Youth Services
The Heart of Easterseals Massachusetts
Youth Services may not be the largest program at Easterseals, but it is certainly among the most beloved. Enabling youth with disabilities to live healthy, active and involved lives is one of Easter Seals core missions and is the heart and soul of everything we do. And this past summer was a true example!
The Youth Services team at Easterseals MA, under the leadership of Joe Bellil, Vice President of Public Affairs and Youth Services ( a former Easterseals camper), dedicated their time to offering a range of programs focused on supporting youth with disabilities to grow as individuals while actively participating in their communities. This summer, Easterseals hosted 12 monthly youth leadership meetings across the state, a 2- day overnight mentoring conference, 4 martial arts classes in Boston and Worcester, plus 12 adapted swim groups!
Youth Services Manager Desi Forte brings an experienced perspective to her role having been a former Easterseals client. Desi earned her BS in Health Education and then went on to receive a Masters in Education with a focus on assistive technology. Youth Services Coordinator Pat Remy, who interned with Easterseals while completing his degree in health education, ensures that each participant is feeling supported and encouraged.
Desi and Pat oversee our male and female mentorship programs and coordinated a special overnight mentoring retreat in June at Bridgewater State University. For some participants, this was their first experience being away from home. Desi has personally witnessed the heart-warming impact that female mentoring has on these young women. “Some girls didn’t want to leave. It’s so meaningful to see them making new connections and sharing on social media,” says Desi.
Youth Leadership Network (YLN) is open to teens and young adults with any disability. YLN gives teens and young adults an opportunity to join in activities that promote strong self-advocacy and leadership skills, while making new connections. Thanks to support from our partner, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, YLN groups meet every month in four locations around the state (Boston, Bridgewater, Worcester and Springfield). In small groups, youth are encouraged to take risks and develop new skills through team building, public speaking, and hands-on activities. And of course, there’s usually pizza involved! “I love to see participants open up and become more talkative when they feel comfortable,” says Pat.
Our accessible martial arts and adapted swim programs offer a unique opportunity to focus on skills and fun while building self-confidence in a welcoming environment. Groups are designed to provide personal development so everyone gets a chance to participate to their fullest. Thanks to support from our volunteers, participants of all ages and abilities can join these groups and get the extra support they may need.
Youth support starts at the very top of Easterseals so it’s not uncommon to see our leaders joining in the activities of our youth programs. Accessible martial arts was the inspiration of our CEO Paul Medeiros who continues to lead this program. Both Paul and CEO Emeritus Kirk Joslin, personally contribute their time and passion to mentoring our youth participants. It’s their mission to ensure that our youth programs are fun, free (or very low cost) and accessible to all.
