Jacksonville North Carolina’s Chamber of Commerce welcomes Easterseals UCP’s EMPOWER Programs to the community. EMPOWER provides recreation and wellness, after school and camp opportunities for children and adults with disabilities.
On Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 11AM, The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce will cut the ribbon and officially welcome Easterseals UCP EMPOWER to the community in Jacksonville, NC!
The entire community is invited to learn more, participate in the ribbon cutting, enjoy a tour of the facility, sample smoothies made by EMPOWER participants and hear family testimonials. The event will take place at 110 Branchwood Drive, Jacksonville, NC 28546.
“We’ve been planning for this day a long time. I’m excited about the families that will share their stories and encourage others to participate in our life-changing programs. At EMPOWER we serve, we learn, we thrive!” says Katie Knight, EMPOWER Program Director.
EMPOWER’s programs and services are greatly needed in Jacksonville. Currently, no other wellness and recreation programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) exist in Onslow County or its surrounding communities. EMPOWER Jacksonville will provide a safe and fun environment where kids, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges can enjoy meaningful experiences through socially engaging activities.
- Engage participants through social activities
- Measure performance and success
- Promote fun, engaging and fulfilling experiences
- Outcome driven
- Wellness through recreation
- Encourage independence
- Respect each other’s differences
Easterseals UCP is able to successfully offer EMPOWER programs throughout Eastern North Carolina because of generous funding and partnership from Trillium Health Resources.
EMPOWER Jacksonville’s After School program and Summer Camp provides kids with a fun, safe learning environment that helps them flourish and grow. Through EMPOWER’s Transition to Employment (TTE) program, adult participants will learn life skills, job skills and have access to employment opportunities. These skills also prepare participants for the exciting next level of EMPOWER: Transition to Independent Living. In addition to program hours for participants, EMPOWER will also offer two 6-hour respites per month to provide temporary relief to primary caregivers from the responsibility and stress of caring for an individual with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
ABOUT EASTERSEALS UCP
Easterseals UCP is a trusted, compassionate partner providing exceptional disability and behavioral health services to help our neighbors live their best lives. Purpose, dedication and empathy drive our service delivery. Its diverse and inclusive 2,300-member team provides more than 9 million hours of meaningful support to 22,000 kids, adults and families in 11,000 home and community locations. Learn more at eastersealsucp.com.