Press Release Delaware

01/02/2018

A big THANK YOU to our 2017 YMCA of Delaware Youth In Government Seat Sponsors! The legislators below donated to provide a Delaware student in need the opportunity to participate in Delaware Youth in Government.

Margaret Rose Henry Anthony Delcollo for Delaware Senator Jack Walsh Bryan Townsend Bruce Ennis Rocky Bushweller Gerald Brady Jeffrey Spiegelman Deborah Hudson Kim Williams State Representative, 19th District Paul Baumbach State Representative John Viola, DE-26 Rep. Trey Paradee Bobby Outten Ruth Briggs King

01/12/2017

19/10/2017

08/08/2017

This experience has allowed me to engage with people from all walks of life, and has taught me the true value of working hard for everything I want.” – Keri Edwards

22/03/2017

Looking for something to do this Friday?

07/03/2016

The YMCA of Delaware Delaware Youth in Government Program held their Training & Elections conference this Saturday at Delaware Legislative Hall. Here are some photos from their event. To learn more about the program, contact [email protected]

21/06/2014

Easter Seals Pilots Summer Internship Program for High School Students With Intellectual Disabilities
Pilot Program Gives Students With Disabilities An Opportunity To Work Alongside Peers with Best Buddies Delaware

New Castle, DE – Easter Seals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore is excited to announce a pilot program aimed at helping high school students with intellectual disabilities gain workplace experience to help them prepare for future employment. The program, being coordinated through Easter Seals’ supported employment specialists, will allow students the opportunity for paid internships at Grotto Pizza, Dover Downs and Christiana Care Health System thanks to $18,415 in grants from Delaware Foundation Reaching Citizens (DFRC), The Laffey-McHugh Foundation and Delaware Community Foundation Youth Philanthropy Board. Students with disabilities will be paired with student mentors through a partnership with Best Buddies Delaware.
“While individuals without disabilities may have summer jobs or internships which help prepare them for employment, the same opportunities are rarely available for individuals with disabilities,” said Jane Schuler, Director of Supported Employment for Easter Seals. “We are very excited about this pilot internship program and the potential it offers in helping prepare young people with intellectual disabilities for the workplace. In addition, by pairing the students with student mentors identified through our partner, Best Buddies Delaware, we will be able to foster friendships that will last beyond the summer internship.”

Beginning in July, up to nine students with intellectual disabilities, three from each county, will complete a six week paid internship over the summer. Easter Seals worked with school districts throughout the state to identify high school students set to graduate in 2015 who are interested in gaining work experience. Interns will have the opportunity to rotate through two distinct job positions at the same employer to gain varied experience. Their Best Buddies Delaware mentor will intern with them as a natural support in the workplace.

“Career planning and hands-on work experiences are just as vital for individuals with disabilities to develop goals and aspirations about careers as it is for their typical peers,” Schuler said. “For youth 16 to 19 years-old, the employment rate for individuals with disabilities is less than half of the same age non-disabled peer group. Efforts to move young individuals toward employment earlier will hopefully have a positive impact on employment rates over time.”

“This concept is working in other states to help young people with disabilities identify potential career goals. We are hoping to identify funding sources to make this pilot summer internship program an ongoing opportunity in the future,” Schuler said.

“Providing one-to-one social opportunities and new workplace experiences for students both with and without intellectual disabilities wraps many Best Buddies initiatives into one experience,” said Anne Chaffin, Program Supervisor for Best Buddies Delaware. “We look forward to more partner opportunities with Easter Seals.”

Easter Seals has provided Supported Employment services for over 20 years. Employment service options include Supported Employment and Community Experience programs which offer group employment opportunities. Easter Seals Supported Employment services, provided in partnership with the Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Division of Developmental Disabilities, is an individualized service, matching the interests and abilities of a supported employee with a job in the community.

