Walk helps those with disabilities

"I enjoy seeing the faces of the people we serve. That has been something I cherish. Working with the people you take care of and those who help them lets you see the big picture," said Stallkamp, chairman of the second annual Walk With Me event, which benefits the foundation.

Since 1950, the foundation has provided services to children and adults throughout Southern Arizona with autism, developmental disabilities, physical and mental disabilities and other special needs.

The nonprofit provides educational, therapeutic and community-living programs designed to enable people to maximize their potentials for independent living and developmental growth.

Each year, more than 10,000 people benefit from its range of programs, including support services, training and technical assistance, and education.

Its community-living programs consist of 26 residential facilities housing two to four residents each in Tucson, Nogales, Rio Rico, Sierra Vista and Safford.

SAGE Employment and Community Services provides employment and job development through Main Street Café and other endeavors in Safford and locally through SAGE Ceramics, in which clients produce and sell gift items; and Campo Urbano, which provides hands-on experience in a variety of green vocations, from tending chickens and goats to water harvesting and composting.

"These clients are actually earning paychecks and participating and contributing. It brings value in every sense of the word - to them, to us and to our community," said Jennifer Turner, the foundation's chief development officer.

At the other end of the spectrum, the foundation is promoting a new campaign called Make the First Five Count to educate the public about the importance of the first five years of life and to promote screening, early intervention and support for the 1.45 million American children at risk of developmental delays and disabilities.

Easter Seals serves more than 90,000 children annually nationwide through early-intervention programs; Turner said that every dollar invested in early diagnosis and treatment saves $7 in future care costs.

"We care for people with many different disabilities, from cerebral palsy and Down syndrome to neurological problems, traumatic brain injuries, learning disabilities and developmental delays," Stallkamp said.

Stallkamp, who was looking for a volunteer project that would allow him to become a "very active board member as opposed to a bored board member" when he relocated to Tucson from Ohio several years ago, found that opportunity at the foundation.

He said that many of the diverse services the organization provides are under the radar, and he said he believes the upcoming fundraiser will bring together clients, families, staffers and other members of the community to help get the word out.

"We help people with special needs come as close to taking care of themselves as possible. They have a lot to offer and we help them become more independent and more productive," Stallkamp said.

If You Go

What: Walk With Me, to benefit the Easter Seals Blake Foundation

When: 7-11 a.m. Saturday; walk begins at 8 a.m.

Where: Reid Park, at 22nd Street and Country Club Road

Cost: Free. Donations requested; all proceeds benefit the Easter Seals Blake Foundation. Participants who donate $25 or more will receive a T-shirt.

Etc.: Festivities include a family-friendly 5K walk followed by an expo featuring food, face-painting, jumping castles, entertainment and Chihuahua races hosted by KIIM-FM 99.5.

For more information: Call 327-1529. Online registration is at www.walkwithme.org/tucson

Contact Loni Nannini at ninch2@comcast.net