After-school programs give children and teens space to learn, grow and connect with their peers. Yet for students with I/DD and their families, finding programs that provide that service while meeting their unique developmental needs can be a challenge. Children deserve the chance to engage in recreational, social, and wellness activities that are accessible and inclusive. To address these challenges, Trillium partnered with Easterseals UCP and Autism Society of NC to develop EMPOWER and Social Recreation after-school programs across our catchment area.
These programs offer children the opportunity to have fun, connect with peers, and grow skills that are essential for development into adulthood. Families can receive additional support for their children and teens with convenient locations to schools as well as an operating schedule that coincides with the public school schedule. Check back on this page as new programs and locations become available.
Easterseals UCP EMPOWER
EMPOWER After-school programs are designed for individuals with a diagnosis of Intellectual and/or Developmental Disability. Programs in Elizabeth City, New Bern, and Wilmington serve students from kindergarten through graduation from high school. The Ahoskie program serves children aged 3 through high school graduation. The EMPOWER Summer Moore Center in Greenville serves children aged 3 through 8th grade.
A new EMPOWER After-school location is coming soon to Jacksonville.
Students age 16 and up can also participate in Transition to Employment programs as an after-school program. Visit the Adult Transition Programs page
Contact 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
Sarah Grace Britton
Sarah.Britton@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
Karen McGrath
Karen.McGrath@eastersealsucp.com
252-631-5417 - Wilmington, NC
Lindsey Nelson
Lindsey.Nelson@eastersealsucp.com
910-782-8368
Autism Society of North Carolina
Social Recreation Program (Newport, Wilmington, and Winterville)
The Autism Society of North Carolina offers after-school programming for school-age children with autism. It is available from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. daily during the school year. Programs are located in Newport, Winterville, and Wilmington. Learn more on the Autism Society of North Carolina website.
There is additionally a Transition to Employment program in Greenville. The program is for individuals with autism age 16 to 28. Participants cover independent living skills, job-readiness, social engagement, recreation, and internship to job placement opportunities. Learn more on the Employment Opportunities website.
Contact 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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