Edwin (Ed) Schubert was born and raised in Chicago. He and his wife, Irene, stayed in Chicago to raise their three daughters. Ed worked as a tool and die maker and set an example for his daughters with an unmatched work ethic. Ed had a generous spirit. Whether he was volunteering through church or coaching youth sports, he cared about his community and was welcoming to everyone he met. The family home was always filled with friends, family, and neighbors. He found great joy when he became a grandfather. Although Ed loved being surrounded by his wife and three daughters, he was overjoyed when he was blessed with five grandsons. After the birth of his fifth grandson, he proudly exclaimed, “I now have my own basketball team.”
He formed a particularly strong connection with his grandson David. David was born with cerebral palsy. David had multiple surgeries during his childhood and other medical complications that affected not only David but the entire family. Ed and Irene became unyielding advocates for David. Daughter Ellen stated, “Dad believed in seeing the person first, not their disability, and wanted to ensure that David had the same opportunities as everyone else.”
Broadscope Disability Services (formerly known as UCP of Southeastern WI) first began providing services to the family through the Respite Care program. This service provided them with an opportunity to recharge and take time for self-care. The family also participated in a parent education program that helped the family navigate the school system. David’s mother, Lynn, states,“These programs not only provided our family with resources and guidance but also helped us build a support network comprised of local families with similar circumstances. Knowing that we were not alone was incredibly important.”
David and his grandfather’s bond never wavered. Lynn stated, “Dad and David were two peas in a pod. They had such a strong connection.” David thrived from the love and support he received and currently resides in San Diego, CA. David lives independently and volunteers for the Science Museum. Ed and Irene developed a trust to benefit several organizations, including Broadscope Disability Services. They both held a strong belief in giving back. Ed passed away in 2000 and Irene recently passed in January 2020.
Mary Schinkowitch, Executive Director, says, “It’s always a delight to reconnect with families who received services years ago. It reinforces the idea that you really never know the true impact of the work we do. The kindness that a staff member may show or a resource that is provided to a family may be an everyday occurrence but may stay with the client for a lifetime.”
Ed’s gift will allow Broadscope to continue advancing opportunities for individuals with disabilities and keep his legacy alive by ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else.
About Legacy Donations:Throughout the years, Broadscope Disability Services has been honored and humbled to be the recipient of several bequests. We are incredibly touched by the sentiment and generosity of these gifts. Knowing that the impact we have made in an individual’s life meant so much that they want to honor their legacy with a gift to sustain the future of our organization is a powerful testament to the relationships that are created through the work that we do.