Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Rockford

10/30/2025

A Journey of Resilience and Joy: Alysha's Story

Adopted from Bulgaria at 13, she faced trauma, a new language, and big transitions. When she came to Easterseals Academy Tinley Park, she finally found what she needed: trauma-informed care, consistency, and a team partnering with her family.

Today, Alysha is:
• confidently reading 📚
• working in the school store 🛒
• thriving in our post-secondary program 🌟

Her progress meant so much to her family that they created a legacy gift to Easterseals Serving Chicagoland & Greater Rockford — so more students can heal, learn, and belong. 💙🧡

Read Alysha's story: https://ow.ly/Kbk050XkC4Z

When Christine and Lou adopted their daughter Alysha from Bulgaria, they struggled to find the right support for her trauma and learning needs—until they discovered Easterseals Academy. Through compassionate, trauma-informed care, Alysha gained confidence, joy, and independence, inspiring her pare...

10/28/2025

🎃 An Easterseals Trunk or Treat!

We had a spooktacular time at our Trunk or Treat celebration! All of our Rockford area programs, The Autism Program at Easterseals, Family Support Services, Teen Family Support Services, and Easterseals Academy Machesney Park Campus, co-hosted this event—designing it to be inclusive of all abilities. Nearly 300 children and their families joined in for candy, costumes, and community fun! 🍬🎃

A heartfelt thank you to Rock River Ford for their generous candy donation and to our amazing staff, volunteers, families, and community partners who made this event possible!

10/27/2025

We’re honored to receive a Community Grant award from Gemini Solar! 💛

This grant helped fund our Family Support Services’ Annual Caregivers’ Retreat, giving parents and caregivers a restorative weekend of connection, resources, and respite.

Thank you, Gemini Solar, for your partnership and investment in our work to empower people of all abilities and their families in Winnebago County.

10/24/2025

🎉 Happy Principal Appreciation! 🎉

We’re sending a heartfelt thank you to our incredible Easterseals Academy Principals for their unwavering dedication to our students and staff. Your leadership and commitment to student success make all the difference—today and every day. 💙📚

10/23/2025

Join Us for The Generations’ upcoming concert benefitting Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford (ECR)!

We're honored to be the beneficiary of The Generations’ upcoming concert in Palatine on Saturday, November 22, 2025. This special evening isn’t just about great music, it’s about coming together as a community to support life-changing autism services.

Proceeds from the event will directly benefit ECR programs supporting people of all abilities across our region.

Get your tickets today!
https://www.eastersealschicago.org/events/rock-out-for-a-reason-the-generations-live-for-easterseals

Rob Stepen Music

10/23/2025

We are grateful to IL State Senator Michael E. Hastings for championing our work and helping secure the funds needed for roof repairs at Easterseals Academy Tinley Park. Thank you, Senator Hastings, for investing in our students’ safety and success.

TINLEY PARK — During a visit to the Easterseals Academy Tinley Park campus, State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced the allocation of a $250,000 state grant to help fund critical roof repairs at the school, which...

10/22/2025

Join us tomorrow for X-Out Bullying Bingo, a fun, family-friendly night that brings our community together to stand against bullying and celebrate kindness!

Learn more and register here: https://www.eastersealschicago.org/events/x-out-bullying-bingo

10/22/2025

We were proud to celebrate the opening of our new walkway at Easterseals Academy Machesney Park! 🌟

This beautiful addition creates a safe and accessible outdoor space for our students, families, and staff — and it wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of the Kiwanis Club of Rockford and the dedication of everyone who helped bring this project to life.

Thank you for helping us continue to build accessible environments where students of all abilities can learn, grow, and thrive. 💛

10/21/2025

It's America’s Safe Schools Week!

At Easterseals Academy, safety is always our top priority. This week, during America’s Safe Schools Week, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who plays a role in keeping our students safe — from our security personnel, principals, teachers, therapists, and classroom assistants to our bus drivers and caregivers. 💛

Safety is vital for all children—and we recognize that ensuring safety for students with diverse abilities often requires additional care, awareness, and collaboration. Thank you for the compassion, patience, and vigilance that make our schools a place where every student can learn, grow, and feel secure.

Together, we’re building inclusive learning environments where every student is protected, supported, and valued. 🧡

10/20/2025

🌟 Our Family Support Services team was proud to take part in the Rockford Park District and Friends of Jon’s incredible Field Day for All at Levings Park! It was a day full of joy, inclusion, and community spirit. 💙 A huge thank you to everyone who made this event so special!

📸 Learn more about the event: https://www.wifr.com/2025/09/20/accessible-adventures-field-day-all-takes-place-levings-park

10/16/2025

🙌 Thank you to Easterseals for featuring HB Threads in their latest story: “Custom Gear, Real Impact.”

This feature highlights how HB Threads is creating meaningful employment opportunities for neurodivergent adults—showing that inclusion isn’t just a value, it’s a practice.

During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re proud to celebrate our team members whose talents, creativity, and dedication make every order possible. From the design table to the heat press, every product we make reflects the power of inclusive employment.

When you choose HB Threads, you’re not just getting custom gear—you’re helping build a world where people of all abilities can thrive.

💛 Read the full story: https://www.easterseals.com/about-us/community-stories/custom-gear-real-impact-how-hb-threads-prioritizes-neurodivergent