Easter Seals UCP’s ACTT is a full spectrum, long-term community-based treatment model for adults with severe and persistent mental needs that have not been adequately treated by more traditional treatments.  The team consists of a team leader, psychiatrist, nurse, therapist, vocational specialist, substance abuse specialist and housing specialist to help manage each individual’s treatment plan.  The goal is to help individuals manage their mental health challenges and live more self-sufficient lives.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, mental health problems affect one in five American families.  In Mecklenburg County, despite growing mental health needs, state funding cuts have caused many mental health service providers to shut their doors.

“Mental health disorders account for four out of ten leading causes of disability,” said Willie Walker, Easter Seals UCP’s adult mental health manager for Mecklenburg County.  “ACTT provides a team of experts approach to address the identified needs of an individual with persistent mental health issues that require intensive interventions to remain stable in the community.  This sets us apart from other mental health service providers and improves patient outcomes.”

The typical outcomes found in individuals served by Easter Seals UCP’s ACTT are fewer hospitalizations, stable housing, effective medication management, gains in educational and vocational goals and an improved support system.

For more information on Easter Seals UCP’s ACTT services, visit Easter Seals UCP ACTT online or call (704) 333-8220 x1521.  

About Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia
Headquartered in Raleigh, NC with programs and services throughout North Carolina and Virginia, Easter Seals UCP is a lifelong partner to families managing disabilities and mental health challenges. The nonprofit serves more than 20,000 individuals and their families annually through an array of services. Easter Seals UCP enhances the quality of life for individuals and maximizes their potential for engaging in their communities.  For more information on Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia, please visit www.eastersealsucp.com.

Contacts

Willie Walker
(704) 333-8220 x1521
willie.walker@eastersealsucp.com

Richmond, VA… This week, Friendly Ice Cream Corporation launches its 31st annual ‘Cones for Kids’ campaign. The Valentine’s Day fundraiser will benefit 30 Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s programs, including  Camp Easter Seals UCP in New Castle, Virginia.

For a $1 donation, Friendly’s provides restaurant guests with five Valentine’s Day cards, redeemable for free Friendly’s Kids Cones. The campaign runs January 2 through February 13, 2012. 

Funds raised will support Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s programs essential to building a sense of independence and accomplishment for thousands of children annually. Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s  provides an opportunity for kids with disabilities to be included in regular camp activities like, boating and canoeing, swimming, archery, ropes courses, horseback riding, hiking, basketball and fishing.

Celebrating More Than 30 Years of Cones for Kids
Friendly’s successful ‘Cones for Kids’ campaign is an annual tradition where guests and employees across the restaurant chain help change the lives of thousands of children with disabilities through their efforts. The campaign has raised more than $27 million to date -- more than $675,000 in 2011 alone -- to benefit Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s program locations across the country.

"Friendly's Cones for Kids event is a fun way for kids to play an active role in the positive development of children faced with physical, mental and developmental challenges," said Alex Barge, Director  for Camp Easter Seals UCP, who noted that funds raised through the campaign will support Easter Seals Camp Friendly's programs. According to Barge, camp provides an opportunity for kids with disabilities to be included in regular camp activities like boating and canoeing, swimming, archery, ropes courses, horseback riding, hiking, basketball and fishing.

About Friendly Ice Cream Corporation
Friendly Ice Cream Corporation is a vertically integrated restaurant company serving signature sandwiches, entrees and ice cream desserts in a friendly, family environment with system-wide sales of $700 million and distribution through over 7,500 retail locations. For over 75 years, Friendly’s has been delighting guests.  Plans are currently underway to revitalize the restaurants and introduce new products to meet today’s customer’s needs. For additional information please visit www.friendlys.com.

About Easter Seals
Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs. For more than 90 years, we have been offering help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play. Support children and adults with disabilities at www.easterseals.com.

About Camp Easter Seals UCP
Camp Easter Seals UCP, located in New Castle, VA,  is designed to offer children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy fun and challenging activities in a supportive and cooperative atmosphere.  From campfire sing-a-longs and talent shows to canoeing, nature walks, swimming and arts & crafts, the Easter Seals UCP Virginia camping program provides the excitement and activity of a traditional summer camp program in a beautiful, accessible setting.  For more information about Camp Easter Seals UCP, visit www.campeastersealsucp.com.

Contacts

• Amy Beros
  amy.beros@nc.eastersealsucp.com

The event showcased five cooking teams who competed for the best tasting barbecue.  Retired news anchor Charlie Gaddy and Side Dish food critic Deborah Miller served as judges and gave top prize to Sam Hobgood and Big Ed’s City Market team.  Hobgood generously donated his $250 prize money to Easter Seals UCP.

Attendees went on to enjoy an evening of barbecue sandwiches and live music from The Craig Thompson Duo. 

About Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia
Easter Seals UCP is a lifelong partner to families managing disabilities and mental health challenges. The nonprofit serves more than 20,000 children, adults and families in North Carolina and Virginia – 12 percent of those served live in the Triangle area.  Easter Seals UCP enhances the quality of life for individuals and maximizes their potential for engaging in their communities.

Contacts

• Jane Phillips
  jane.phillips@nc.eastersealsucp.com
  (919) 865-8724

Local resident and long-time Easter Seals UCP volunteer Carol Burke has been integral to the success of the office expansion activities. Kathy McGuire, Easter Seals UCP Community Director for the Mount Airy area, said: "In February 2011 we developed a plan along with Carol Burke to merge all of our ESUCP staff in Mount Airy into one location. Carol has been our champion for many years and with her help our staff took on the challenge. We have up fitted three offices to accommodate an exciting and unique new program – Stay Well Integrated Healthcare - that was made possible by a grant we received from the Kate B. Reynolds Foundation. This program, which integrates primary healthcare into a mental health clinic, got off the ground in October, and is based on the belief that treating the whole person will lead to better outcomes, both for the individual and for the system as a whole. We are excited about our new facility and the new opportunities to provide services to our community."

About Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia
Raleigh, NC-based Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia is a lifelong partner to families managing disabilities and mental health challenges. The nonprofit serves more than 20,000 individuals and their families annually through an array of services. Easter Seals UCP enhances the quality of life for individuals and maximizes their potential for engaging in their communities. Easter Seals UCP serves the Mount Airy community through the following programs:
Assertive Community Treatment Team
Individual and Community Supports for children and adults with Developmental Disabilities
Intensive In Home Therapy
Medication Management
Multi-Systemic Therapy
Outpatient Therapy (in office and in the community)
Stay Well Integrated Healthcare
Targeted Case Management

For more information on Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia, please visit www.eastersealsucp.com.

Contacts

• Jane Phillips
  jane.phillips@nc.eastersealsucp.com
  (919) 865-8724

WILMINGTON, NC - - More than 200 walkers of all physical abilities took part in the 5th Annual Easter Seals UCP Walk With Me event on Saturday and raised more than $16,000 for critical programs and services for children and adults with disabilities and special needs.  The 2.5 mile walk took place at the Loop at Wrightsville Beach and showcased many inspiring individuals and families who have benefited from Easter Seals UCP programs and services.  The non-profit helps individuals living with disabilities live more independent lives.

“We are so proud and inspired by many of the Walk With me participants and supporters,” said London Schmidt, development manager for Easter Seals UCP’s Eastern North Carolina market.  “We have great appreciation for all of our walkers who raised money to support making a significant difference in the lives of many living with and overcoming special challenges in the Wilmington community.”

About Easter Seals UCP
Easter Seals UCP is a lifelong partner to families managing disabilities and mental health challenges. The nonprofit serves more than 20,000 children, adults and families in North Carolina and Virginia.  Easter Seals UCP enhances the quality of life for individuals and maximizes their potential for engaging in their communities.  For more information on Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia, please visit www.eastersealsucp.com.

Contacts

• London Williamson
  london.williamson@nc.eastersealsucp.com

Raleigh, NC…Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia was presented with the 2011 NC Rehabilitation Association Organizational Award during the recent  NCRA Annual Conference in Wrightsville Beach, NC.  Easter Seals UCP was honored for its development of employment programs that function as a catalyst to better integrate, coordinate, and develop services to persons with disabilities.  Easter Seals UCP was further cited for ensuring that individuals gain real work experience and achieve personal vocational goals.

Bridget Hassan, Easter Seals UCP Service Line Director for Employment Programs, accepted the award on behalf of Easter Seals UCP and commented:  “We are so grateful to be recognized for the supports we provide, and we are honored to be able to meet the employment needs of individuals experiencing the most severe disabilities.  Our goal is to enable individuals to find meaningful opportunities to work or volunteer their talents and give back to their communities.”

About Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia
Headquartered in Raleigh, NC with programs and services throughout North Carolina and Virginia, Easter Seals UCP is a lifelong partner to families managing disabilities and mental health challenges. The nonprofit serves more than 20,000 individuals and their families annually through an array of services. Easter Seals UCP enhances the quality of life for individuals and maximizes their potential for engaging in their communities.  For more information on Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia, please visit www.eastersealsucp.com.

Contacts

• Jane Phillips
  jane.phillips@nc.eastersealsucp.com
  (919) 865-8724

Walk With Me is an event where individuals and families of all abilities can participate, including honorary ambassadors who have benefitted from Easter Seals UCP programs and services and offer inspiration to others.

The honorary ambassadors for this year's event include:

Ava, age 6, was born with spina bifida and attends the Easter Seals UCP Children's Center where she is able to be in an inclusive preschool setting while still getting the specialized therapies she needs to progress in her development. Despite the challenges she faces, she has overcome many obstacles and is a great source of inspiration and motivation for many.

