Behind the Grants: How Sarah Kern Supports Easterseals’ Mission for Disability Inclusion

Easterseals Western & Central Pennsylvania has been a cornerstone in the movement toward equity, inclusion, and access for people with disabilities. As an affiliate of the national nonprofit Easterseals, the organization serves a broad region, spanning 47 counties across Western and Central Pennsylvania. Its mission is clear: to help children and adults with disabilities lead fulfilling, independent lives and thrive within their communities. Headquartered in Pittsburgh with additional offices in Johnstown, State College, Franklin, and York, Easterseals is not just a service provider but a powerful advocate for disability rights and inclusion.

Sarah Kern, the Corporate and Foundation Support Specialist, has worked diligently behind the scenes to secure funding that supports the many diverse programs Easterseals offers for over three years. Her role is integral to ensuring the sustainability and growth of services that make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by disabilities.

Sarah’s journey to Easterseals is one defined by adaptability and a deep commitment to helping others. She began her academic journey with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, where she developed skills in research, data reporting, and writing. After graduation, Sarah and her husband started their family, and she stayed at home for 15 years. When she re-entered the workforce, it was with a part-time role managing a grant-funded drug and alcohol prevention program within local schools in Johnstown. When the organization’s grant professional became overwhelmed with work, Sarah offered to help. From there, she found herself stepping into the role of assistant grantwriter, marking the beginning of her career in the nonprofit sector.

In her current role, she is responsible for identifying and securing funding from corporate partners and foundations to support the organization’s programs. With a passion for community service and a growing expertise in grantwriting, Sarah is dedicated to ensuring that Easterseals has the resources it needs to continue its critical work.

While Sarah finds her work to be incredibly rewarding, it is not without its challenges. One of the most difficult aspects of her job is navigating the complexity of securing funding across 47 counties. Each region has its own unique needs, and finding the right funding sources to support these needs can sometimes feel like a daunting task.

However, early in her career, Sarah received advice from the President and CEO of her organization that would help reshape her perspective on the role of a grantwriter. Initially, Sarah felt intimidated by the task of reaching out to new foundations, believing she had to “make a sale” with each phone call. The CEO reassured her, explaining that grantwriters are not salespeople but rather liaisons between foundations and nonprofits. Their job is to find a match between a foundation’s funding goals and the nonprofit’s mission. This advice has become a guiding principle for Sarah, helping her approach her work with confidence and clarity. 

“When I call a foundation, I’m not making a sale. I’m finding a match,” Sarah says.

For Sarah, the most rewarding part of her work comes when a grant is successfully secured, and the programs funded by those grants come to life. Whether it’s seeing children meet developmental goals or watching adults with disabilities achieve greater independence, the impact is tangible and personal. “Seeing families that once struggled now thriving is enough motivation to continue writing that next grant,” Sarah says.

Easterseals Western & Central Pennsylvania is unique in its depth and breadth of services. With over 200 professionals, including speech pathologists, physical therapists, behavioral therapists, audiologists, nurses, and caregivers, the organization offers a wide range of programs to support children and adults with disabilities. These programs include residential community homes, a child development center, outpatient therapy, recreational camps, and service contracts for employment, among others.

What sets Easterseals apart from other organizations is not only the variety of services it offers but also its long history of advocacy. Easterseals was a leading voice in the fight for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and was instrumental in lobbying for its passage in 1990. The organization continues to be a force for change, advocating for disability rights and inclusion at both the local and national levels.

While Sarah is aware of the challenges posed by the current political and funding landscape, she remains steadfast in her commitment to Easterseals’ mission. 

“[The current political situation] is definitely playing in the back of my mind, but we're just continuing the course and doing what we can to keep programs performing with excellence,” Sarah says. “We’ll just keep plugging along as we are.”

Grantwriting may not always be glamorous, but for Sarah Kern, it’s a deeply rewarding career. Being part of a team that makes real, positive changes in the lives of individuals and families is the ultimate motivation. Easterseals Western & Central Pennsylvania is a beacon of hope, ensuring that individuals with disabilities are not only supported but empowered to live full and independent lives.