Our History

A Brief History of Easterseals Superior California

In 1992, improved, efficient, and high-quality client services were the primary motivating factors for merging the Easter Seals of Sacramento, Stockton, and Yuba into one agency: Easterseals Superior California.

From the moment the merger was completed, our consolidated administrative functions translated into reduced expenses and instantly released more resources to address client needs. Furthermore, our donated resources were maximized to their full potential, and ultimately, more funds were diverted to client services.

Our Three Historic Roots:

The common denominators for all three formerly independent entities are Rotary involvement, dedicated volunteer service, and commitment to the Easter Seals mission. 

• Stockton (Est. 1926): Our state's Easter Seal movement was born in Stockton. In November 1926, the local Rotary club founded clinics to address the growing need for disability services, a movement that also helped shape the state's Crippled Children Services Act.
• Sacramento (Est. 1922): Begun as a Rotary Club project when Dr. Gustave Wilson was named "Surgeon in Chief" to help local children with disabilities attend school. The branch was formally incorporated in September 1934 and eventually developed the main Hurley Way campus.
• Yuba City (Est. 1951): Founded as the Crippled Children's Society of Yuba-Sutter, this chapter was built on volunteer-purchased assistance, specialized equipment loans, and community-driven events.

Historic Milestones

Sacramento Rotary Initiative

October 1922

Dr. Gustave Wilson is named Sacramento Rotary "Surgeon in Chief" to spearhead efforts to upgrade the condition of local crippled children so that they can attend school. All costs are absorbed by the Sacramento Rotary Club.

Stockton Clinics Founded

November 1926

Clinics are founded in the San Joaquin area to address the growing need for disability services. The local Rotary club is responsible for establishing these clinics and for advocating for what eventually becomes the Crippled Children Services Act.

Sacramento Branch Incorporates

September 25, 1934

The Junior Rehabilitation Society of America is incorporated, creating our second Local Society. By 1935, the name is changed to the Sacramento County Society for Crippled Children.

Sacramento's First Telethon

January 1951

Our very first Telethon is telecast with the help of volunteers, KCCC Legal Secretaries, and Governor Knight, netting a total of $154.

Yuba-Sutter Founded & San Joaquin Expands

1951

The Crippled Children's Society of Yuba-Sutter is formed, creating our third Local Society. Simultaneously, the Stockton Society joins forces with the National Foundation to open the San Joaquin Rehabilitation Center.

First Camp Funding Approved

1952

The Stockton Society approves funding to send 16 children to Easter Seal Camp. Over 700 children will follow these original 16 in the ensuing summers.

Ground Broken on Hurley Way

February 16, 1956

We break ground on a five-acre tract at 3205 Hurley Way, which later becomes the main campus for Easterseals Superior California. Staff officially move into the new building on August 1, 1956.

The Beach Boys Benefit Concert

June 1964

The Beach Boys donate $9,000 to Easter Seals from a benefit concert to support local services.

Dale Younger's 33-Mile Journey

1975

Local wheelchair athlete Dale Younger raises over $2,000 in pledges for the Easter Seals Telethon by wheeling 33 miles from Olivehurst to the Sacramento City limits in just over 12 hours.

Stockton Therapeutic Center Opens

May 23, 1983

The Stockton Easter Seal Therapeutic Center officially opens. In its first full year of operation, the Center serves just short of 1,600 clients with Speech, Physical, and Occupational Therapy, warm-water therapy, counseling, independent living skills, and computer training.

The Great Merger

1992

The historically independent Easter Seals chapters of Sacramento, Stockton, and Yuba officially merge into one unified agency: Easter Seals Superior California, instantly reducing administrative costs and directing more funds to direct client services.

A Long-Standing CARF Certification

Present Day

We maintain a long-standing CARF certification. This independent, international accreditation recognizes our team for consistently meeting the highest standards of safety, quality care, and fiscal responsibility in health and human services.

A Vision for the Future

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, we remain deeply committed to innovation, collaboration, and ensuring every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential. With a steadfast focus on early intervention, adult independence, and inclusive practices, we continue to be a driving force for positive change, promising even more progress, empowerment, and community inclusion for the next 100 years.