She shares her passion to assist people living with disabilities and mental health challenges in the Triangle Business Journal's Executive Voice series.
Two-year-old Davian, who has Down Syndrome, is becoming more independent thanks to the hard work of staff at Dorothy Spainhour Child Development Center. He is feeding himself, following directions and interacting with classmates!
The support of Individual and Community Services staff helps Chris achieve new skills and reach goals. He's hitting one out of the park! Learn more about how Easterseals UCP can help your family.
Camp Easterseals UCP is an overnight camp near Roanoke, Virginia for kids and adults with disabilities and special needs. Summer camp, weekend respites and family camps are available. Campers include people with autism, Down Syndrome, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and other physical and intellectual disabilities. Many campers make the trip from Roanoke, Lynchburg, Richmond, NOVA, Virginia Beach, Washington DC, and Charlotte to attend camp.
Consider donating to Camp Easterseals UCP online. Every dollar helps a camper with a disability.
Increased independence: Campers spend 3 to 26 days on their own away from their normal caregivers and lives. While assistance is available through trained staff, independence is encouraged with new activities in a unique and supportive atmostphere.
Improved self-esteem: Imagine riding a horse for the first time after being told you couldn't do most fun activities that your friends and family enjoy. Not only would it be a wonderful experience but for campers it builds confidence that they can reach other goals that they once thought unreachable.
Forged friendships and the development of social skills: From campfires to dances to playing sports, campers socialize with other campers and staff. This includes friends and peers to hang out with, along with 'big buddies.' The camp atmosphere allows campers to feel comfortable as a person with a disability and increases their openness.
Break from the typical 'TV' life for a unique outdoor experience: There has never been a larger disconnect from nature than at the present time. For people with disabilities opportunities to experience nature are few and far between. While at camp, campers gain a appreciation for nature that they wouldn't get anywhere else from canoeing down Craig's Creek to sleeping underneath the starts. Nature is abundant at Camp Easterseals UCP.
Life changing experience: Many campers, staff, and volunteers have all described their experience at camp as "life changing."
Where Does the Magic Happen?Camp Easterseals UCP
900 Camp Easter Seals Rd.New Castle, VA 24127(540) 777-7325camp@eastersealsucp.com
