After-school programs give children and teenagers the chance to learn and connect with others of the same age. Yet for students with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families, finding programs that provide that chance while meeting their unique developmental needs can be a challenge. Children deserve play, social, and wellness activities that are inclusive for people of all abilities. Trillium partnered with Easterseals UCP and Autism Society of NC to develop the Easterseals UCP EMPOWER and Autism Society of NC’s Social Recreation after-school programs across our region.
These programs offer children the opportunity to have fun with other youth the same age while getting skills that are important for becoming an adult. Families can receive additional support for their children and teens with locations close to schools with an operating schedule that is typical of afterschool and summer camp programs. Check back on this page as new programs and locations become available.
Easterseals UCP EMPOWER
EMPOWER After-school programs are for individuals with an I/DD diagnosis. Programs in Elizabeth City, New Bern, and Wilmington serve students from kindergarten through senior year of high school. The Ahoskie program serves children ages 3 through high school graduation. The EMPOWER Summer Moore Center in Greenville serves children ages 3 through 8th grade.
A new EMPOWER After-school location coming soon to Jacksonville.
Students ages 16 and up can also participate in Transition to Employment programs as an after-school program. Visit the Adult Transition Programs page
Call or email the program directors below to begin the application process. Additional information can also be found on the EMPOWER Afterschool Programs website.
Site Director Contacts
- Ahoskie, NC
Bobbi Dunlow
Bobbi.Dunlow@eastersealsucp.com
252-513-8168 - Elizabeth City, NC
Jen Scialdone
Jennifer.Scialdone@eastersealsucp.com
252-384-8307 - Greenville, NC
Donna Griffin
Donna.Griffin@eastersealsucp.com
252-756-6533 - New Bern, NC
Lisa Sharpe
lisa.sharp@eastersealsucp.com
252-631-5417 - Wilmington, NC
Nicole Kohler
Nicole.Kohler@eastersealsucp.com
910-782-8368 - Jacksonville, NC
Angle Deschaine
angel.deschaine@eastersealsucp.com
910-939-3903
Autism Society of North Carolina
Social Recreation Program (Greenville, Newport, Wilmington, and Winterville)
The Autism Society of North Carolina offers after-school programs for school-age children with autism. It is available from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. each week day during the school year. Programs are located in Newport, Winterville, and Wilmington. Learn more on the Autism Society of North Carolina website.
Call or email the site directors below for more information.
Site Director Contacts
- Greenville
ASNC Transition to Employment
2045-C Eastgate Drive Greenville, NC 27858
kjohnston@autismsociety-nc.org
252-756-1316 - Wilmington
ASNC Social Recreation Center
705 S Kerr Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403
SRP_Wilmington@autismsociety-nc.org
910-782-3499 - Newport
ASNC Social Recreation Center
113 Roberts Road, Newport, NC, 28570
SRP_Newport@autismsociety-nc.org
252-658-3020 - Winterville
ASNC Social Recreation Center
4882 Reedy Branch Road, Winterville
SRP_Winterville@autismsociety-nc.org
252-917-5987
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