Avril Lavigne Foundation for Youth with Disabilities

Introduction

The Avril Lavigne Foundation announced the expansion of the Avril Lavigne Rockstar Clubs at Easter Seals into 10 markets in the U.S. and Canada to support much-needed recreational programming for kids and youth with disabilities to just be kids, explore their talents, make friends and have fun.

Main Item

Avril Lavigne is a multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter. Avril is also a dedicated philanthropist, who was inspired by her work with children who are seriously ill or who have disabilities to form The Avril Lavigne Foundation in 2010. She also currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis and has publicly supported a number of charitable organizations over the years, including Amnesty International, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, War Child, and YouthAIDS.

All North American Easter Seals affiliates were invited to apply for an Avril Lavigne Rockstar Club at Easter Seals grant. Following a review of the applicants, award-winning singer/songwriter and philanthropist Avril Lavigne selected ten Easter Seals grant recipients located in Los Angeles, California; Houston, Texas; Great Falls, Montana; Chicago, Illinois; Honolulu, Hawaii; Las Vegas, Nevada; Seattle, Washington; Youngstown, Ohio; Miami, Florida; and Alberta, Canada.

Easter Seals is a non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs. For over 90 years, they have been offering help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play.

The selection was based on their overall impact and embodiment of the Avril Lavigne Foundation's R.O.C.K.S. mission: to provide Respect, Opportunity, Choices, Knowledge, and Strength to children and youth living with serious illnesses or disabilities.

"It was really tough to pick the final ten," said Lavigne. "I was so inspired by the creativity of everyone who applied and the exciting range of opportunities the Easter Seals affiliates presented. I have seen first-hand from my work with Easter Seals how important recreation programs are for kids with disabilities. My goal is to help bring more resources to these great programs which are often the first to experience budget cuts."

Winning programs include overnight camp scholarships, a cooking and life skills camp; social skills classes, an equestrian camp and a sibling support group; dance therapy classes; youth services programs including community outings and field trips for teens, a multi-sensory learning camp, a program to connect teens with disabilities with other kids in their community, and an adaptive bikes program.

"We're so lucky to have such an incredible partner in Avril and The Avril Lavigne Foundation. She cares deeply about making sure kids and young people with disabilities have every opportunity to live life to the fullest, pursue their dreams, and find happiness. She's also passionate about sharing a message of inclusion, that kids and young people with disabilities want to laugh, have fun with their friends, and just fit in - like all of us," says James E. Williams, Jr. , President and Chief Executive Officer, Easter Seals.

"We also know when it comes to Easter Seals, Avril was most inspired by our recreational programming - services where kids and teens with disabilities can just be kids through social events, music, theater, sports, arts, leisure time, hobbies, getting out in the community and camp. That's what The Avril Lavigne Rockstar Club at Easter Seals is all about."

Attribution/Source(s):
This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its significant relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Easter Seals, and published on 2013/02/01 (Edit Update: 2022/02/19), the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, Easter Seals can be contacted at easterseals.com. NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.