To accommodate tremendous growth in its stroke rehabilitation program, Easter Seals Colorado has moved its stroke rehabilitation program to a much larger facility.

Easter Seals Colorado's new stroke rehabilitation facility is located in a building that used to house a church school. The new facility, located within the Lakewood Nazarene Church at 1755 Dover St., includes 1,068 square feet dedicated solely for the rehabilitation program's use, plus a gymnasium and large kitchen the program will share with other local groups. In addition, the program has a dedicated time slot at the Whitlock Recreation Center pool. The recreation center is located next door to the new stroke rehabilitation center.

Former Bronco Haven Moses, a member of the team's Ring of Fame and a stroke survivor, spoke at the grand opening May 2 along with officials from the Lakewood Nazarene Church and Easter Seals Colorado.

Stroke, sometimes called a "brain attack," is the leading cause of serious long-term disability in the United States. The estimated direct and indirect cost of stroke in 2008 is $65.5 billion.

"This is a dream come true for me, the center's staff and, most of all, for our clients," said Donna Schroeder, the center's director. "Our new facilities, which are newly carpeted and painted, are one-third larger than our previous facilities at Easter Seals Colorado's headquarters on Alameda. These facilities allow us to finally deal with the additional clients we're seeing now - a 68 percent increase over just the last nine months."

Lynn Robinson, Easter Seals Colorado's CEO,said the stroke program's explosive growth has been fueled, in part, by a lack of insurance coverage for long-term stroke rehabilitation. "Insurance coverage for stroke rehabilitation typically ends early in the stroke rehabilitation process. After that coverage runs out, there are very few resources for stroke patients. Fortunately, due to the generosity of our donors, we are able to provide stroke rehabilitation to patients who can't afford unsubsidized care."

About The Easter Seals Colorado Stroke Day Program

Easter Seals Stroke Day Program in Lakewood Colorado is the only stroke specific program in Colorado. Stroke Day Program clients receive the following benefits: occupational, physical and speech therapy services, warm water therapy, social services/case management, pet assisted activities, cognitive skills group participation, fitness and exercise and community skills activities.

About Easter Seals Colorado

Easter Seals has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives for more than 80 years. Whether helping someone improve physical mobility, return to work or simply gain greater independence for everyday living, Easter Seals offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life's challenges and achieve personal goals. For more information go to www.eastersealscolorado.org or call 303.233.1666 ext. 246.