Easterseals PORT Health

Our Mattress Warehouse fundraiser is in full swing, and our amazing Charlotte group home residents are here! There’s still time to come by and support us at 3615 Mt Holly-Huntersville Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216. Remember, 10% of all funds raised will go directly to our group homes!

Can’t make it in person? No worries! You can shop online at mattresswarehouse.com and use code EASTERSEALS to support from home. The store is open until 8:00 PM today!

Today is National Addiction Professionals Day! We celebrate and thank our dedicated Easterseals PORT Health addiction treatment professionals who work tirelessly to support individuals on their journey to recovery. Your compassion, expertise and unwavering commitment transform lives and provide hope to those facing addiction. Thank you for all that you do!

If you are interested in learning more about our substance use services, visit https://eastersealsport.com/substance-use/

The Recovery Month Speaker Jam at our Whiteville Clinic was a success! Centered around the theme, "We Are Here – Recovery Works!" the event featured inspiring patient success stories and valuable recovery resources. It was a powerful reminder that mental health and substance use treatment can pave the way to a healthier, more fulfilling life💜

To learn more about our resources, please visit https://eastersealsport.com/substance-use/

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!🎊 From September 15 to October 15, we celebrate the rich cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. The month begins on September 15, a significant date marking the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, making it a fitting starting point for Hispanic Heritage Month!

Throughout this month, we’re excited to spotlight our amazing Hispanic/Latino team members. Today, we’re proud to highlight Gonzalo, a dedicated Easterseals PORT Health board member since 2019. Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate the incredible achievements and heritage of our team!

"My name is Gonzalo and I’m originally from Lima, Peru. I’ve been an Easterseals PORT Health board member since 2019. I believe it’s important to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month because it celebrates the diversity, richness and contributions of Hispanic and Latino cultures. It’s also a time to honor the history, traditions, achievements and influence of Hispanic and Latino Americans in art, music, literature, science, politics, sports and so much more. When I think about ESPH’s commitment to IDEAL (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Authenticity, Learning) principles, I think it’s a great combination because we’re all coming from different places of understanding and will always need to continue learning and evolving."

We're so excited for Dragon Studio to capture the magic of ESPH Chef Fest 2025! 📸
Be at the top of the guest list when you buy your tickets today: https://e.givesmart.com/events/E23/

We’re beyond excited to announce that Dragon Studio is joining us as an event partner for the epic 2025 Chef Fest at Town Point Club! 📸🔥 Join us on March 12th at 6:30 pm for Chef Fest “taste of joy” lead by Chef Chair Eddie Lee and top culinary talent from across Hampton Roads. Buy your tickets today: https://e.givesmart.com/events/E23/

Join us virtually on Monday, September 23 for the ENC Regional Church and Community Resiliency Collaborative presented by the Peletah Institute for Building Resilient Communities. We are thrilled to have Luanne Welch, CEO of Easterseals PORT Health, among the distinguished speakers, alongside NC Digital Equity and Literacy Director Annette Taylor and CNN Hero Rev. Richard Joyner.

The event will include engaging breakout sessions and valuable networking opportunities. Attendees can explore the vendor expo and connect with local, state and federal officials, as well as resource providers and funders.

Don’t miss out—register today and help spread the word! We look forward to seeing you there!

Sign up: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/79cbc620/kY6UPy0I00G2I8DbZaEH0Q?u=https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckdO-upz0sH9EXFV90lFceQ4AubuV44QhX

Join us for our Recovery Month Speaker Jam on September 13 at the Whiteville Clinic!

In honor of National Recovery Month, we'll feature patient success stories, recovery resources and more. Discover how mental health and substance use treatment can lead to a healthier, fulfilling life.

📍 706 North Thompson St., Whiteville, NC
🕐 1 PM - 4 PM

We can’t wait to see you there!

On this day, Easterseals PORT Health pauses to honor the heroes and remember the lives lost on 9/11. Their bravery and sacrifice will always be in our hearts.

September is Su***de Prevention Month. This month we are remembering those impacted by su***de, raising awareness and focusing on providing support to those in need. Our Mobile Crisis team offers short-term crisis response, stabilization and intervention for adults and children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities facing mental health or chemical dependency crises in Duplin, Edgecombe, Greene, Lenoir, Sampson, Wayne and Wilson counties in North Carolina. The team shared a recent success story.

An 18-year-old female student, living away from her family and feeling isolated, was struggling with suicidal thoughts. Our Crisis Manager quickly assessed the situation, offering support and encouraging her to not give up on herself or her academic dreams. With guidance from Mobile Crisis, she agreed to seek help and was admitted to an inpatient facility for treatment. Today, she has returned to school, stable and focused on her recovery and future goals.

