International Volunteer Day is December 5. Easterseals PORT Health is proud to celebrate and express our gratitude for the incredible volunteers whose contributions enhance the experiences of the people we support.
ESPH Volunteers and Residents
This year we’re excited to highlight one of our visionary volunteers, Vanessa (shown in photo with blue patterned dress). Her son, Ben (shown to the left of Vanessa), is a resident at our Ashcraft Group Home in Charlotte. She’s a super mom and and outstanding volunteer, who generously gives her time and recruits others to do the same. Vanessa embodies the heart of ESPH’s purpose and helps to create exceptional experiences for our group home residents in the Charlotte area.
Vanessa’s dedication has made an extraordinary impact. Since 2023, she has coordinated 83 events and organized 400 volunteers who have collectively donated more than 765 hours of their time. She has also partnered with 29 local businesses to secure donations of food, supplies, fun event tickets and essential supplies and resources for group home activities.
Each year, the monthly activity calendar Vanessa creates for the residents grows more robust and engaging. Her efforts continually bring in new volunteers and have inspired community partners to donate goods, supplies and services. Some of the generous community partners she has engaged with to volunteer during group home events and activities include:
- Catholic High School
- Hearts United for Good Charlotte
- J.T. Williams Secondary Montessori
- KidzCare
- North Carolina Pet Partners
- Sedgefield Elementary Montessori School
- St. Luke’s Lutheran Church
Vanessa’s commitment doesn’t stop there. She successfully raised funds to purchase a life-changing Hoyer Lift for the Ashcraft Group Home. This mechanical device safely cradles and transfers people with limited mobility. By reducing the need for manual lifting, a Hoyer Lift makes daily care more comfortable and dignified for residents while also minimizing the risk of injury for the caregivers who support them.
Vanessa’s passion, creativity and unwavering commitment have transformed the experiences of residents, volunteers and staff alike. For this reason, we are very excited to celebrate and recognize this visionary volunteer.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities at eastersealsPORT.com/volunteer.
ABOUT US
Easterseals PORT Health is a trustworthy, compassionate partner 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. Learn more at eastersealsPORT.com.
