About Easterseals PORT Health
We are trustworthy, compassionate partners providing exceptional disability, mental health and substance use services to help our neighbors live their best lives. Purpose, dedication and empathy drive our in-person and telehealth service delivery. Our diverse and inclusive 2,600 member team provides more than 10.2 million hours of meaningful support to 40,200 kids, adults and families in 11,000 home, facility and community locations across North Carolina and Virginia.
Easterseals PORT Health is also one of 55 affiliates of the national United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) organization, one of the largest health nonprofits in the country dedicated to individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Learn more about the United Cerebral Palsy organization.
Easterseals PORT Health is accredited by CQL (The Council on Quality and Leadership). CQL believes in a world of dignity, opportunity and community for all people.
As a proud member of the Collaborative Health Network (CHN), we’re committed to delivering high-quality, value-based care through strong partnerships, shared learning and a focus on health equity.
Easterseals PORT Health’s Opioid Treatment Programs are CARF-accredited which signifies a commitment to quality, safety and patient-centered, measurable outcomes.
Impact in North Carolina and Virginia
2,600
Team members
11K
Home, facility + community locations
40.2K
Individuals + families served each year
10.2M
Annual hours of meaningful support
A message from our CEO, Luanne Welch
The people of Easterseals PORT Health ARE Easterseals PORT Health.
Three words come to mind when describing the people & organization I love & serve: Courage, Compassion & Care.
We demonstrate courage every time we change, grow & do more. As the needs of those we support change, WE change. We don’t always get it right the first time, but we grow together by asking thoughtful questions, listening with humility & respect, and moving forward from our mistakes.
We lead & serve with compassion. Fostering empathy & resilience within our team, our clients & communities. We meet people where they are & move forward together.
We care about the people we support & each other – the whole person. We care all the time – 24/7 – not just during the workday. We face challenges head-on & find solutions – together. We will continue to find ways to show up for the people who count on us every day.
Our courage, compassion & care fuel our commitment to be better & do better. We are dedicated to the IDEAL principles of Inclusive Culture, Different Voices, Embracing Potential, Authentic Self and Learning & Growing.
At the heart of ESPH is a resilient, sustainable, healthy, purpose-driven organization that is & will be here – day now & forward.
That’s who we are. That’s what we do. I invite you to join us!
Insights + News
Follow us on social media!
We’re getting closer to ESPH Chef Fest : A Taste of Joy and the excitement is building! 🎉
A huge thank you to our amazing partners @virginia.eats.and.drinks, Dragon Studio , and our beautiful venue host Town Point Club for helping make this unforgettable night possible.
Stay tuned—more chef and partner highlights coming soon!
#ChefFest2026 #FoodForGood
Women’s History Month is celebrated every March to spotlight women who are innovators, creators, caregivers, leaders and everyday changemakers whose influences continually shape our daily lives 🧡
This observance began as a local celebration in California in 1978. It was designated a national week by President Carter in 1980 before Congress officially expanded it in 1987 to a month-long recognition.
We celebrate all women whose strength, compassion and leadership make our community a better place!
#womensday #womenshistorymonth #womenempowerment #womeninleadership #womensinfluence #womeninhistory #eastersealsPORThealth #nonprofit #disabilityservices
Great food is even better when it’s made with family.
Meet Kelvin Dooley and Keona Dooley of J&K Style Grill — bringing their signature flavors and family passion to ESPH Chef Fest : A Taste of Joy! 🍽️💛
This dynamic duo is serving up bold bites and heartfelt hospitality, proving that the best recipes are made together.
#ChefFest #ATasteOfJoy #ChefSpotlight #FamilyEdition #HamptonRoadsEats #FoodForGood
Event Partner Spotlight ✨
Huge thanks to the amazing partners helping bring Chef Fest: A Taste of Joy to life:
🍽️ Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association
💻 WSKY-SKY4 TV Lockwood Digital Solutions
🎨 Vivid Expressions LLC
🍽️ Chef Spotlight Chef Julie Aubrey brings creativity, elegance, and coastal-inspired flair to every experience she curates. Through Mermaid Catering, Event & Personal Chef Services , she’s known for beautifully crafted dishes that balance bold flavor with thoughtful presentation.
At ESPH Chef Fest : A Taste of Joy, Chef Julie is serving up dishes that reflect her passion for food, hospitality, and unforgettable moments—each bite designed to delight.
✨ A true taste of artistry and joy.
🍴 Chef Spotlight: Kip Poole
Chef Kip Poole brings a fresh, modern take to classic deli favorites. At Yorkie`s Modern Deli , he’s known for bold flavors, thoughtful techniques, and crave-worthy dishes that blend comfort with creativity.
At Chef Fest: A Taste of Joy, Chef Kip is serving up crowd-pleasing bites that reflect his passion for great food and unforgettable experiences—each plate crafted to delight and connect.
✨ Come taste why Yorkies Modern Deli is a must-try.
👏 We’re grateful for our Event Partners Aleesias Balloons and DoorDash —thanks for helping us create a night full of joy, flavor, and celebration.
🌶️ Flavor Spotlight: Derak Green
Spice connoisseur behind Cooking with Greens, Derak Green brings bold blends and big flavor to Chef Fest.
Be a part of our story.