Easterseals Named 2019 Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Awardee

New Castle, DE –Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore announced that they were one of two organizations named as 2019 Bank of America Neighborhood Builders awardees for Delaware. The nonprofits were selected for their efforts to promote economic mobility through community revitalization and innovative services for children and adults with disabilities. Easterseals was chosen for their new Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy for children under the age of three with autism.

“Easterseals is pleased to be a recipient of the Neighborhood Builders grant. The funding will be used to expand our services to the community by offering children and families Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy,” Easterseals President/CEO, Kenan Sklenar, says. “Studies show that ABA therapy is especially effective for children when started before age 3. We are grateful to have Bank of America’s support to serve young children with autism.”

As an awardee, each organization receives a $200,000 grant, a year of leadership training for the executive director and an emerging leader at the organization, a network of peer organizations across the U.S., and the opportunity to access capital to expand their impact. Over the past 15 years, Bank of America has invested $240 million in 49 communities through Neighborhood Builders, partnering with more than 1,000 nonprofits and helping more than 2,000 nonprofit leaders strengthen their leadership skills.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy programs help increase language and communication skills; improve attention, focus, social skills, memory, and academics by focusing on teaching new skills. Family education and support is also a critical component when working with very young children. Studies show, when ABA therapy starts before the age of two, the therapy is even more successful.

Bank of America, is guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact.

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For 100 years nationally, Easterseals has served as an indispensable resource for individuals with disabilities, veterans, seniors and their families. Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore offers a range of services, including children’s therapies, assistive technology, recreational camping, day programs for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, and respite services for caregivers. To learn more about how your local Easterseals helps children and adults with disabilities, call 1-800-677-3800 or visit www.de.easterseals.com.