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 a 501(c)(3).
We are 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!
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
#ptsdawarenessmonth #ptsdawareness #mentalhealthmatters #traumarecovery #endthestigma #mentalhealthsupport #cptsdhealing #youarenotalone #healingjourney #eastersealsPORThealth #childfirst
ESPH was a proud sponsor of the @i2icenterforintegrativehealth 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!
#i2ispringconf26 #eastersealsPORThealth #behavioralhealth #mentalhealth #integrativehealth #NorthCarolina #communitycare
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!
#communitysupport #thankyoucastlehayne #empowercamp #youthprograms #nonprofitimpact #wilmingtonnc #summerprograms #grantfunding #supportlocal #makingadifference #eastersealsPORThealth
🌟 Celebrating National Camping Month with DJ! 🌟 @campesucp
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
#inclusivesummercamp #disabilityawareness #virginiacamps #accessiblefun #diverseabilities #summercampforall #inclusionmatters #camplifevirginia #supportandinspire #eastersealsPORThealth #campeastersealsvirginia
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/
#ncsummercamps #summercamp #eastersealsPORThealth #inclusivesummercamp #kidssummercamp #summer #summerfun #childdevelopment #summer2026 #empower #empowersummercamps
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!
#campeastersealsvirginia #amylovescamp #accessiblecamp #inclusivecommunity #disabilityinclusion #adaptiverecreation #fundraisingforgood #supportinclusion #makeadifference #scholarshipfund #campmagic #camplife #bestsummerever #campmemories #virginiacamps #vacamplife #eastersealsporthealth
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!
#eastersealsPORThealth #bowling #grouphomes #bowlingfun #teambuilding #communityengagement #communitysupport
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! 🐝
#garden #therap #NCSTART #GardenParty #communitygarden #sensoryengagement #PERMA #NCwellbeing #therapeuticgarden #gardentherapy #communityevent #sustainableliving #eastersealsPORThealth
Be a part of our story.