This story highlights the critical role our mental health professionals play in preventing su***de and offering hope. If you or someone you know is in crisis, our Mobile Crisis team is available 24/7. Call 866-241-7245 or visit our Mobile Crisis webpage https://eastersealsport.com/mobile-crisis-management/

Three team members from Easterseals PORT Health’s IPS program were honored with prestigious awards at the NC IPS Coalition Conference in Wilmington, NC and the International IPS Coalition Conference in Chicago, IL.

⭐ Patrick (left), an Employment Peer Mentor from our New Bern/Jacksonville team, received the Employment Peer Mentor of the Year Award.

⭐ Darius (middle), an Employment Support Professional and Benefits Counselor from our Durham team, won the Employment Support Professional (ESP) of the Year Award.

⭐ Emunah (right), an Employment Peer Mentor from our Fayetteville team, earned the Peer Advocate Award at the International Conference.

Join us in celebrating Patrick, Darius and Emunah for their outstanding achievements and commitment to the communities we serve. We’re incredibly proud to have them as part of the Easterseals PORT Health family! Learn more about IPS services at eastersealsport.com/individual-placement-support. Read the full story at eastersealsport.com/ips-awards-2024/.

The residents at our Ashcraft group home in Charlotte, NC made homemade bird feeders! 🐦 The bird feeders are made out of pinecones, peanut butter, string and bird seed. The feeders now hang from a pole in the backyard, clearly visible from the dining room window. The residents are eager to watch the birds visit while they enjoy their breakfasts. Swipe to see the finished product!

Today, August 21st, is National Senior Citizen Day! We are celebrating and honoring the remarkable seniors in our community by showcasing our Seniors and Veterans Enrichment (SAVE) program.

This program offers friendly companionship and visiting services to seniors and veterans. Located in greater New Hanover and Brunswick Counties in North Carolina, the program helps to address the serious public health risks of social isolation and loneliness among seniors and veterans. Volunteering can make a significant impact on the lives of those who have served our country and our senior community members.

To learn more about joining the SAVE program, visit https://eastersealsport.com/save/ and contact our Senior Care Coordinator, Heather English at [email protected]

Savor the flavors of Hampton Roads at the 1st Annual Chef Fest “A Taste of Joy” event to benefit Easterseals PORT Health’s Culinary Connections program in Virginia, Beach 👨‍🍳. Save the Date, Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at the beautiful Town Point Club and join us for Chef Fest - a tasting event featuring top culinary talent from across Hampton Roads and led by award winning Executive Chef Eddie Lee. Guests attending this culinary extravaganza will indulge in delectable bites, desserts, and enjoy an array of wines, spirits and brews all while bidding on a wide assortment of silent auction items. Ticket sales go live on September 15th! If you want to be notified, visit https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/DYDBPw?vid=16w4h9 🍳.

Grateful for the partnership between The Sampson High School Alumni Association and The Uplift Project for their school supply donations to Easterseals PORT Health's Intensive In-Home program!

The Uplift Project, a program under the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Community Uplift Initiatives, supports the youth in Sampson County by providing school supplies and resources to enhance their educational and personal development.

We appreciate their support and the positive impact they are making in the community! Changing lives—one person, one family and one community at a time. 🧡

Our residents at Ashcraft Group Home in Charlotte, NC had a blast with arts and crafts! They enjoyed expressing their creativity and spending time together. We loved seeing their unique creations and the joy it brought to everyone! 🎨

We're thrilled to celebrate Assistance Dog Week (August 4-10) with Rocky the Newfoundland! Rocky is a certified pet therapy dog with North Carolina Pet Partners. He and his owner, Jessica, frequently visit our Ashcraft group home in Charlotte, NC. The residents adore Rocky and his visits always bring smiles and comfort to everyone. Whether he's helping to plant a garden or playing with the water hose, Rocky has become a beloved part of our Ashcraft family. We can't wait to see him again soon!

A big, heartfelt thank you to the Castle Hayne Volunteer Fire Corporation, the approval board members, and Celeste Kroll for selecting Easterseals PORT Health Autism Center in Wilmington as one of their grant recipients for 2024. Their generous donation of $3,000 will assist in updating the equipment and toys in the Autism Center’s Sensory Room. On behalf of our program participants and their families, thank you for your support!

Huge thanks to the amazing volunteers from Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP for their hard work at the Charlie Gaddy Autism Center today! 🙌✨ From sprucing up inside, to trimming trees and removing old structures outside, they did an amazing job beautifying the center!

July 26 marks the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law promoting equal access and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Easterseals PORT Health is dedicated to supporting and providing opportunities so individuals and families with disabilities can live their best life.

This year, we’re seeing dangerous stormy weather occur earlier in the season. Disasters often pose additional challenges for individuals with disabilities and special needs. This is a reminder to include people with disabilities in your disaster planning and response. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages individuals and families with disabilities to stay informed, build support networks, prepare for medical needs and arrange transportation in advance.

Together, we can make a difference by ensuring everyone is prepared and supported in times of crisis. Easterseals PORT Health remains committed to empowering individuals with disabilities and advocating for their safety and inclusion in all aspects of life.