Easter Seals offers a range of services, including children’s therapies, assistive technology, recreational camping, day programs for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities and respite services for caregivers. To learn more about how Easter Seals helps children and adults with disabilities, call 1-800-677-3800 or visit www.de.easterseals.com.

The mission of Best Buddies International is to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Best Buddies programs include Middle School, High School, College, Citizens, Jobs, Ambassadors and eBuddies. For more information on Best Buddies Delaware, contact Anne Chaffin, 302 691-3187 or [email protected] or visit www.bestbuddiesdelaware.org

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Helping people with disabilities gain greater independence.

02/05/2014

10 Presenters Set for Ignite Newark IV on May 7

Fun-filled forum to benefit Exceptional Care for Children

NEWARK, Del. – Learn about prosthetics, opera, a new radio station, motorcycles and marketing in little more than an hour at Ignite Newark IV, the rapid-fire sequence of slide shows, at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, at the Delaware Biotechnology Institute, 15 Innovation Way, Newark, in the Delaware Technology Park.
Ignite Newark is a networking night held several times a year to spotlight the innovative and creative nature of Newark entities and people. The night consists of food, drink and a series of five-minute PowerPoint presentations. The slides are automated to change every 15 seconds, creating a conduit for fast-moving topics and information. Presenters bring interesting, innovative and fun ideas to the audience.

The 10 presenters on the program include John Horne, founder of Independence Prosthetics-Orthotics, who applies innovative technology to help individuals with physical limitations return to productive and active lifestyles; Brendan Cooke, general director of OperaDelaware; Steve Worden, founder of Newark Community Radio Inc.; motorcycle enthusiast and marketing professional Megan Cavanaugh and marketing strategist, author and executive coach Darnyell Jervey, who will explain “how to market like a rock star.”

Others scheduled to discuss their passions are: singer-entrepreneur Kyle McMahon, on how millennials do business; Peter Fitzpatrick Jr., on planning “murder mystery” dinner parties; Brad Wason, an expert in typography and branding; Dave Yunghans, Constant Contact regional director and digital marketing expert; and Morgan Shank, creator of the “Delaware State of Mind” music video, riffing on “First State Mentality: A Refreshing Perspective on Delaware.”

Theatrical producer-performer Chris Bruce will serve as master of ceremonies.

Admission to Ignite Newark IV is $25. Proceeds from door prizes and a portion of the proceeds from admissions will benefit Exceptional Care for Children, a pediatric, skilled nursing facility in Newark that serves technology-dependent children and their families. Register for Ignite Newark IV at ignitenewark.com.
Ignite Newark IV is produced by Discover My Delaware and presented by My Sherpa. Sponsors include the Delaware Biotechnology Institute, Delaware Technology Park, Delaware Business Daily, Radio Newark, the Kenny Foundation, Harvey Hanna & Associates, Bramhall + Hitchen Insurance, Barry’s Events and Planet Ten.

About Discover My Delaware
Discover My Delaware LLC, based in New Castle County, offers social media, design and marketing consulting, and printing services to support small businesses and nonprofits throughout Delaware and nearby states. Learn more at discovermydelaware.com

Ignite Newark is a networking night held several times a year to spotlight the innovative and creative nature of Newark entities and people. The night consists of food, drink and a series of 5 minute powerpoint presentations. The slides are automated to change every 15 seconds, creating a conduit fo…

10/04/2014

Easter Seals To Host 5th Annual Caregiver And Respite Conference

New Castle, DE – Easter Seals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore, in partnership with the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities, will be hosting the “You Count! Don’t Burn Out!” Caregiver and Respite Conference on Wednesday, April 30 at the Easter Seals Conference Center in New Castle. This year’s conference will feature two sessions, 9 a.m. to noon for those caring for a child with a disability and 1 to 4 p.m. for those caring for adults with a disability or seniors with aging conditions.

