Easter Seals of LaSalle and Bureau Counties, which has been providing services to area residents for 68 years, will change its name to Lifesteps, effective Sept. 1. It will continue to operate as a non-profit agency.

According to President/CEO Susan Bursztynsky, services, staffing and locations will remain the same. The agency serves about 500 children each year, providing developmental screenings, evaluations and therapy to children ages birth to 3; pediatric speech therapy; pediatric physical therapy; developmental playgroup for children 2 years of age; child care for children with and without special needs; and preschool services. In addition, the agency operates an Autism Resource Center. Therapy services are provided throughout LaSalle and Bureau counties. The developmental playgroup is offered in Princeton, Peru and Ottawa. Child care and preschool services are offered in Ottawa, as is the Autism Resource Center.

According to Tami Thomas-Leonatti, co-chair of the board of directors, this change is part of the board’s long-term strategic planning. It will allow the agency to make a greater local impact by keeping more of the donations and other funds that the agency receives in this area. It will also allow more donations to be used to work toward the expansion of services.

“We are very appreciative of the strong local support that we receive and feel that this will allow us to be better stewards of our donors’ money,” said Thomas-Leonatti.

For more information, call 815-434-0857 or email staff at info@il-lb.easterseals.com.