Easterseals PORT Health

04/06/2026

Advocacy means standing up and speaking out for others. Our team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Behavior Technicians are dedicated autism advocates 💙

We sat down with our Autism + ABA team this Autism Acceptance Month to learn how autism advocacy positively impacts the lives of the people Easterseals PORT Health (ESPH) supports!

🔗Read the full article at eastersealsPORT.com/autism2026

04/02/2026

⭐The People Behind the Purpose!⭐

Meet Edward, a Direct Service Provider (DSP) for Individual and Community Services (ICS) in Winston-Salem, NC. He shares, “I love my job because I get to support my brother!”

Learn more about our life-changing services at eastersealsPORT.com/services.

04/02/2026

04/02/2026

Check out this amazing story! Woody Brown is the author of "Upward Bound." Woody has autism and his book focuses on the lives of disabled individuals at an adult day care center in Southern California.

03/30/2026

THANK YOU to everyone who made Chef Fest 2026 unforgettable. From the chefs, guests, sponsors, vendors, volunteers and behind the scenes staff who made it happen, we are incredibly grateful.

Our Culinary Connections Students dazzled the crowd with their tasty sweet treats, incredible hospitality and work ethic. Cheers to each of them and their bright futures ahead. 👏👏👏

🏆🥇Two inaugural awards were chosen by a panel of culinary professionals:

🌊 .eats.and.drinks' “Living La Vida Locavore” Award was presented to Chef Julie Aubrey of Mermaid Catering, Event & Personal Chef Services for her creative, Coastal Virginia–inspired Blue Oyster Rockefeller

👨‍🍳 The Tall Toque Award honored outstanding culinary excellence and was presented to Chef Paul Benton of Zoës Steak and Seafood for his impressive Goat Cheese and Lobster Cheesecake

The guests also had their say and selected their favorite dishes:
🏆 Chef Fest Champ (Favorite Entrée): Chef Pam Smith of The Twisted-Fork
🍰 Sweet Champ (Favorite Dessert): Chef Brittney Batts of Addison's Catering by Chef Brittney

Check back soon for more highlights from this special event.

03/24/2026

What an incredible day!

After months of planning alongside our generous sponsors, volunteers and table hosts, the Miracle Moments Luncheon at the beautiful The Umstead Hotel and Spa was a tremendous success. With 160 guests in attendance, we raised more than $100,000 to support the life-changing programs at Easterseals PORT Health.

Because of the generosity of our sponsors, board members, donors and table hosts, we were able to share our mission, highlight our impact and expand both awareness and funding for the individuals and families we serve.

Thank you for helping us turn moments into miracles. 💙

03/23/2026

Brain Injury Awareness Month raises awareness and attention to understanding brain injuries and how to possibly prevent them 💜

Cynthia generously shared her story of having a traumatic brain injury and how Easterseals PORT Health has supported her journey. Cynthia is a Development Disabilities (DD) Mentor with Easterseals PORT Health and also lives with a host family through ESPH’s Alternative Family Living (AFL) program.

Read her full story at eastersealsPORT.com/tbi2026.

📸Pictured: Cynthia (left) and Kelly, (right) Disability Advocate and founder and CEO of Community Bridges Foundation.

03/21/2026

World Down Syndrome Day is observed every year on March 21! This day is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the well-being of individuals with Down syndrome. The date, 3/21, symbolizes the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which defines Down syndrome 💛

We are proud to highlight Savanna, a participant of our EMPOWER Adult Wellness & Recreation program in New Bern, NC.

💬"It is important to recognize World Down Syndrome Day because people with Down syndrome are cool, awesome and amazing! We sometimes need people to help us, but we find joy in things everyone else does, like being with friends or receiving a gift!" shares Savanna

03/20/2026

Today is World Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Day!

Applied Behavior Analysis helps individuals build meaningful skills and independence. These skills include things like improved communication and social interactions. We work with others by breaking big skills into small, easy steps and building on each person’s strengths!

Learn more about our Autism + ABA services at eastersealsPORT.com/applied-behavior-analysis

03/18/2026

Something special is waiting for you… 👀✨
Our Silent Auction is filled with exclusive items, unforgettable experiences, and can’t-miss surprises.
🎁 Get ready to browse
💥 Get ready to bid
❤️ All for a great cause
It's LIVE! Browse the items, bid high, bid often, bid NOW!
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/cheffest2026/items/

03/17/2026

✨Camp Easterseals Virginia featured on WDBJ7 ✨

Camp Easterseals Virginia is changing lives one unforgettable summer at a time! 💙 Camp gives children and adults with disabilities the chance to experience independence and adventure. From canoeing and climbing to campfires and friendships, every moment is designed so everyone can participate and thrive.

🔗 Learn more or get involved: https://eastersealsport.com/camp-easterseals/