Both sessions will feature a presentation about “Caring for Yourself as a Caregiver” with practical tips to help caregivers take care of themselves, while caring for a loved one. In addition, there will be a panel discussion focused on “Recreation as Respite” providing caregivers with respite options as a way to take a break from caregiving.

The conference is designed to address the needs of a family caregiver. Along with the session presentations, from noon to 1 p.m. attendees are invited to visit Easter Seals Resource and Technology Demonstration center to learn about assistive technology that may be useful in caring for their loved one. The speakers and other professionals will also be available during that time to meet attendees and answer any questions. Professionals and others who support caregivers are also welcome to attend.

The cost to attend is $10, which includes admission for one attendee and a family member, resource materials, and light snacks. (REGISTRATION REQUIRED, Each session limited to 90 attendees). To register online, visit: www.de.easterseals.com and click on “events” http://goo.gl/b0EKmC . For more information, call Caitlin Gruber at 302-221-2087 or [email protected].

Easter Seals offers a range of services, including children’s therapies, assistive technology, recreational camping, day programs for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, and respite services for caregivers. To learn more about how Easter Seals helps children and adults with disabilities, call 1-800-677-3800 or visit www.de.easterseals.com.

Helping people with disabilities gain greater independence.

09/04/2014

Did you miss out on last nights community conversation? Here is a great article to keep you informed.

Make sure to attend one of our next community conversations:

Sussex County forum will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 11th at the Western Sussex Boys & Girls Club, 310 Virginia Ave. in Seaford,

Kent County event will be 4-6 p.m. April 16 at William Henry High School Library, 65 Carver Road in Dover.

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08/04/2014

Join in tonight's community conversation taking place tonight from 6-7:30 pm at Bayard Middle School in Wilmington.

Youth Health Program: IM40 will be hosting three community conversations throughout Delaware for teens and their guardians, This week's programs, focused on youth ages 12 to 15, are called "Learnin...

07/04/2014

Friendly’s Kicks Off 33rd Annual Fundraiser for Easter Seals
Help a child with disabilities and get a sweet deal!

New Castle, DE – Easter Seals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore welcomes the kick-off of the 33rd annual Friendly’s Ice Cream, LLC campaign that helps support camps for children with disabilities such as Easter Seals Camp Fairlee.

Starting April 4th through April 27th, guests who donate $1 to the Camp Friendly’s campaign will receive a 10% discount card valid through May 18. Guests who donate $2 can get a Kids Meal served on a Fun Friendly’s Frisbee. Be sure to ask your server about donating to Easter Seals and making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities in the local area.

Funds raised will support Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s programs such as Camp Fairlee, which provides an opportunity for kids with disabilities to be included in regular camp activities like boating, canoeing, swimming, archery, ropes courses, horseback riding, hiking, basketball and fishing.

“The Camp Friendly’s campaign makes it possible for children and adults with disabilities to attend a camp that ensures that each camper has fun and is seen for who they are and not for their disability. The life experiences at camp made possible through the funds raised in this campaign can be life changing to each camper,” Ken Sklenar, Easter Seals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore President/CEO, said.

Celebrating More Than 30 Years of raising funds for Easter Seals
Friendly’s successful campaign is an annual tradition where guests and employees across the restaurant chain help change the lives of thousands of children with disabilities through their efforts. The campaign has raised more than $28.1 million to date -- more than $400,000 in 2013 alone -- to benefit Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s program locations across the country.


About Easter Seals and Camp Fairlee

Celebrating its 60th anniversary, Easter Seal’s Camp Fairlee outside of Chestertown, Maryland, is the only camp in the region that provides a typical residential camp experience for children and adults with disabilities year-round. Fairlee offers week-long camp sessions throughout the summer, Travel Trips throughout the year and weekend respite/retreat programs from August through May. Learn more about Camp Fairlee at www.de.easterseals.com/fairlee.

Helping people with disabilities gain greater independence.

06/04/2014

Join in on one of the community conversations being hosted by Young Health Program:IM40, a great movement building assets within Delaware.

