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Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley
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Advice & Facts

Special Needs Trust

Establishing a Special Needs Trust helps establish resources, stability, and support for your child's future - without compromising existing benefits.

This process also presents an opportunity to include Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley as the remainder beneficiary of the trust. For Craig and Michele, this was an easy choice and a way to ensure lasting support for their daughter, and for Easterseals. 

Hear more from Craig:

Family of three with young adult in graduation gown in summer background

For Michele and me, setting up a Special Needs Trust was about making sure Renee is taken care of long term, while not impacting her eligibility for the services she depends on. The trust gives us a clear and responsible way to plan for her future.

— Craig B.

"Our first priority is always Renee and making sure she’s supported throughout her life. Beyond that, we like knowing that any remaining assets will go to an organization that is dedicated to what we believe in. Easterseals has been part of our journey for a long time, and we've seen the impact. Including it in our estate plan felt like the right way to give back and help make sure that support continues for others.

Estate Planning can feel a little overwhelming at the start, but it’s manageable once you get into it. Having the right advisor helped a lot. More than anything, having a plan in place gives us peace of mind."

We are thankful for partners like Lakeshore Financial Group and Protected Tomorrows for their partnership and contributions to our mission. 

For more information on planned giving with Easterseals, please contact Kelly Moreland at kmoreland@eastersealsdfvr.org. 

 

Upcoming Financial Seminar for Easterseals Families

Lakeshore Financial Group is hosting a Special Needs Planning Seminar on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM via Zoom.

Topics include:

  • Protecting government benefit eligibility
  • Basics of special needs trusts and ABLE accounts
  • Writing a letter of intent

All Easterseals families are welcome to attend. For questions please contact: eneumann@nlgroupmail.com or 848.200.7155.

*Participants are welcome to a resource folder and a complimentary Zoom consultation after the webinar.
 

Register

Click to Register: 
https://nationallife.zoom.us/meeting/register/HtrBqOZ0SPquknzjgTcBnw#/registration

 

Planning with Protected Tomorrows

Protected Tomorrows helps families of individuals with special needs to think through the big questions, organize critical information, and map out next steps with compassionate, expert guidance. This individualized plan gives you practical tools, education, and ongoing support so you can feel prepared for what’s ahead.

Protected Tomorrows Individualized Special Needs plan includes:

  • Parent University Subscription
  • Referral Network Access
  • My Special Life Workbook
  • Continued Advocacy and Support
  • Special Needs Trust Education
  • Future Care Plan Design
  • Government Benefits Consultation
  • Medicare Transition Planning
  • Individual Education Plan Consultation
  • Vocational and Employment Consultation
  • Recreational/Social Options Consultation
  • Residential Options Consultation