The Goal:
To raise $11 million to create a fully accessible, inclusive campus that empowers individuals with disabilities to live, learn, and thrive in a supportive environment.
Easterseals Arkansas has proudly served children and adults with disabilities for 80 years. We provide vital programs that support our mission to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, has equal opportunities to lead a fulfilling life. From educational support to life skills and community living, we’ve been there every step of the way for families across Arkansas.
To continue and expand our services, we launched an $11 million campaign to fund our comprehensive campus expansion project. We are thrilled to announce, because of the support of the state’s restricted reserve fund and generous donors, that we have nearly $7.5 million in our initial phase. This has enabled to make the bricks and mortar of this state-of-the-art K-12 school to serve over 220 students a reality.
This unique space will offer more opportunities for children to learn in a safe, supportive environment tailored to their unique needs and brings us closer to realizing our vision of an integrated campus that can fully support individuals of all ages and abilities. However, we need the help to make the final phase of this this dream a reality!
The Next Phase: Building a Fully Inclusive Campus
With the foundation of our campus expansion laid, we now turn our focus to the next phase, which will enhance and complete this transformative project. This phase will bring essential resources and infrastructure enhancements that will not only elevate the experiences of those we serve but also allow us to meet the growing demands for services within our community.
In this final phase, we seek to raise the remaining $3.5 million, which will fund the following critical elements:
Furnishings and Equipment for the New School Building
To fully utilize the new school facility, we must outfit 16 classrooms with specialized furnishings and adaptive equipment. We will also need to furnish an expansive therapy gym (that doubles as a storm shelter), cafetorium and activities of daily living (ADL) lab. These resources will create an optimal environment for learning, therapy, and emotional development, enabling our students to reach their highest potential.
Playground and Recreation Area
Outdoor play and recreation are vital for children’s physical, social, and cognitive development. A new inclusive playground will allow children of all abilities to engage in active play in a safe, accessible environment. Designed so that a child in a power wheelchair can access the entire space, this will encourage socialization and development. This playground will be a place where every child can belong and fully participate.
A 4-Bedroom Roommate Housing Model Home
Easterseals Arkansas is committed to supporting adults with disabilities as they transition toward independent living. We will construct a 4-bedroom model home on campus outfitted with the latest assistive technology, offering a fully accessible space where individuals can learn to live with roommates, and build their independence in a supportive setting. This unique facility will serve as a bridge to independence for individuals ready to move beyond group settings.
Campus Infrastructure Improvements
As our programs and staff grow, so does the need for robust infrastructure to support daily operations and enhance the overall campus experience. Improvements will include increased parking capacity, lighting, accessible pathways, and other critical upgrades that will allow us to support a growing team of caregivers, educators, and therapists, as well as the increasing number of families we serve.
A Glimpse of Our Future in the Making.
Why Your Support Matters
Completing this final phase of our campaign is essential to fully realizing our vision of an inclusive, supportive campus where individuals with disabilities are empowered to lead fulfilling lives. Every dollar raised helps create an environment that offers individuals the tools, space, and community they need to flourish.
Your investment will:
- Directly impact lives by providing state-of-the-art facilities and resources designed with our clients’ unique needs in mind.
- Build a legacy of inclusion and independence for people with disabilities in Arkansas.
- Strengthen our community, providing families with the support they need and giving individuals the dignity of independence and self-reliance.
Join Us in Building a Brighter Future
With $7.5 million already raised, we are well on our way to completing this transformative project. We invite you to join us in our commitment to building a campus that will not only change lives but will also set a standard for inclusive communities across the region.
Together, we can achieve our vision of a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
