2025
Community Impact
Table of Contents
From Our CEO
Throughout 2025, we have been deeply grateful for the support that has allowed Easterseals Northern California to continue making meaningful differences in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. With this responsibility in mind, our focus remains on continuing to provide the types of care that meet the needs of our community.
By 2030, the number of people with I/DD over the age of 60 is expected to nearly double, highlighting the growing need for comprehensive, lasting services. At the same time, 1 in 6 children today is diagnosed with a developmental disability. Together, these trends reinforce the need for our commitment to providing a full continuum of care – supporting individuals and families at every stage of life.
In response, our work continues to center on three core priorities:
- Lifelong Services, offering support from birth through adulthood and into older age
- Individualized Care, tailored to each person’s goals, culture and unique needs
- Family-Centered Support, including caregiver coaching, burnout prevention and stress-reduction resources
The impact of this work is significant. Last year alone, Easterseals Northern California delivered more than 288,000 hours of service to over 5,000 families—an average of nearly 800 hours of care, treatment and support every single day.
This growth has been made possible by our dedicated and highly skilled teams. With over 300 practitioners delivering and supporting care across the region – from San Jose to the Oregon border – the results spoke for themselves with an overall Client Satisfaction score of 4.54 out of 5 – one of our highest yet.
None of this would be possible without you. Your partnership and generosity are essential to our success, and we invite you to read on to learn more about the impact we are making together.
Throughout 2025, we have been deeply grateful for the support that has allowed Easterseals Northern California to continue making meaningful differences in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. With this responsibility in mind, our focus remains on continuing to provide the types of care that meet the needs of our community.
By 2030, the number of people with I/DD over the age of 60 is expected to nearly double, highlighting the growing need for comprehensive, lasting services. At the same time, 1 in 6 children today is diagnosed with a developmental disability. Together, these trends reinforce the need for our commitment to providing a full continuum of care – supporting individuals and families at every stage of life.
In response, our work continues to center on three core priorities:
- Lifelong Services, offering support from birth through adulthood and into older age
- Individualized Care, tailored to each person’s goals, culture and unique needs
- Family-Centered Support, including caregiver coaching, burnout prevention and stress-reduction resources
The impact of this work is significant. Last year alone, Easterseals Northern California delivered more than 288,000 hours of service to over 5,000 families—an average of nearly 800 hours of care, treatment and support every single day.
This growth has been made possible by our dedicated and highly skilled teams. With over 300 practitioners delivering and supporting care across the region – from San Jose to the Oregon border – the results spoke for themselves with an overall Client Satisfaction score of 4.54 out of 5 – one of our highest yet.
None of this would be possible without you. Your partnership and generosity are essential to our success, and we invite you to read on to learn more about the impact we are making together.
Andrea Pettiford
CEO, ESNorCal
Every dollar raised stays in NorCal!
Your Generosity in Action
The work we do across Northern California is made possible thanks to our generous supporters and reflects the impact the community has in making the world a more equitable place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Just as our clients and families choose their path, you’ve also chosen yours – one of giving and inclusion. Together, we can close the gaps in service for families throughout their lifespan to provide the kind of care they need.
What We Do
For nearly 100 years, Easterseals Northern California has provided services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), and their families so that they can choose their own path. Annually, we provide over 288,000 hours of direct service, benefiting individuals and families across Northern California. We are reimagining how care and support can be better connected to fill gaps in human services across an individual’s life span.
Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health includes services that support a variety of diagnoses, like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Down syndrome, Attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and more. With clinical service lines like applied behavior analysis (ABA) and Social Skills Groups, clients and caregivers can strengthen skills, build confidence and achieve their individual goals.
Early Intervention
Our Early Intervention program offers comprehensive, research-based care for children from birth to age 5 who are diagnosed with a developmental delay or may be considered at risk of delay. We use a family-guided model to structure care. With families being the most vital component of a child’s development, we work together to provide customized care in natural environments.
Adult Services
The Kaleidoscope Community Adult Program offers specific programming for adults with I/DD, helping focus on their interests, independent living skills, recreation and leisure, health and wellness, socialization and employment readiness. Activities like volunteerism, cooking, golfing, gardening and more, ground participants in routine while introducing new opportunities in lifelong learning.
Respite Services
Our Respite Services provide caregivers with opportunities to take breaks, knowing their loved ones are well-cared for in a safe environment. Caregivers get time to recharge and rejuvenate, visit with friends, tend to another dependent’s activities or have a date night. Participants enjoy activities with kind and compassionate staff, including outings in the community, homework help and more.
Behavioral Health
What We Do
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a widely used treatment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is a scientific approach focused on creating meaningful behavior change through the assessment, design, implementation, and evaluation of social and environmental supports.
We offer center-based, in-home and telehealth ABA services in 1:1 and group settings, including Social Skills Groups and Caregiver-Led ABA. Other offerings include programs focused on communication, connection and organization skills rooted in self-determination. These flexible, evidence-based services support families with diverse needs and schedules while helping improve quality of life.
