Success Stories

United Way of Cecil County

Home

In February, 2007 a local hospice patient was able to realize a life long dream to meet and talk with Country Music star Loretta Lynn. Through funding from the Northern Chesapeake Hospice Foundation’s “Create A Memory” program, the patient and three members of her family made the trip to the site of the concert in Burgettstown, PA. where

Loretta Lynn was gracious enough to meet privately for a few minutes with the patient and her family.

The Cecil County Garden Club is a new program initiative which began in April 2006. Participants consist of three adults with developmental disabilities who are supervised by EAES staff members. These individuals are enrolled in EAES supported employment and community support programs. Services include pre-employment skills training, job placement, consumer budgeting and banking, housing issues, and community integration. The Garden Club was established to encourage consumers to grow tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, squash, and cucumbers in their own garden. Once a week, members meet to weed, water, and harvest the vegetables. The consumers also take an active role in meal preparation, baking ziti making homemade tomato sauce, and preparing salads. EAES is a proud member of the United Way of Cecil County.

When Calvin first came to Easter Seals Camp Fairlee Manor, he hit the ground running—and jumping, climbing, hiking, boating and swimming. “Calvin is a very active kid, so he loves camp,” his counselor, Charlotte, says. Calvin’s favorite activities at Camp Fairlee include baseball, basketball, football, kickball—anything to do with a ball!—as well as water sports like fishing and canoeing.

His caregiver, Kim, of Elkton, says that Camp Fairlee has helped Calvin grow as a person. “Camp Fairlee has helped Calvin to become more independent,” Kim says. “He has learned to be more confident in his abilities, and he is not afraid to try new things.”

Located near Chestertown, Easter Seals Camp Fairlee Manor offers kids and adults with disabilities a real camp experience while giving time off to caregivers. For more information, visit www.de.easterseals.com.

How important is Boys and Girls Club to the children, youth and families of Cecil County?

Just ask Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year for 2007, Mark Blackwell, active at the Rising Sun Club. His extensive community service, focused essays and the poise and vision he demonstrated in interviews conducted by Board members won the day! Mark volunteers at Wilmington & Western Railroad and is planning to study railroading to become an engineer or conductor. His Youth of the Year scholarship awards will help him to fulfill that dream. Mark says, “I probably would not have as good of grades as I do now if I had not attended the Club, and I know that I wouldn’t have any college help. The Club has had a very positive impact on my life.”