Annetta, almost 2 years old, was diagnosed at two months old with a birth defect that affects the development of her brain, impairs her vision and causes frequent seizures. Netta attends the Easter Seals UCP Children's Center where she also is able to be surrounded by other children her age with and without special needs, yet still receive the specialized therapies she needs to help her progress.

Myles, age 4, has Down syndrome, but doesn't see himself as a boy with special needs. His parents have worked hard to treat him as typical as any other four year old boy. Easter Seals UCP works with Myles to help me succeed in his environment.

"Walk With Me is a unique event because it brings people of all abilities together," said London Schmidt, development manager for Easter Seals UCP's Eastern North Carolina market. "The honorary ambassadors are our mission in action and showcase the value of Easter Seals UCP in our community. Our walkers support makes it possible for Easter Seals UCP to continue to provide opportunities for people with disabilities in our area to live with equality, dignity and independence."

For more information or to participate in the Easter Seals UCP Walk With Me event, please call (910) 790-5921 or visit www.walkwithme.org/wilmington.

About Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia
Headquartered in Raleigh, NC with programs and services throughout North Carolina and Virginia, Easter Seals UCP is a lifelong partner to families managing disabilities and mental health challenges. The nonprofit serves more than 20,000 individuals and their families annually through an array of services. Easter Seals UCP enhances the quality of life for individuals and maximizes their potential for engaging in their communities. For more information on Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia, please visit www.eastersealsucp.com.

Contacts

• London Williamson
  london.williamson@nc.eastersealsucp.com

Walk With Me is an annual fundraiser for Easter Seals UCP and is held in eight locations throughout North Carolina and Virginia. This is the first event in Greenville thanks to dedicated volunteers, supporters and sponsors.

"We are so proud and inspired by many of the Walk With me participants and supporters," said London Schmidt, development manager for Easter Seals UCP's Eastern North Carolina market. "This fundraiser allows Easter Seals UCP to continue and even increase their programs and services in the community."

About Easter Seals UCP
Easter Seals UCP is a lifelong partner to families managing disabilities and mental health challenges. The nonprofit serves more than 20,000 children, adults and families in North Carolina and Virginia. Easter Seals UCP enhances the quality of life for individuals and maximizes their potential for engaging in their communities. For more information on Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia, please visit www.eastersealsucp.com.

Contacts

• London Williamson
  london.williamson@nc.eastersealsucp.com

About Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia
Headquartered in Raleigh, NC with programs and services throughout North Carolina and Virginia, Easter Seals UCP is a lifelong partner to families managing disabilities and mental health challenges. The nonprofit serves more than 20,000 individuals and their families annually through an array of services. Easter Seals UCP enhances the quality of life for individuals and maximizes their potential for engaging in their communities.  For more information on Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia, please visit www.eastersealsucp.com.

Contacts

Kathy Lewis
Office Manager
Easter Seals UCP New Bern Community Office
(252) 636-6007 x 201
kathy.lewis@eastersealsucp.com

Easter Seals UCP operates nine five-star Early Childhood Education Centers across the state and has a long-held tradition of providing children with early intervention, education and therapeutic services. Board members from Craven Cherry Point Children’s Center and Easter Seals UCP expect the union of the two organizations to expand and enhance supports that are available to area children with special needs and their families. "I have had the pleasure and honor of serving on the Craven Cherry Point Child Development Center board for almost two years." said Megan McGarvey, Director of Public Relations for CarolinaEast Health System. "I am continually amazed and impressed with what the center is able to do for these very special children. I am confident the association with Easter Seals UCP will not only continue but advance services to children and others in need in our very underserved region."

“We are very pleased to welcome the Craven Cherry Point Child Development Center Board, staff, families and community partners to the Easter Seals UCP family.” said Connie L. Cochran, CEO and President of Easter Seals UCP.” We are very much looking forward to continuing and expanding the outstanding services and supports that have been provided over the years by the dedicated staff and volunteers that are associated with the Center.”

Rob Hollister, President of the Craven Cherry Point Center Board of Directors, added “Since 1974 the Craven Cherry Point Child Development Center (CCPCDC) and the local community have relied on each other for support. Far too many individuals, and community organizations, to mention have always pulled thru during the centers time of need. Wallets were opened, and time was donated in order to keep the center open for the benefit of local children with disabilities. This new partnership between the CCPCDC and Easter Seals UCP only serves to strengthen the bond between the Center and our community, and allows us all to help children with disabilities for another 34 years and beyond.”

About Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia
Headquartered in Raleigh, NC with programs and services throughout North Carolina and Virginia, Easter Seals UCP is a lifelong partner to families managing disabilities and mental health challenges. The nonprofit serves more than 20,000 individuals and their families annually through an array of services. Easter Seals UCP enhances the quality of life for individuals and maximizes their potential for engaging in their communities. For more information on Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia, please visit www.eastersealsucp.com.

Contacts

Barb Kcrmar
252-447-3892
ccpcdc@embarqmail.com