New Castle County 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 8
Sussex County forum will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 11,
Kent County event will happen from 4 to 6 p.m. April 16
Please read the article for more information about the program and how to attend one of the events.

Over the next two weeks, community organizations are banding together to host a series of conversations across the state with parents and youth about the social pressures kids can face and how to help them build a positive sense of self.

06/04/2014

Donors & Nonprofits Know: Results Matter
Fred Sears - Delaware Community Foundation


Just like businesses measuring return on investment, individuals and organizations increasingly want evidence that their charitable gifts are generating results.

And so they should. Measurable results are a basic requirement of any well-developed initiative, whether it’s a global campaign to sell more socks or a local nonprofit program to improve literacy.

Evidence-based giving — making a donation based on proof that the organization is making progress toward its goals — has become common practice, whether a donor is giving $25 or millions.

Especially in today’s economy, when charitable dollars are fewer and community needs are greater, donors want to know that every dollar counts.

More and more, nonprofit organizations are using metrics to evaluate themselves and demonstrate effectiveness to donors. But it’s not always that easy to see the impact.

So how can conscientious donors determine whether their gifts will be used wisely and make an acceptable impact?

1. Do your homework.

If you’re concerned about providing children with access to nutritious meals, you can find a nonprofit with that mission. But if you’re mainly concerned with underprivileged children in western Sussex County, you’ll want to know how the charity is meeting that specific population’s needs and how they’re gauging success in that area.

Today, most nonprofit organizations know that donors are demanding evidence of impact, and they follow standard procedures for measuring outcomes across multiple criteria. But don’t assume that the charity you’ve chosen is doing that. Ask first.

It’s also important that you’re comfortable with the strategy the organization is using to reach its goals. Check out annual reports and newsletters for details. If it’s not clear, call the CEO or executive director.

2. Define “results.”

What do you expect should happen as a result of your gift (alone or combined with others)? What type of change and what amount will you see as reasonable progress? Make sure you’re on the same page with the organization you’re considering supporting.

The charity you give to might be aiming, for example, to increase the number of children it serves by 10 percent by the end of the year. But if you think the charity should be able to increase its reach by 30 percent, you may not be a match.

In all cases, though, be realistic. If your expectations are wildly different from the nonprofit’s actual goals, find out what’s happening at other organizations with similar missions. This will give you some context as to what should be considered success.


3. Look for milestones.

Evaluate the timeframe for an initiative. The organization should have set milestones by which they review the progress and report back to donors. Decide if you find the milestones acceptable.

But keep in mind that creating significant change – and measuring it – can take several years, and sometimes decades or even generations.

Know how long you’re willing to wait to see results. If you support a nonprofit trying to reduce the occurrence of Alzheimer’s by improving infant nutrition, accept that you probably won’t even live long enough to see the needle move, no matter how great the organization is. For some donors, that’s OK.

But if you know you don’t want to wait years to see results, consider a cause, event or program seeking to make a specific impact over a shorter period of time.


4. Compare the results.

Even in a small state like Delaware, there are several organizations targeting similar issues. Compare a program’s results to other nonprofit programs. You can also compare them to national programs.

Reviewing baselines, averages and best practices can help you determine how well the charity is addressing a particular issue. If they’re available, review independent evaluations of the charity’s reported outcomes.

And to really find out what an organization is achieving and how, volunteer. Spend time with the staff, the leadership and the constituents. Ask questions, help out, and see if this is the place you want to invest your charitable dollars.


5. Be flexible.

We live in a fast-changing world with ever-evolving needs, and nonprofits and donors need to be ready to update how they respond, while staying true to their core mission.

Natural disasters can prompt a charity to pull resources from one area to concentrate on the crisis at hand. Legislation, technological advances and other factors also can push organizations to refocus.

