Three team members from Easterseals PORT Health’s (ESPH) Individual Placement and Support (IPS) program were honored with prestigious awards at the North Carolina IPS Coalition Conference in Wilmington, NC and the International IPS Coalition Conference in Chicago, IL.
Pictured: Patrick, Darius and Emunah
Patrick (shown on far left), an Employment Peer Mentor from our New Bern/Jacksonville IPS team, was honored with the Employment Peer Mentor of the Year Award at the North Carolina IPS Coalition Conference. Since joining ESPH in June 2022, Patrick has exemplified what it means to be a peer mentor. His nomination information said, “Each of us at Easterseals PORT Health can see that Patrick’s heart is in his work. He was selected to attend the Employment Conference in Washington, DC in March 2024 and we are so proud of him and his accomplishments. I know he is going to do big things in his life.” His ability to build meaningful relationships and support individuals in their recovery and employment journeys has made a profound difference in the lives of many people.
Darius (shown in the middle), an Employment Support Professional and Benefits Counselor from our Durham IPS team, was awarded the Employment Support Professional (ESP) of the Year Award at the North Carolina IPS Coalition Conference in Wilmington, NC. Darius, who has worked for ESPH for more than seven years, is known as the “Swiss Army Knife” of IPS providers. His comprehensive support, from job development to benefits counseling, has significantly impacted the lives of those he serves. His nomination information said, “His personal and professional successes give IPS a higher level of credibility in the field, helping him connect to individuals overcoming their own obstacles and by painting a very practical picture to employers.” Darius’s authenticity, combined with his personal experiences and resilience, makes him a powerful role model for both his peers and those he supports.
Emunah (shown on far right), an Employment Peer Mentor from our Fayetteville IPS team, received the Peer Advocate Award at the International IPS Coalition Conference in Chicago, IL. This is the second consecutive year that someone from ESPH has won this award. Her nomination information said, “Embodying the spirit of peer support, Emunah serves as a living testament and shining example of the invaluable role IPS plays in aiding individuals on their path to recovery.” Emunah, who has been an Employment Peer Mentor for more than three years, is an invaluable asset to the team, consistently demonstrating dedication and passion for peer advocacy.
Please join us in celebrating Patrick, Darius and Emunah for their outstanding achievements and their unwavering commitment to the communities we serve. We are incredibly proud to have them as part of the Easterseals PORT Health family! Learn more about IPS services at eastersealsport.com/individual-placement-support.
ABOUT US
Easterseals PORT Health is a trustworthy, compassionate partner providing exceptional disability, behavioral health and addiction treatment 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. Learn more at eastersealsPORT.com.
