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6 HARTFORD BUSINESS JOURNAL | MAY 2023 | BUSINESS PROFILES E asterseals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut (Easterseals CREC) delivers extraordinary care and programs to those with disabilities and veterans. Powered by a passionate staff and dedicated volunteers, Easterseals CREC has been changing the way the world views people with disabilities for more than 75 years. The organization serves nearly 1,400 individuals and their families annually across 155 Connecticut towns, and successfully provides medical rehabilitation and behavioral health services, autism services, veteran and military services, career development services, adult day support, and a dementia diagnostic center, as well as two social enterprise businesses, EnviroShred and EnviroClean. Easterseals CREC has evolved to become the "go-to" resource for people with disabilities and veterans. Starting out with humble beginnings in 1948 in a small site on Franklin Avenue in Hartford with two paid staff and a handful of dedicated volunteers, the organization was initially called the Hartford Community Workshop. The primary focus was on treating patients with tuberculosis, and this later evolved into rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities. "For 75 years, we have been a leader in inclusion and a strong advocate for employment for all. Our services help people – regardless of age or ability – participate fully in the community and in life, an integral part of enhancing health and quality of life," says Robin Sharp, CEO and President of the organization. Now, Easterseals CREC has locations across the state in Windsor, East Hartford, Norwich, and Rocky Hill. In 2021, Easterseals CREC launched Easterseals Veterans Rally Point offering expanded services to our veteran and military community, helping to bridge the transition from military to civilian life. Easterseals Veterans Rally Point serves as a national model bringing various services and partners under one roof, including VA benefits consulting, behavioral health services, educational and job skills training, peer groups, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a makerspace. The organization also has another branch in Rocky Hill, dedicated to transitional housing for veterans. As the organization reflects on the past 75 years, providing opportunities for people with disabilities and active military/veterans and allowing them to overcome obstacles at all stages of life has been at the forefront. It's certain that as Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut looks ahead to the next 75 years, the organization will continue to make strides in its commitment to removing barriers for all. "Our mission has always been centered on inclusion, recognizing that our differences are our strengths. We're meeting people where they need us most – in schools, workplaces, home and in the community – and fostering environments where everyone is included and valued. We believe our communities are stronger when everyone has a voice that is heard and respected," Sharp says. The Power of Inclusion: Nonprofit's 75 Years of Providing Critical Services for Disabled and Veteran Communities Address: 100 Deerfield Road, Windsor, CT 06095 22 Prestige Park Circle, East Hartford, CT 06108 24 Stott Ave., Norwich, CT 06360 Phone: (860) 270-0600 Website: www.easterseals.com/hartford Product or Service: Services for people with disabilities and veterans/active military No. of employees: 80 Top Executive: Robin Sharp, President & CEO Year Founded: 1948 Seated from left: Kathy Buck, Senior Vice President of Program Services; Nathan Stosonis, Director of Human Resources; and Robin Sharp, President and CEO; standing from left: Wendy Archer, Vice President, Marketing & Philanthropy; David Eberhart, Director of Finance; Michael Wilk, Chief Information & Compliance Officer. Veterans Rally Point Center of Excellence. Easterseals EnviroShred Team, keeping your confidential information safe and secure.