Spotlight: Easter Seals of Greater Washington

Every day this week, Patch is profiling a local nonprofit agency. If there's a nonprofit that you think your neighbors need to know about, email Doug Tallman or Lauren Sausser.

Mission: "Easter Seals provides exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities."

Contact Information: Phone: (800) 886-3771; Fax: (301) 920-9770; Address: 1420 Spring St., Silver Spring, Md.; Website: gwbr.easterseals.com

Financials: During the 2009 fiscal year, Easter Seals of Greater Washington reported $9.2 million in annual expenses. More financial information is available online.

History: According to the organization's website, "Easter Seals Inc. was founded in 1919 and has grown to become a national leader in offering help, hope and answers to more than a million children and adults living with autism, Alzheimer’s disease, and other disabilities or special needs each year. Easter Seals operates through a network of self-governing, financially independent affiliates."

How you can help: Easter Seals’ Respite Services Program is looking for volunteers! The program provides much-needed support to families who have a child with a disability by engaging them in hands-on activities through both in-center events and community trips. Please contact Outreach Coordinator Daun Payton at (301) 920-9712 or dpayton@eseal.org the for further information. You can also volunteer with our Adult Day Services. To do so, please contact Activities Director Keith Rouse (301) 920-9767 or krouse@eseal.org or visit the organization's website.