Easterseals Oregon is part of a nationwide movement that began over a century ago, driven by one man’s deep compassion and determination to create a better future for people with disabilities.
A Father’s Loss, A Movement Born
The roots of Easterseals trace back to 1919, when Edgar Allen, a businessman in Ohio, suffered a heartbreaking loss—his son was fatally injured in an accident. Allen was devastated to learn that his son could not receive timely medical care because ... Leggi tutto
Easterseals Oregon is part of a nationwide movement that began over a century ago, driven by one man’s deep compassion and determination to create a better future for people with disabilities.
A Father’s Loss, A Movement Born
The roots of Easterseals trace back to 1919, when Edgar Allen, a businessman in Ohio, suffered a heartbreaking loss—his son was fatally injured in an accident. Allen was devastated to learn that his son could not receive timely medical care because adequate hospital services were not available in their community. This tragedy ignited a lifelong mission in him: to ensure that no one, especially children with disabilities, would be left without the care and opportunities they deserved.
Allen first funded a hospital in Elyria, Ohio, but he soon realized that children with disabilities faced extreme neglect, isolation, and lack of resources. Determined to change this, he founded the National Society for Crippled Children in 1919, which later became Easterseals—named after the “seals” (or stamps) used in early fundraising campaigns to symbolize hope and support.
Easterseals Oregon: Serving Our Community for Generations
Following Allen’s vision, Easterseals expanded nationwide, and Easterseals Oregon was established to serve individuals in our state who face barriers to independence. For eight decades, Easterseals Oregon has been a beacon of hope for children and adults with disabilities, seniors, veterans, and families in need.
Over the years, Easterseals Oregon has pioneered innovative programs that empower people to live with dignity, purpose, and independence. Some of our key initiatives include:
Disability Services – Helping individuals with disabilities access employment, housing, and essential resources.
Veterans Services – Supporting veterans in their transition to civilian life through job training, housing assistance, and community integration.
Senior Programs – Providing aging adults with employment opportunities and combatting senior isolation and senior poverty.
Summer Camp for Children with Disabilities – Creating life-changing experiences for children of all abilities by fostering independence, friendship, and outdoor adventure in a fully inclusive, accessible environment.
BLOOMFEST – More than just a fundraiser, BLOOMFEST is a lifeline for thousands of individuals in need. By selling beautiful tulips across Oregon, we raise critical funds that directly support our disability, veteran, and senior programs—helping people find safe housing, meaningful employment, essential resources, and a supportive community. Every bouquet sold brings us closer to breaking down barriers and ensuring that no one is left behind.
Our Core Programs: Transforming Lives Across Oregon
Easterseals Oregon is committed to improving the socioeconomic mobility of the most economically disadvantaged and underserved communities across our state. Our core programs focus on breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and ensuring that every individual—regardless of age, ability, or background—can live with dignity, independence, and purpose.
Summer Camp for Children with Disabilities
Every child deserves the chance to experience adventure, friendship, and personal growth—and our fully accessible Summer Camp for Children with Disabilities makes that possible. Through adaptive activities, outdoor exploration, and a supportive, inclusive environment, we help children with disabilities build confidence, develop independence, and create lifelong memories. Our camp ensures that all children, regardless of ability, can enjoy the magic of the outdoors, foster social connections, and discover their full potential.
Veterans Employment & Housing Programs
Each year, we help over 1,000 unhoused veterans find safe, stable housing and successfully re-enter the workforce. Our employment and education services not only restore financial independence but also help veterans rediscover purpose and community. Through job placement, skill-building, and ongoing support, we ensure they have the tools to sustain long-term success. Our program also includes one year of job retention support to help prevent homelessness from recurring.
Senior Employment Program
Our Senior Employment Program helps over 500 older adults (55+) with disabilities overcome barriers to employment and achieve economic equity and financial security. Participants receive paid job training at local nonprofit organizations, gaining hands-on experience while learning essential workplace and technology skills. This program empowers seniors to rebuild confidence, enhance employability, and secure permanent jobs, ensuring they can remain active, independent, and engaged in their communities.
Connecting Communities Program
For individuals with disabilities who face language and literacy barriers, our Connecting Communities Program provides the tools and support needed for employment success. Each year, more than 500 participants receive English language instruction, computer training, resume development, and interview preparation. By equipping individuals with practical job skills and workplace confidence, we help them achieve long-term socioeconomic mobility.
Easterseals Oregon remains committed to breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and championing the right of every individual to thrive. From the moment Edgar Allen set out to transform his grief into action, a movement was born—one that continues to change lives in Oregon and across the nation.
Today, as we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our belief that everyone, regardless of ability or circumstance, deserves to be seen, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.
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