Non-Profits Cross State Lines to Offer Increased Service Options
Posted: 09-25-2009 : RALEIGH, N.C.

Raleigh, NC -- Easter Seals Virginia Board of Directors Chair, Tom Haake, announced today that Easter Seals Virginia and it's sister affiliate, Easter Seals UCP North Carolina, have reached agreement to enter into a legal partnership effective October 1, 2009, when current Easter Seals UCP CEO and President Mr. C.L. Cochran will become President and CEO of both organizations. The two non-profits, which share common missions and values, hope that the partnership will lead to the expansion and diversification of services for individuals and families affected by disabilities, and to the creation of economies of scale for both organizations.

Easter Seals Virginia, which is headquartered in Richmond, offers a wide variety of services to Virginia residents, including early intervention services for infants and toddlers; an AgrAbility Project, which provides direct education and on-site assistance to farmers and farm workers with disabilities; Project SUCCESS, a program that pairs youth with and without disabilities who perform service learning projects in the community; Lekotek, a play-based program focusing on the development of appropriate play activities in children with disabilities; and the organization’s flagship program, Camp Easter Seals Virginia, which provides spring, summer and fall recreational and respite opportunities for children, teenagers and adults with special needs.

Easter Seals UCP North Carolina’s headquarters is located in Raleigh. It is a state-wide organization serving more than 17,000 North Carolinians with disabilities and their families. The organization’s services focus on Child and Family Services, Inclusive Communities and Employment.

Current President and Chief Executive Officer for Easter Seals Virginia, Tara Hazelbaker, stated: “There is incredible synergy between the programs provided and demographics served in both Virginia and North Carolina. I’m excited for the possibilities that this partnership will create. As I leave the organization, I will rest assured knowing this is the best decision for the clients we serve.” Incoming President and CEO Cochran added “The Board and staff of Easter Seals UCP North Carolina are very excited about the tremendous opportunities this partnership will create for both organizations in terms of shared resources, and for the people of Virginia in terms of increased supports and services.”

Visit www.nc.eastersealsucp.com to learn more about how Easter Seals UCP North Carolina helps children and adults with disabilities or mental illness and their families.