What We Accomplished
This year, we introduced a new program, called PEERS Curriculum, with 4 teen groups utilizing this evidence-based model to improve their social skills and resilience.
We also presented on our Caregiver-Led ABA model both nationally and internationally with record attendance, introduced an internal monthly Wellness Hour for staff with a 400% growth in participation, and secured another 3-year accreditation from CARF – the highest achievable status.
In 2026, we will begin incorporating Everyday ABA – a new caregiver-mediated model of care – into our caregiver service lines. Additionally, we look forward to integrating Frontera AI to optimize our assessment and reassessment processes for a more expedited and accurate experience for individual episodes of care.
2025 was a heavy year in the ASD community, but we adapted alongside our families to become a stronger, inclusive and resilient community.”
Meet Anthony
When Anthony was first diagnosed, his parents, Anthony and Deysi, felt the heartbreak that so many families experience in that moment. But just as quickly, something even stronger took root, an unshakable commitment to love their son, support his potential and help him live a happy life. Shortly after his diagnosis, the family was referred to Easterseals Northern California through Kaiser Permanente. They began services through the Chat program and received support for about six to eight months before Anthony graduated from the program in October 2025. From the very beginning, the family felt welcomed.
“Our interactions with the Easterseals crew have been pleasant and low pressure. Their naturalistic approach to teaching and guidance fit seamlessly into our lives and parenting style.”
When Anthony first began services, he had delays in communication and play skills. Through consistent practice, repetition and guidance, he made meaningful strides. His vocabulary grew, his confidence strengthened and he became better able to follow directions and express his needs. His twin sister, Emily, has been right by his side, encouraging his speech and expression while learning from his love of movement, coordination and active play.
The program also supported the family in learning how to guide behavior using positive redirection. Anthony’s parents played an active role in each session and continued using the strategies at home. “Easterseals has given us the tools to make positive changes in our kids’ lives and to be better, more patient parents.”
Today, Anthony has met and surpassed key developmental milestones. He continues to grow, communicate, explore and thrive, supported by his family, his community and the foundation built through Easterseals Northern California.
Early Intervention
What We Do
Our Early Intervention (EI) services support children from birth to age 5, in meeting important milestones to help set them up for success throughout their lives. Using a personalized approach and evidence-based research, each child in our program receives individualized treatment from highly skilled practitioners in their home or in one of our centers.
Caregivers are a fundamental part of each session and receive coaching on how to engage with their loved one in a way that matches their development. Through play, skills can be mastered for both the client and the caregiver – tips and support from the team at ESNorCal turn playtime into therapy and form a toolbox that families can utilize anytime, anywhere!
All the compassion and kindness has really stuck with me, and seeing the continuous progress with the clients we work with. It’s so rewarding.”
What We Accomplished
In 2025, we began serving even more families in the northernmost counties of California, from Lake County to Del Norte. With an influx of families in need of Early Intervention services in Del Norte County, it was clear immediate support was needed. Our team provided virtual sessions with great success, and in 2026, we anticipate increasing staff to deliver more in-person care.
Families reported positive results in their experiences, contributing to preschool readiness in clients, increased caregiver confidence through coaching, and reaching developmental milestones that have created healthier relationships and greater connection between caregivers and children.
Meet Vinny
Vinny hasn’t let his Angelman syndrome get in the way of being a happy, determined little boy. His mom, Melissa, says that the support from his loving family, along with the therapies he receives at Easterseals Northern California, have helped him make tremendous progress.
Watch Vinny’s Story
Adult Services
What We Do
Our program improves quality of life by helping participants build autonomy, advocate for themselves and engage meaningfully with their community. Kaleidoscope offers a safe, supportive environment where participants can develop their strengths, explore interests and new areas in the community, and try new things through a self-guided, interest-based approach.
The program also emphasizes pre-vocational and volunteer opportunities, money management, independent living skills, health and wellness, and friendship. Participants help plan social activities, such as grocery shopping, cooking and sharing meals or hosting parties – all with a goal of building confidence
What We Accomplished
Our program experienced significant growth in 2025. At our Dublin location, we increased from 41 participants to 55. To support this growth and accommodate everyone comfortably, we expanded the physical program space by remodeling.
Our Walnut Creek location was a large focus last year, growing its participant count by 150%. We added a new room to our clinical space for participants to use, allowing for more variety in group activities.
With a steady increase in referrals, we anticipate continued growth at both locations in 2026.
Getting out into the community and seeing how the community welcomes the participants, it’s what makes it the best job.”
Meet Toromi
Toromi attends ESNorCal’s Kaleidoscope program for adults. He has many interests, tons of friends, and an unparalleled enthusiasm for life. He’s the youngest child in his family, and his mother, Barbara, adores him. Her biggest hope for Toromi is that he is cared for and happy as he goes through life. “If something happens to me, I want him to be able to live life to the fullest,” says Barbara.
