Programs & Services

Michael DeMusis, Community Employment Services

My name is Michael DeMusis and at three months old, I was diagnosed with a traumatic meningitis brought on by controlled hydroencephalitis (excessive fluid build-up on the brain). I later developed cerebral palsy. I have been with Easter Seals Goodwill Industries since 1998 after a brief attempt with a state job where I counseled other people with disabilities. Unfortunately, I did not have the fine motor skills required to work with the computer and I joined the Easter Seals program helping at the front desk. After about a year, I was going up a steep hill at camp and I tipped backward in my wheelchair. I landed on my head which had already been operated on multiple times. This injury prevented me from continuing my work at the front desk as my short term memory began fading and it became increasingly difficult to remember names and matching extensions. I transitioned to the Community Employment Services (CES) department and arrived at the office each day willing to do whatever job was available to me. The staff is wonderful, encouraging and is always looking out for me. It's more than a job, it's like a second home.

I am now working at the Wallingford Goodwill store which has been excellent. One of my Job Coaches, Beth, is very supportive and is always willing to help me when I need it and I truly enjoy working there. I really like to project a positive attitude because I have seen people over the years who do not, and my motto is you have to look up, not down because if you don't, you are doing yourself a tremendous disservice. I was brought up to believe in myself and what I can do, not what I can't. I hope to set a good example for others with and without disabilities.

Leslie Carter, SPICE program

Leslie Carter began the SPICE program in 1995. At age 79, she is currently the oldest and most active member in the SPICE program. She continues to stay active by participating in various community activities that are offered to her. Leslie is always up for going out in the community for activities such as senior centers, bowling, volunteering, baseball games, museums and other outings. Leslie is always willing to assist her fellow SPICE members at the bowling alley. While at the Woodbridge Senior Center, Leslie will join in with the other seniors by participating in the exercise group. Leslie volunteers at FISH, helping deliver groceries to those in need, as well as at the Milford animal Shelter. Leslie also stays active while in-house at SPICE by participating in arts & crafts, bingo, pokeno and the clean up committee. When we have our various parties and celebrations, Leslie always provides the entertainment by playing her harmonica for the group.

While at home, Leslie us able to maintain her apartment with a limited amount of assistance from her staff. She is in on the Board of Deacons and hands out communion at her local church. She takes ceramic classes and piano lesions. She plays a variety of musical instruments including the harmonica, piano, kazoo, fife and recorder. She also loves to travel. Her favorite place to visit is New York City, where she enjoys being able to shop and see musicals.

Shaun Soresina, Youth As Leaders

Shaun Soresina is an eighth grader at Micro Society Magnet School in New Haven, CT. He's been a participant of the Youth As Leaders program for two school years and one summer, participating in a large range of activities that the program has offered: the Experience mural on Crown Street, the Hill commUNITY mural on Minor Street (he was even on WTNH News 8 in connection with that event), the Minor Street Fables story-writing and illustration project, the YAL Cookbook and the Hill Vision photography project.

Shaun brings irrepressible energy, original dance moves, unabashed enthusiasm and his ideas and opinions to the program every day. He has an amazing attitude and a fantastic mischievous grin that brightens a room - plus he's amazing at Guitar Hero and wall ball. Throughout his time in the program, he has become a leader within the group, always ready to help and take on tasks, truly embodying what Youth As Leaders is all about. It has been a joy to have Shaun with us for the past two years and we look forward to all the amazing contributions he has yet to make to Youth As Leaders.

Kim, Taking Initiatives Center (T.I.C.)

T.I.C. has helped me out a lot. They help me to believe that I can do all things. I was introduced to the day center by two friends that I met at the shelter. I liked it and decided to find areas where they could help me achieve. I also got a job through Marrakech. This place has a lot to offer people if they want a change in life. They helped me to have a plan and I had to stick with the plan in order to succeed. The groups there are also sessions that can help you polish up your thoughts. I also learned how to accept things and mistakes for what they are today. Being homeless is always going to stay in my head. But I now know that if I have a plan and stick to it, I won't have to be there anymore. Thank you to Krysi, Mrs. Linda and Mike for helping with my new thoughts and outlook on life.

Jenn, Taking Initiatives Center (T.I.C.)

I've been coming to T.I.C. for about five years. I have become close to the people that work here, especially Krisy. She has been a shoulder to cry on and has been able to keep me level-headed. They have seen me at my worst and not quite my best because I still have issues to work on. But I was never criticized or put down because of my mistakes, but always welcomed with open arms. This is a safe place that I could just be myself and work on things to help myself be a better person.

Sherman, Taking Initiatives Center (T.I.C.)

My journey through life has been a very hard one because of my decisions toward life. But my intake through the T.I.C. Program has turned my journey into a much better one now! The T.I.C. Program and its meetings have taught me what triggers my bad decisions and bad roads through life. I've become much better mentally and spiritually through this program and all the staff members are great with the clients. For me, the T.I.C. program has been an angel toward my life and I am very grateful for it. Bottom line - this program will help anyone that's struggling through life in many ways.