In 1967, Peggy McWhirter, the founder and longtime director of the Easterseals MORC location in Genesee County chose Penny Metcalfe as the child ambassador. Read more about her story here!
Penny
Catching Up with Easterseals MORC's 1967 Ambassador
In 1967, Peggy McWhirter, the founder and longtime director of the Easterseals MORC location in Genesee County chose Penny Metcalfe as the child ambassador. Penny was born with cerebral palsy and weighed less than three pounds. She relied on braces and then a wheelchair for mobility. In addition to the challenges she faced, she fought hard against the stigma that permeated society in the 1960s. Her family was repeatedly told to keep their expectations for Penny low. Angered by this, the family decided that they were going to do everything they could so their daughter could live a life of inclusion and fulfillment on her terms.
She attended Easterseals MORC day camps and participated in many other activities. In addition to the Easterseals MORC services, Penny’s mom was adamant about creating a stigma-free zone at home. Penny had chores, just like her siblings. She wasn’t treated any differently when it came to activities, punishments, or tasks. After graduating from high school, Penny decided to pursue a career as a teacher. Many teachers tried to steer her away from college. Penny was determined to fulfill her dream and enrolled at Michigan State University.
She graduated with a degree in teaching and accepted a position teaching children with special needs in Brownsville, Texas. To be fully independent, she wanted to live in a warm climate free from snow. Once she got to Brownsville, she got involved in the community and pushed to make the town more accessible for wheelchairs. Her dedication to the cause made her a local hero to children and families with disabilities. She devoted her life to teaching children with disabilities and recently retired after 36 years of service. She has two grown children of her own and makes frequent trips back to Michigan to see family.
Recently Penny and her mother visited us at the same location she received services in years ago and met Easterseals MORC program director Katie Kogelmann. They went out to the garden to see the plaque dedicated to the memory of Peggy McWhirter. The Easterseals MORC legacy of inclusion and service continues today in 15 locations throughout the state of Michigan, serving over 25,000 people each year.
Liz isn't afraid to take on a challenge, even if it's scary. Her friends and family describe Liz as a compassionate and empathetic. Read more about her story here!
Amie is one of our Easterseals MORC Ambassadors! She is a very friendly and outgoing individual who loves to talk to people, be a listening ear, and advocate for individuals with disabilities to ensure their rights are honored. Read more about her story here!
As a child Jessie experienced many years of abuse, both with his family and in foster care. After the death of his mother, Jessie turned to a life of crime, drugs, and gangs which led to a drive by shooting that killed his father and severely injured Jessie. Read more about his story here.