Easterseals PORT Health

Our residents from the Zebulon, NC Group Home had a wonderful time at Raleigh's International Food Festival 🌍🍽️

They tasted a variety of delicious dishes from around the world, making it a day filled with amazing flavors and experiences!

June is National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. We had the opportunity to sit down with Mariela, a Child First Mental Health Clinician, as she shares how our Child First program supports children with PTSD with trauma-informed care.

"Child First delivers evidence‑based therapy for children ages 0–5 who’ve experienced trauma. We help families understand PTSD‑related behaviors and build supportive home environments that promote healing."

🔗Read the full story at eastersealsPORT.com/ptsd2026

ESPH was a proud sponsor of the i2i Center for Integrative Health Spring Conference!

We had a wonderful time connecting with fellow leaders in behavioral healthcare. The sessions included discussions on important issues affecting individuals with behavioral and developmental disabilities and primary healthcare in North Carolina. Together, we’re making a difference! 💪💙

A special shoutout to our raffle winner, Nicole McKinney from Collaborative Health Network, who won a homemade ice cream maker, perfect for the start of summer!

Thank you Castle Hayne Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department for your support! 💓

They awarded our organization a grant of $5,000 that will directly support the EMPOWER Summer Camp Program in Wilmington, NC. This funding will cover field trip fees and program t-shirts for all participants, nurturing the curiosity and creativity of our participants.

The generosity of the Castle Hayne Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department will ensure our campers have a wonderful summer camp experience!

🌟 Celebrating National Camping Month with DJ! 🌟

Camp Easterseals Virginia offers more than just summer fun; it provides a transformative experience for individuals with disabilities, helping them build independence and confidence. DJ and his mom shared their camp experience with us in honor of National Camping Month!

“Camp Easterseals Virginia is a world intentionally created for people with disabilities. It’s a true community between campers, families and the Camp team. It’s a kind of paradise you need to experience firsthand."

🔗Read DJ's full story at eastersealsPORT.com/campmonth2026

Start the summer off right with EMPOWER Summer Camps! ☀️

Jason and his mom, Chaniece, shared their story about how much the program has meant to them. This will be Jason's third summer attending EMPOWER Summer Camp in Elizabeth City, NC.

“I’ve seen a remarkable improvement in Jason’s communication skills, confidence and social-emotional development since he’s been going to EMPOWER Summer Camp. He’s become more verbal, more engaged with his peers and increasingly more comfortable participating in group activities.”

🔗Read their full story at eastersealsPORT.com/summercamp2026/

Amy Loves Camp Easterseals Virginia! 🏕️💛

Amy and her family have already raised more than $10,000 through the Amy Loves Camp Campaign, helping provide scholarships so more campers can experience the magic of Camp Easterseals Virginia — and they’re just getting started!

Camp Easterseals Virginia is a life‑changing place where individuals with developmental disabilities experience the joy, freedom and friendship of sleepaway camp in a safe, inclusive and fully accessible environment.

Their dedication is opening doors, creating memories and making camp possible for so many deserving campers. Thank you!

Our Eastern Region residential group homes had a fantastic time at our “Living on a Spare” bowling event! 🎳

We had 35 bowlers, along with 35 friends, family members and team members cheering them on. Everyone enjoyed an abundance of cheese pizza, chicken tenders and french fries, along with some great prizes. To wrap up the day, each resident received a special tumbler decorated with bowling pins, filled with candy.

We look forward to more moments like this!

Earlier this month, NC START hosted its second annual Garden Party, bringing team members together to refresh the therapeutic garden space!🌱

North Carolina Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources and Treatment (NC START) is a statewide community crisis prevention and intervention program. Their garden supports sensory engagement and promotes PERMA, a positive‑psychology framework that strengthens well‑being and resilience.

The team prepared beds filled with fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers, including dedicated tea and cooking herb beds and a raised bed where guests choose what to plant. Throughout the season, guests help harvest, cook with the produce and enjoy sensory walks through the garden.

Even our gazebo is thoughtfully planted with bee‑deterring greenery to keep the space welcoming for everyone! 🐝