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.
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!
✨The People Behind the Purpose✨
Meet Shan, a Regional Residential Manager who truly embodies the purpose and heart of Easterseals PORT Health. She shares, "I love helping people. Just to see those we support happy makes me happy!"
Help us celebrate Shan in the comments and stay tuned for more People Behind the Purpose spotlights.
#peoplebehindthepurpose #eastersealsPORThealth #disabilityservices #disabilitysupport #communitycare #hereforyou #supportandempower #disabilityinclusion #carewithpurpose #missioninaction #heartofourwork #disabilityawareness #empoweringlives #supportwithlove
Guess who’s back? 👀
Join us in welcoming Chef Chair @eddie.leee of @thetownpointclub as he returns to lead our chef lineup for Chef Fest: A Taste of Joy! His passion, creativity, and dedication make him a true standout in our culinary community, and we can’t wait to see the magic he brings this year. 🔥🌟🍴
#ChefChairEddieLee #TownPointClub #ChefFest #ATasteOfJoy #ChefSpotlight
A magical day enjoying “The Nutcracker”! ❄️
Bill, Steven and Ben, three residents from our Ashcraft Group Home in Charlotte, NC enjoyed a sensory-friendly performance of the @cltballet`s Nutcracker at @blumenthalarts. They loved the show and Bill even asked if they could go again next year!
We’re grateful for our dedicated staff members and the volunteers who helped with getting everyone to the performance. Your support made the experience smooth and welcoming for everyone. Creating joyful, inclusive experiences is what this holiday season is all about!
#disabilityservices #eastersealsPORThealth #ESPH #inclusion #happyholidays #thenutcracker #grouphomes #community
🎟️ Tickets are officially ON SALE for Chef Fest 2026!
Join us on March 25, 2026, at the elegant Town Point Club for a night of unbelievable flavor, creativity, and community impact.
Enjoy tastings from Hampton Roads’ top chefs, signature cocktails, live entertainment, and more — all supporting Culinary Connections, our Easterseals PORT Health program empowering individuals through the art of cooking.
✨ Early-bird pricing ends Dec. 31! ✨
Grab your ticket before they`re gone 👇
👉 https://ChefFest2026.eventbrite.com
#ChefFest2026 #EastersealsPORTHealth #CulinaryConnections #HamptonRoadsEvents #SupportLocalChefs #NonprofitEvents #NorfolkVA
✨Vanessa, the Visionary Volunteer✨
This International Volunteer Day, we celebrate incredible volunteers like Vanessa, whose dedication and hard work brighten the lives of those we support.
Vanessa’s son, Ben, lives at our Ashcraft Group Home in Charlotte, NC. She has supported the community in remarkable ways!
Since 2023, she has:
❤️ Coordinated 83 events
🙋 Organized 400 volunteers, contributing over 765 hours
🤝 Partnered with 29 local businesses to provide food, supplies, event tickets and resources for group home activities
Show Vanessa your thanks in the comments below and consider volunteering with your local nonprofit or directly with ESPH!
Read her full story ➜ eastersealsPORT.com/ivd2025
#internationalvolunteerday #volunteerday #volunteer #giveback #eastersealsPORThealth #disabilityservices #inclusion #nonprofitimpact
Today, December 3 marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a day to recognize and celebrate people with disabilities for the incredible people they are!
This year we’re honored to recognize Cynthia and her experience with Easterseals PORT Health’s (ESPH) Alternative Family Living (AFL) program. Last month, our board members and executive leadership team met Cynthia and her AFL host, Shamara. Together, they shared their story of connection and the impact of the AFL program.
"We cook together, go shopping and watch movies together,” Cynthia shares. “She helps me to be independent and has really become my family.” Shamara echoed the same sentiment. “Cynthia has truly touched my life in a positive way,” she shared. “It’s a joy to spend time with her!”
🔗Read their full story at eastersealsPORT.com/cynthia
🔗Learn more about AFL at eastersealsPORT.com/alternative-family-living
#internationaldayofpersonswithdisabilities #disabilityinclusion #disabilityawareness #inclusionmatters #alternativefamilyliving #aflprogram #eastersealsPORThealth #communitysupport
There are only 5 HOURS left to make your GivingTuesday impact! 💙
There’s still time to change a life today! We’re in the final hours. Your donation right now truly matters.
Your support helps provide critical services for individuals and families with disabilities, mental health challenges and substance use disorders. For many, your gift is the reason they receive care, connection and hope.
Together, we can ensure that life-changing support is available to all who reach out for help.
🔗Donate now! eastersealsPORT.com/donate
#eastersealsPORThealth #givingtuesday #impact #dogood #disabilityservices #mentalhealthservices #holidaygiving #give #donate #nonprofit
Say Hello to Knox! ⭐
Today is Special Education Day, a time to celebrate the children, families and professionals who ensure every child has the support they need to reach their full potential.
We are proud to honor this day by sharing the story of Knox and his parents, Rachel and Matt, and their journey with our Early Intervention Program.
Read their full story at eastersealsPORT.com/special-education-day-2025
#eastersealsPORThealth #specialeducationday #earlyintervention #disabilityservices #support #inclusionmatters #educationforall
Be a part of our story.