One of our young clients, Reid, and his grandmother Debra, recently benefited from life-changing support and services through Easterseals Vermont’s Post Permanency Support Services, which serves families formed by adoption or guardianship in an effort to help meet the child’s needs, increase family stability, and locate community resources.
“The first year of Reid’s life was a tough battle, but everything changed as soon as Jill, Easterseals VT Post Permanence Coordinator, entered our lives,” Debra reflected. Challenges surfaced in Reid’s infancy, due to drug and alcohol exposure during the pregnancy, “He struggled nursing from a bottle, to crawl, or to roll over; I also noticed he had a facial droop,” Debra shared. Reid faces neurological conditions that require both medical and therapeutic interventions, but Debra found that Easterseals VT provided immense support ranging from locating therapeutic resources to the coordination of a private education specializing in children with neurological conditions and even grant funding for sports equipment and a summer camp that offers both an outlet for Reid and respite for Debra. Having the support of Easterseals VT has given Debra solace knowing she does not have to face these challenges alone. “On challenging days, Easterseals VT’s support is my ray of hope.”
Reid is only one child whom Easterseals VT has made a meaningful difference. Many more children, youth, and families can benefit from the services and support offered by Easterseals VT.