
Ashcraft Group Home residents’ beach send-off
We’re excited to highlight the Together Project, a community-driven initiative created to enhance the lives and experiences of residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities at our Ashcraft Group Home in Charlotte, NC. The success of the project is driven by our amazing team members and people like Vanessa, who’s a volunteer and mom of one of the residents.
Funded by the Merancas Foundation with a renewable grant of $3,000, the Together Project’s main goal is to foster a sense of community and belonging within the group home. The program also partners with volunteers, businesses and schools to create opportunities to enrich the residents’ lives through community engagement and participation in local activities.
Last year, the Together Project nearly doubled the number of events planned compared to the previous year because of its great volunteers. “One of my neighbors is a gardener, so she comes to the house to plant flowers with the residents. Another friend is an artist, so she helps the residents create beautiful pieces to hang in the house,” Vanessa says. In addition, the Together Project has partnered with local businesses who also donate their time and resources. Black Hawk Hardware recently donated a bench and Ball Horticulture provided a grant to plant flowers. Volunteers helped organize space for the group home to store their event supplies and equipment.
Ashcraft team members also play a critical role in the program’s success. Recently Tylesha, Ashcraft’s Group Home Manager, dreamed of a four-day beach getaway for the residents. Through the Together Project, it became a reality and the residents were able to enjoy a fun, inclusive and unforgettable weekend at the beach!
Thanks to everyone who supports the Together Project. Learn more about our group homes at https://eastersealsport.com/homes/. Read more about the Together Project featured in SouthPark Magazine.
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.