And over time, organizations may need to re-evaluate their missions and strategies to stay relevant. A for-profit business must change with market demands in order to maintain and grow its profitability. In the same way, a nonprofit must change with the needs of its constituents in order to maintain and grow its impact.


Fred Sears is president and CEO of the Delaware Community Foundation. For more information, visit www.delcf.org.

At the Delaware Community Foundation, we connect people who care with the causes they care about, helping individuals and organizations create charitable funds that become permanent sources of funding for charitable causes. We also:

06/04/2014

Easter Seals And AgrAbility Project Restore Passion in Local Farmer’s Life

New Castle, DE – Pursuing a passion is exhilarating, but attempting that same task with pain or limitations can be a safety concern, and sometimes seems impossible. Easter Seals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore and the Mid-Atlantic AgrAbility Project did not want a spinal injury from his time in the Air Force to stop Don Cunningham, of Greenwood, from pursuing his dreams of farming with his son.

A primary consideration for Don, who farms 1000 acres in Sussex County, was minimizing the bouncing and vibration he experienced while operating his tractors and allowing him a rear view of his equipment without the need to turn his head, something he was no longer able to do since his injury.

The AgrAbility Project referred Don to the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation who provided him with an ergonomic suspension replacement seat and a remote controlled mobile video camera system. The seat positions and supports the body to help absorb excessive vibrations and shock. The armrests and high back provide stability for tractor operators with back problems or balance difficulties. The video camera system offers a rear view without the operator leaving the cab or even turning his head. Don received equipment for multiple tractors that he uses for a variety of tasks.

“After the equipment modifications, I logged close to 60 hours in one tractor over a ten day period, more hours than the entire previous year,” Don says. “I never thought that such simple equipment modifications could make such a difference in quality of life. Now I am able to pursue my desire of farming with my son without the fear of compromising my physical safety. AgrAbility provided me the means to a brighter, more productive future.”

The Mid-Atlantic AgrAbility Project (MAAP) is part of a national program that promotes independence for farmers, watermen, loggers and poultry growers who want to continue to farm despite physical limits and health conditions. MAAP’s program goals are to inform, educate and assist farmers and agricultural workers with limitations, as well as their families, so that they can continue to lead successful careers in agriculture.

“The equipment modifications to my tractors restored my desire of farming without limitation,” Don says. “I had always wanted to farm with my son after retiring from the Air Force; however, I was limited in the ability to operate most of the equipment required to contribute to this farming operation.”

For more information about the Mid-Atlantic AgrAbility Project, please visit us online at http://www.midatlanticagrability.com , contact Easter Seals at 1-877-204-3276 (FARM).

Easter Seals offers a range of services, including children’s therapies, assistive technology, recreational camping, day programs for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities and respite services for caregivers. To learn more about how Easter Seals helps children and adults with disabilities, call 1-800-677-3800 or Click Below

Helping people with disabilities gain greater independence.

17/03/2014

Volunteers and Non-Profit Organizations. Make sure to checkout Volunteer Fair in Dover on March 22

The State Office of Volunteerism and the Kent County Public Library will host a volunteer fair from 2-4 p.m. March 22 at the library for prospective volunteers of all ages to learn about more than 20 organizations in Kent County. Organizations that will be represented at the volunteer fair Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity, Easter Seals - Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore, Delaware Nature Society, Delaware SPCA and many more.

The Kent County Library is at 497 S. Red Haven Lane in Dover. For more information about the volunteer fair or to have your group included, contact the State Office of Volunteerism at (302) 857-5006. Deadline for reserving a table is March 18.

Volunteers and Non-Profit Organizations. Make sure to checkout Volunteer Fair in Dover on March 22

The State Office of Volunteerism and the Kent County Public Library will host a volunteer fair from 2-4 p.m. March 22 at the library for prospective volunteers of all ages to learn about more than 20 organizations in Kent County. Organizations that will be represented at the volunteer fair Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity, Easter Seals - Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore, Delaware Nature Society, Delaware SPCA and many more.

