The Blake Foundation announced its new status as a national affiliate of Easter Seals at a recent Tucson press conference. The nonprofit organization is one of the largest providers of southern Arizona programs and services for children and adults with developmental disabilities and delays as well as traumatic brain injuries. In 2006, the Tucson-based agency served nearly 10,000 clients and their families in seven Arizona counties, including Graham, Greenlee and Gila.

Ema Kammeyer, CEO, said the affiliation will help the Blake Foundation achieve more effective fund-raising so it can expand its programs and reduce or eliminate waiting lists for Blake services. As an affiliate, Blake will have access to Easter SealsÕ national resources, including research data and best practice information. The alliance also means Blake Foundation will participate in Easter SealsÕ new autism initiative, which provides autism training, education, diagnosis and treatment information to clients in its service area.

The Blake Foundation is now called Easter Seals Blake Foundation.