol abuse providing insights and resources for support and recovery.

VRP Behavioral Health Program Expands

Peer Support ★ Counseling ★ Case Management ★ Benefit Assistance

Connect with our Team

With the help of VA grant funding, Easterseals Veterans Rally Point is working to better serve local Veterans and their families to help prevent Veteran Suicide in Eastern CT, and beyond. Through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP) our Easterseals was awarded a grant to expand Behavioral Health services at VRP, to support the VA mission of prevention Veteran suicide. We join 93 other organizations nation-wide with evidence-informed and innovative approaches to suicide prevention.

Meet the SSG Fox SPGP Team!

Pictured from Left to Right:

Lori Marriott, Director of Military Services

Valerie Cammarota, Director of Grants

Jamie Harris, Outreach Specialist

Willow Clauson, Digital Navigator

Tom Shusterman, SSG Fox Program Manager/LCSW

Erich Spader, Case Manager