Easterseals Expands Its Reach, Changes Its Name

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Easterseals of Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana Counties has a new name.

The organization is now called Easterseals of Northeast Ohio, a change that reflects an expansion of its service area to six additional counties: Ashtabula, Geauga, Portage, Carroll, Tuscarawas and Holmes.

“Expanding our reach is about more than just geography – it’s about increasing our impact and ensuring that individuals and families in every corner of northeast Ohio have access to the support they need to lead full and empowered lives,” said Jody Klase, CEO of Easterseals of Northeast Ohio. “This is a natural evolution for our organization as we look to grow our programs and build trust and awareness across our new service areas.”

Easterseals advocates for full equity, inclusion and access for people with disabilities and other special needs. From early childhood programs to medical rehabilitation, autism services and workforce development, Easterseals offers a continuum of services to meet the needs of children, adults and seniors in the community.

Most services will initially be offered virtually in the six new counties, with plans to establish satellite offices in Ashtabula and Portage counties as demand grows.

“Our new name reflects our broader reach, but our focus remains deeply rooted in serving the local community,” Klase said. “All donations we receive will continue to stay right here in northeast Ohio, directly benefiting the individuals and families who rely on our programs and support.”

Though the name is changing, Klase said access to services will not be impacted.

“Our name change and growth into new counties don’t affect clients currently receiving services in the Mahoning Valley,” she said. “We are simply expanding the opportunity to reach more people and build stronger communities.”Long-term plans for the building and land have not been determined, Harris said. At this point, however, WRTA found it necessary to find additional space as it begins construction on its main bus garage. “We are running out of space,” he said.

Most recently, the building housed Clearview Building Products, which relocated, and is now being used for storage for Brier Hill Slag.

Last year, WRTA secured three federal grants worth $8.5 million that will be used to construct a modernized bus barn, complete design and reconstruction of its Federal Street station and replace older busses with zero-emission vehicles. WRTA has a goal of going all-electric by 2040 and expects to begin to transition its bus fleet to all-electric in 2026.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.