Easter Seals in the Illinois Valley undergoing changes

In less than a month, the local chapter of Easter Seals will be no more. But the actual organization isn’t going anywhere.

Starting September 1st, Easter Seals of La Salle and Bureau Counties is splitting with the national organization and will become its’ own independent group called Lifesteps.
Tracy Beattie, Director of Development for Easter Seals, says the split allows them to be more flexible and expand services in the Illinois Valley, while also keeping the donations local.

Beattie says the group has thought about breaking away from the national chapter for a few years, ever since they were demoted to a sub-affiliate of the DuPage chapter for not meeting yearly donation requirements.

Lifesteps will continue to operate as a non-profit agency.