In St. Louis, Easter Seals Midwest stands as a beacon of hope for individuals with disabilities, empowering them to achieve their fullest potential. Midwest BankCentre, committed to supporting local nonprofits, partners with Easter Seals to help amplify their mission of serving the community. In a recent episode of Real Stories of Rising Together, Orv Kimbrough, Chairman and CEO of Midwest BankCentre, visited Easter Seals Midwest to witness firsthand the impact they are making.
Easter Seals Midwest: Empowering Lives
Easter Seals Midwest is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities lead fulfilling lives, regardless of their challenges. As CEO Wendy Sullivan explains, their organization provides services that support people of all ages. This includes early intervention therapies for young children with autism, competitive employment programs for teenagers and adults with disabilities, and housing support for those seeking independence.
Wendy’s message is clear: Easter Seals Midwest believes in the potential of every individual. By offering a wide range of services across the lifespan, the organization ensures that people with disabilities can be full participants in the community, which not only benefits them but enriches the community as a whole.
The Power of Trusted Partnerships
Midwest BankCentre plays a vital role in supporting organizations like Easter Seals. With a relationship spanning over ten years, their partnership has grown stronger, based on mutual respect and shared goals. As Kurt, a Midwest BankCentre relationship manager, reflects, it’s the ability to sit down and work through any challenges together that defines their partnership.
Wendy appreciates the bank’s active role in supporting their mission. Midwest BankCentre’s dedication goes beyond financial services—they take actions that align with the values of Easter Seals, offering support that helps the organization make an even greater impact.
Seeing the Mission in Action: Beloved’s Story
One of the most inspiring moments of Orv’s visit was meeting Beloved, a woman whose life was transformed by Easter Seals Midwest’s employment program. With a passion for toys and stuffed animals, Beloved found the perfect job at Happy Up, Inc., a local toy store. Through the guidance of her job coach, Anne, Beloved was able to secure and retain her job, marking a huge personal achievement.
Beloved’s story is a testament to the power of Easter Seals Midwest’s employment program, which not only helps individuals find jobs but provides ongoing support to ensure their success in the workplace. The sense of dignity and pride that comes with meaningful work is something Easter Seals is passionate about fostering in every individual they serve.
Banking Your Values: Investing in the Community
For Midwest BankCentre, banking is more than a financial transaction—it’s about investing in the community. As Orv explains, “When we talk about banking your values, this is what we mean.” By supporting local nonprofits like Easter Seals Midwest, the bank ensures that their clients’ money is working to improve the lives of friends and neighbors in the St. Louis region.
Midwest BankCentre’s commitment to investing in local organizations allows nonprofits to maximize their resources, helping their dollars work harder to support more people in need. This approach creates a ripple effect, benefiting the entire community and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to rise together.
As the visit with Easter Seals Midwest came to a close, Orv reflected on the importance of supporting local organizations that are making a difference. Through partnerships like the one with Easter Seals, Midwest BankCentre is able to help amplify the work of nonprofits, ensuring that their impact is felt across the St. Louis region.
By investing in local communities, both Midwest BankCentre and Easter Seals Midwest are creating a brighter future for everyone—one where every individual, regardless of their abilities, has the chance to thrive.