Easterseals and Redwood Announce Combining of Agencies
The nonprofits will now operate as Easterseals Redwood with a unified mission and purpose to serve clients in Ohio and Kentucky.
Easterseals Serving Greater Cincinnati and Redwood announced today that they will be combining agencies. The new entity, Easterseals Redwood (ESRW), will meet the needs of the growing number of individuals with disabilities, veterans, and individuals facing economic challenges in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region.
“Easterseals and Redwood have been working tirelessly with our boards to ensure that this combination will benefit not only our clients and employees, but also the community for years to come,” said Pam Green, CEO of Easterseals. “Our ability to work collectively is a unique opportunity for two strong local organizations to combine into a more sustainable agency with comprehensive, high-quality services.”
Easterseals advances 100% equity, access and workforce inclusion for people with disabilities, those facing disadvantages and veterans. Redwood grows abilities through educational, therapeutic and vocational services for children and adults with severe and multiple disabilities. Together, the combined organization will serve more than 7,000 individuals and families in Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky.
“Both agencies were founded by families and for families. We have a vision of creating a better future for adults and children with disabilities and those with economic disadvantages,” said Sharon Fusco, CEO of Redwood. “This combination gives us a stronger voice to advocate for the essential services needed by clients, in part, by eliminating the barrier of state lines. Together, we are better able to respond to outside forces impacting disability services providers. It also allows us to better attract and retain top talent for our clients.”
As the needs of people with disabilities continue to evolve and the number of those in need continues to grow, the timing was right to form Easterseals Redwood.
“As the world changes for people with disabilities and economic disadvantages, it provides added challenges for those providers that serve them,” said Jim Salters, who will serve as Chair of the Easterseals Redwood Board. “This new unified organization allows two separate agencies with shared objectives to combine resources and continue the quality care clients have come to expect, while looking ahead to a future of expanded services and programs.”
The families and clients that Easterseals and Redwood serve are also excited for the new capabilities this combination brings.
“We lived in Ohio, but there were no services there to meet the needs of our daughter,” said Kris Jones, the parent of a Redwood client and a member of its Board of Directors. “We moved to Kentucky so that she could have access to the programs and services she needed. As a board member, I’m excited about Easterseals Redwood and its ability to bridge the two states and leverage the resources of both organizations so that families don’t have to move to receive the services their loved one needs to grow and succeed.”
The combination goes into effect on Aug. 1. Green will serve as the CEO of Easterseals Redwood, and Fusco will retain CEO status of Redwood through the end of the year, focusing on strategic planning and execution throughout the transition period.
Day-to-day operations will continue uninterrupted with clients receiving the same services they are used to, with the same staff and in their current locations.
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About Easterseals Redwood
Easterseals Redwood (ESRW) is the premier regional provider of solutions and support for individuals with disabilities, veterans and those facing economic challenges. ESRW serves more than 7,000 individuals and families in Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky throughout their lifespan – from birth through adulthood – with childcare, therapy services, education and workforce development programs. To learn more, visit EastersealsRedwood.org.
