As Demand for Services Grows and Government Funding Declines, Easterseals Oregon Launches Statewide Campaign.
“In an Easterseals World” campaign invites Oregonians to help expand services and build a community where everyone belongs.
PORTLAND, Ore. — May 18, 2026 — With demand for disability, Veteran and senior services continuing to rise while government funding declines, Easterseals Oregon today launched a new statewide awareness and fundraising campaign inviting Oregonians to help build a community where everyone belongs.
Called “In an Easterseals World,” the campaign asks people to imagine what Oregon would look like if barriers were removed for people with disabilities, Veterans and seniors— and how community support can help make that vision a reality.
Founded in 1947, Easterseals Oregon provides employment services, housing support, summer camps, and other life-changing programs for children and adults with disabilities, Veterans and seniors across the state.
“In an Easterseals World, belonging and opportunity isn’t conditional, it’s a given,” said Kristen Rantz, President and CEO of Easterseals Oregon. “We envision a community where Veterans are seen for their strength, not their struggle; where disability is not mistaken for inability; and where age, language, or life circumstances never define someone’s worth.”
A key goal of the campaign is to strengthen community support as government funding for services becomes increasingly uncertain. For many years, Easterseals Oregon relied heavily on public funding to deliver its programs. But that funding has often been delayed, unpredictable, or insufficient to meet the growing need, and some of that funding was recently eliminated entirely.
“At a time when government funding is declining and the need for services continues to accelerate, the support of our community and donors has never been more critical,” Rantz said.
Across Oregon, hundreds of individuals and families remain on waiting lists for employment services, housing assistance, and programs that help people with disabilities, Veterans and seniors gain access to opportunity, independence, and belonging.
Through the campaign, Easterseals Oregon hopes to expand its base of monthly individual donors and corporate supporters who can help provide a more stable foundation for services across the state.
To help navigate this shift toward community-driven support, Easterseals Oregon partnered with Anthem Creative to redefine how the organization’s impact is felt.
“Easterseals Oregon is doing so much good for the people they serve; it was just a matter of distilling and amplifying it,” said Dan Ryu, Creative Director at Anthem Creative. “The word ‘belonging’ was in their messaging but it wasn’t yet the hero. By bringing this to the forefront, a whole new creative platform was born—one that invites the community to see themselves as part of the solution.”
The campaign also aims to raise awareness about the full range of people Easterseals Oregon serves. While many people associate Easterseals with programs for children with disabilities, the organization’s work spans the entire course of life.
“We saw individuals aging out of services, but not out of need,” Rantz said. “Children grow into adults. Disabilities don’t disappear with age. And barriers often increase over time, especially around employment, housing, and social inclusion.”
Over the decades, Easterseals Oregon has expanded to break down barriers for people of all ages and various circumstances. In addition to helping children, ESO supports adults with disabilities and language barriers who are seeking employment and community; Veterans transitioning back to civilian life who are facing homelessness or unemployment; and seniors facing isolation, ageism and loss of independence. A sense of belonging is a critical human need that is at the center of all Easterseals’ life-changing services.
The need across Oregon continues to grow. In 2025, Easterseals Oregon helped 2,423 children and adults with disabilities, Veterans and seniors — while hundreds more people remained on waiting lists for services.
Funds raised through the campaign will allow Easterseals Oregon to support more people in need, expand staffing, increase emergency assistance funds and camp scholarships, while also providing enhanced programs such as job clubs and peer-support services.
All funds raised remain in Oregon. For every dollar donated, 89 cents goes directly toward services supporting children and adults with disabilities, Veterans and seniors in urgent need.
To learn more or donate, visit eastersealsworld.com.
About Easterseals Oregon
Easterseals Oregon’s mission is to unlock opportunities by empowering children and adults with disabilities, Veterans, seniors, and underserved communities to thrive. Since 1947, Easterseals Oregon has provided life-changing services and programs focused on employment, housing, independence and belonging – helping thousands of Oregonians each year.
Media Contact
Kristen Rantz
President and CEO
Easterseals Oregon
503-522-5834
krantz@or.easterseals.com