The Kent County Library is at 497 S. Red Haven Lane in Dover. For more information about the volunteer fair or to have your group included, contact the State Office of Volunteerism at (302) 857-5006. Deadline for reserving a table is March 18.

04/03/2014

Suiting Warriors is pleased to announce its 1st Annual Reds, Whites & Brews Charity Event to highlight our mission going mobile to suit veterans across the country this year. This charity event will be held on Friday, March 28, 2014, 7pm – 11pm at Harry’s Savoy Grill in Wilmington, Delaware.

28/02/2014

Assist and Inspire by checking out these fun events in support of our community!

The Youth in Government Conference is in its 46th year, and has provided Middle and High School students with a firsthand Model Legislative experience by simulating the roles of those involved in the Legislative and Executive components of state government

08/02/2014

Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Hits Quarter Century Mark,
Requests Nominations from the Business Community

Two tiers of adult recognition and student honorees will embellish 25th annual celebration

Junior Achievement of Delaware today announced a call for nominations for the 2014 Delaware Business Leaders Hall of Fame.

Nominations for induction into the Delaware Business Leaders Hall of Fame, as well as, nominations for the Delaware Business Benchmark Honors are available at http://jadelaware.org/project/de-business-leaders-hall-of-fame/, and JA Ambassadors student applications are available by requesting an application in an email to [email protected] ; or you may visit www.jadelaware.org , select the Experiences tile and navigate to either JA Ambassadors or Events. The deadline for nominations is May 1, 2014.

Established in 1990 by Junior Achievement of Delaware, The Delaware Business Leaders Hall of Fame recognizes “outstanding business leaders whose strategic management, invention, and innovation have positively impacted workforce and economic development in the region.”

“I am honored to serve as chair of the 25th Delaware Business Leaders Hall of Fame,” said Hall of Fame Chair Nick Lambrow, M&T Bank Delaware president. “This is an extraordinary year for the Hall of Fame- we celebrate 25 years, and induct laureates for their past accomplishments, as well as recognize future business leaders.”

The 2014 Delaware Business Leaders Hall of Fame celebration will be held Thursday, October 16, 2014 at Deerfield Country Club. During the event, Hall of Fame inductees will be announced, as well as, Delaware Business Benchmark Honors, and winners of local Junior Achievement student competitions.

The Delaware Business Leaders Hall of Fame honors both contemporary business leaders and historic business leaders who have positively impacted the economy of the state and region. The Hall of Fame permanent exhibit commands the main entrance of the JA experiential learning campus at 522 S. Walnut Street in Wilmington.

Past Delaware Business Hall of Fame laureates and their business associations include: Bernard J. Taylor II and Leonard W. Quill, Wilmington Trust Company; Dan Butler, Corporation Service Company; Arkadi Kuhlmann and Jim Kelly, ING Direct; Carol Ammon, Endo Pharmaceuticals; Alan Burkhard, Placers, Inc.; Dian Taylor, Artesian Water; Wilbert & Genevieve Gore, and Robert Gore, W.L. Gore & Associates; Harry Levin and Alan Levin, Happy Harry’s. Edgar S. Woolard, Jr. is the most recent of several DuPont company chairmen to be inducted.

About Junior Achievement of Delaware Delaware: In the business of education since 1956, Junior Achievement inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy. Junior Achievement of Delaware is the partner of choice for businesses, educators, and policy makers seeking to expand workforce and economic development by educating the next generation.

Junior Achievement of Delaware is now accepting nominations for the 2014 Delaware Business Leaders Hall of Fame. Nomination applications for induction into the Delaware Business Leaders Hall of Fame are available below, as well as nominations for the Delaware Business Benchmark Honors. The deadlin...

12/01/2014

The 2014 season of Delaware Youth in Goverment has begun with over 12 delegations meeting throughout the state. Find your voice, speak your mind and be heard through Youth in Government. Join one o...

01/01/2014

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