Easterseals introduces Walk With Me Delmarva ambassador

After Wayne Smith of Lewes graduated from high school, he had nowhere to go. He was at home with his parents every day. That is, until Wayne’s family found Easterseals services, and that completely changed their lives.

“Easterseals is a great program, and I would suggest for anybody to go because it helps people with their social skills. I like socializing with people there,” said Smith.

For Smith, the Easterseals adult day program in Georgetown, where he goes three days a week, is the perfect way for him to spend time during the day interacting with his peers and engaging in the offered activities. Not only do his parents appreciate the break from caregiving, but also, they have watched him grow as an individual thanks to his participation in the program.

“It is good for Wayne to have places to go. Easterseals adult day program keeps his mind active and moving forward,” said Gary Smith, Wayne’s dad. “When Wayne started attending the program, he was afraid of many things, but now he does things my wife and I never expected him to do. Wayne loves it. He comes home proud of his achievements.”

The Easterseals team is delighted to have Wayne Smith serve as this year’s ambassador for the 11th annual Walk With Me & 5K Run Delmarva event, set for Sunday, Oct. 22, at Baywood Greens, 32267 Clubhouse Way, Long Neck.

 Gary felt stressed and worried all the time as he struggled to care for his wife Lois and for Wayne, both of whom have disabilities. While he worked overnights as a manager at a local drugstore, he worried because he knew they were home alone. He did not know what to do until he found Easterseals services, which completely changed all their lives.

“Life without Easterseals would be terrible. If we didn’t have Easterseals I don’t know what we would do. We depend on their programs,” Gary said. “Easterseals is a blessing all the way around. They do great things for families. They are always concerned about the people they serve and their families.”

Gary was able to leave his full-time job outside the home and support his family as a paid caregiver through the Easterseals Personal Attendant Services program. PAS allows people with disabilities and seniors to choose and hire their own caregiver who performs duties based on individual needs. This may include help with bathing, dressing, meal preparation and other duties that help the individual remain independent. While the person with the disability is the employer, Easterseals staff helps support them in that role.

“I feel blessed and happy to be with them all the time and get paid to do it, thanks to the Personal Attendant Services. Now I don’t worry as much anymore,” Gary said. “Easterseals has been the greatest thing for our family. It means growth for Wayne and for us. Awesome is the word I’d use to describe Easterseals.”

Funds raised through Walk With Me help Easterseals provide critically needed services to families living with disabilities in the local community.

To register for this year’s Walk With Me event, go to walkwithmedelmarva.com. 

Celebrating 75 years, Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore is leading the way to an inclusive community through its innovative services, which include: children’s therapies, day programs for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, supported employment, personal attendant services, senior services, recreational camping, respite services and services for caregivers.