Ann Sonneborn Foundation supports Easterseals medical services

Easterseals was honored today to be one of 36 Upper Ohio Valley nonprofits to receive a grant from the Ann Sonneborn Charitable Foundation during a reception at Oglebay Resort's Wilson Lodge.

The Ann Sonneborn Charitable Foundation is administered by WesBanco Trust and Investment Services. Ms. Sonneborn is the granddaughter of Charles L. Sonneborn, who along with Louis Haller and W.E. Stone, was responsible for the creation of Wheeling Park and the Wheeling Park Commission. The foundation's co-trustee James Gardill, helped ensure Ms. Sonneborn's estate continued her family's legacy of serving the Ohio Valley community.

This year's grant to Upper Ohio Valley nonprofits totaled $1.5 million. Ms. Sonneborn's wishes focus on serving women and children. In addition to Easterseals, local nonprofits receiving grants included Augusta Levy Learning Center, Upper Ohio Valley Sexual Assault Help Center, the Wheeling Symphony, Wheeling YMCA, Wheeling YWCA, Miracle League, Valley Hospice, and Youth Services System.

"Easterseals is extremely grateful to the Sonneborn Foundation and Mr. Gardill for supporting not just our program but dozens of other worthy programs that lead to improved outcomes for women and children in the Ohio Valley," Easterseals President and CEO Eric Filberto said.

Easterseals will use its grant to continue providing life-changing medical services to children with disabilities in the Ohio Valley. The Easterseals medical department treats children with a wide variety of disabilities, from developmental delays, to physical disabilities, to behavioral and neurodevelopmental diagnoses. The medical department works in tandem with the outpatient medical rehabilitation services, which includes speech, occupational, and physical therapies.

Over 70% of Easterseals clients have Medicaid insurance, which reimburses pennies on the dollar for medical care and medical rehabilitation therapies. Because of the generosity of the Ann Sonneborn Foundation and other philanthropists and donors, Easterseals can continue serving hundreds of children each year while never turning anyone away for inability to pay. Easterseals provides about $400,000 in uncompensated care each year.