Having a place like Kaleidoscope and the adult residential facility where he lives have both been key in helping Barbara reduce her stress as a loving mother and experience joy in seeing her youngest child bloom. And Toromi, although he misses living with his mom sometimes, gets along well with his housemates and fellow Kaleidoscope participants. “I love Kaleidoscope because we get to go to different places,” says Toromi, who has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder. “My friends and the staff are very nice and kind.”
The program at Kaleidoscope aims to help participants strengthen social skills and gain independent living skills, like using public transit, grocery shopping, paying bills and cooking. All of these skills have proven very useful as Toromi reaches his first year living away from his mom. “I like to help my staff members at my group home with cooking and taking out the trash,” says Toromi.
Kaleidoscope is the first day program Toromi has been part of, and since 2018, he’s been a very active and outgoing member of the group. He has lots of interests that he can connect with his fellow participants on, ranging from video games to music, stand-up comedy to sports. The program has introduced him to new activities, too – like pickleball – and given him more confidence, wellness and a sense of self-reliance. “My dreams for the future are to eat lots of salads and drink plenty of water,” says Toromi optimistically. "Be calm. Be kind. Have a good day. Try to smile."
Respite Services
What We Do
Respite services offer a break for caregivers who spend significant time caring for a loved one with I/DD. Burnout is a common result of continuous care, so our goal through this program is to alleviate some of the day-to-day pressure caregivers feel, while also providing opportunities for wellbeing, connection with other children and family members or tending to important tasks that require attention.
Our highly trained respite associates are skilled in caregiving specifically for individuals with I/DD to help set their participants up for success. They provide care both at home and in the community, seeing movies, dining out, doing homework, visiting local attractions and more, making the time they spend together enjoyable, while caregivers focus on their wellbeing.
What We Accomplished
Our program continued to experience growth in 2025. The number of families we served nearly doubled, we delivered over 7,000 more hours, and we began partnering with an additional funder so that more families can benefit from respite care.
As part of that growth, more staff were added to the team, including a Senior Respite Associate. Having more full-time staff allows us to increase our service hours, which, in turn, provides more respite care to reduce caregiver burnout.
Another accomplishment we’re proud to share was the development of new virtual sessions, which launched in January 2026. These sessions provide participants with opportunities to drop in virtually to connect with respite associates and other participants, and reap the rewards of casually socializing with peers and friends – just like everyone deserves.
delivered
Respite care is especially rewarding because it provides practical support with genuine human connection. Families can rely on us when they need extra help.”
Meet Briana
See a day in the life of a Respite participant and learn more about the program.
Watch Briana’s Story
Events and Impact
Tasting in the Dark Fundraiser
Guests joined us for an evening of wine and appetizer pairings, all while blindfolded, to enhance the sensory experience as a pre-event for our Annual Golf Classic. Led by Dr. Hoby Wedler, who was born blind, the unique fundraiser featured curated bites and sips, a moving speech by a former client’s mother, and raised nearly $3,000. Join our next event!
2nd Annual Golf Classic
The Driving Change Golf Classic swung into action at San Francisco’s Olympic Club with 74 golfers – including participants from the Kaleidoscope adult program – having fun and raising funds for the organization. The event featured celebrity guest golfer Anthony Thomas, a Golf for All activity, and raised over $130,000. Join us on June 1, 2026, for our next Golf Classic! Learn More
Berkeley Half Marathon
Staff and clients teamed up to raise funds for the organization at the locally famous annual event in November. Our team of a dozen runners hit the streets and had a blast while increasing awareness about the organization. We’ll be back at the 2026 Berkeley Half Marathon. Join us in 2026
Special Olympics Partnerships
Teams from across NorCal played in a flag football competition in San Jose, where ESNorCal staff volunteered and hosted a sensory space to give athletes a break in between games. We also joined their Healthy Young Athletes Screenings in San Francisco to provide resources to athletes and families. Look out for our space at upcoming Special Olympics events.
Every day we worked together in 2025, we reached more individuals and families:
5,222
individuals and families served annually
311
ESNorCal practitioners delivering care
Over
288,000
total hours of service provided to individuals and families
1
new insurance provider onboarded
4.54
overall Client Satisfaction score (out of 5)
Over 112k
visits to our website to seek information
Your Giving
27
corporate and community partners
Over 141k
raised at events
37.1%
increase in donors year-over-year
Over $170k
in grant funding awarded
A Partnership to Celebrate
For over 15 years, The Safeway Foundation has supported Easterseals Northern California. In 2025, The Safeway Foundation awarded Easterseals Northern California a $90,000 grant to support the Kaleidoscope Community Adult Program, expanding community-based activities focused on healthy living, budgeting, meal planning and independent life skills for adults with disabilities.
Our Board in Action
Get Involved
Now that you’ve learned about our impact in 2025, you can be part of our impact in 2026! Join us by donating, sharing our social media posts, and attending our fundraisers throughout the year.
Connect with Us