From UCP EMPOWER Afterschool Program

Afterschool is fun and educational at Easterseals UCP EMPOWER Afterschool Program. This year, with the support of Trillium Health Resources, Easterseals UCP created powerful after school programs in six locations in North Carolina for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ages 5 to 22. EMPOWER stands for engaging and motivating people through opportunities in wellness, education and recreation.

In Beaufort County, children kicked off their new year learning about kindness. Beginning with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, EMPOWER staff discussed King, equality and treating others kindly regardless of race, size and economic status. In honor of this holiday, the afterschool attendees decided to make bagged lunches and donate them to the local Zion Shelter and Kitchen in Washington.

Thanks to Harris Teeter and Food Lion, food and bottled water donations were provided so that the children could pursue their goal of helping people less fortunate than themselves in the community. The afterschool attendees learned independence and giving while bagging 30 lunches.

On Jan. 20, the Easterseals UCP EMPOWER Afterschool Program delivered the lunches to Keith Harris, the kitchen manager at Zion Shelter, who was grateful and appreciative of the children’s passion to help people at the shelter.

Easterseals UCP is a nonprofit organization serving the special needs communities in North Carolina and Virginia. Our mission is to create opportunities, promote individual choice, and change the lives of children and adults with disabilities by maximizing their individual potential to live, learn, work and play in their communities. Learn more about services for children and adults with disabilities at www.eastersealsucp.com.