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January 2026
Community Newsletter
| | Real Stories, Real Impact | | |
Meet Elijah!
Headlights, music, and a busy line of customers set the scene. Elijah was ready. Just months earlier, he was learning workplace skills and building confidence in Easterseals PORT Health’s Transition to Employment (TTE) program.
Now, he’s finding fulfillment and independence at Sonic, serving customers, handling orders, and putting those skills into action every day.
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Share Your Trillium Story
We love to see members reaching their fullest potential. If you know someone with a positive story to share (and their permission to do so), please let us know! You can send any pictures and stories to Info@TrilliumNC.org.
| | | Hoke and Sampson counties are ready to play! | | The Trillium region has two new reasons to enjoy the outdoors! Brand-new accessible playgrounds are now open in Hoke and Sampson Counties. Our thanks to all of our friends who came out to celebrate the grand opening of both in December. Check out our two newest playgrounds located in Hoke County in Raeford and Sampson County in Autryville. | | | | |
Greene County, more play is coming your way
The fun never ends when everyone has a chance to play! Trillium is excited to invite our friends in Greene County to the opening of their new inclusive playground.
Join us for the grand opening on January 20, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. We cannot wait to see you at 84 North Perry Drive in Snowhill.
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Your Health Matters in 2026! Trillium kicks off new series with virtual Human Trafficking Awareness symposium on January 16
January is more than a fresh start; it’s Human Trafficking Awareness Month. North Carolina continues to be impacted by this hidden crime. In 2024, the National Human Trafficking Hotline identified 301 human trafficking cases involving 580 victims in our state. Raising awareness helps us recognize warning signs, support survivors, and create safer neighborhoods.
Join us for the free Human Trafficking Awareness Virtual Symposium on January 16 as part of our Your Health Matters series. The event will take place over Zoom from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Learn how to protect yourself and others, connect with resources, and empower your community.
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Mark Your Calendar for upcoming Your Health Matters events
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February 27 Eating Disorder Awareness Symposium (Elizabeth City, NC)
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March 17 Nutrition and I/DD Awareness Symposium (Asheboro, NC)
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April 30 Alcohol and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder Awareness Symposium (Washington, NC)
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Trillium teams up to tackle hunger with 38 thousand donated meals and food items
Across eastern and central North Carolina, hunger remains a real challenge for far too many neighbors. Nearly one in seven individuals in our area faces food insecurity, including many children and families striving to make ends meet. This holiday season, Trillium staff came together to help.
Our staff donated money to purchase 36,140 meals through a virtual food drive and collected nearly 2,010 donated items for local food banks. Every donation supported emergency food pantries and meal services essential to community health and stability. If you’d like to help, local food banks welcome additional donations and volunteers!
| | Victory Junction Spring Family Weekends are just around the corner! | | | | Help us spread the word! Families can now apply to participate in the Spring 2026 Trillium Family Weekends at Victory Junction. Upcoming dates include March 27-29 and April 24-26. Trillium is honored to bring these exciting, memorable camp experiences to our families, at no cost to them! Fill out the 2026 Spring Interest Form to start your very own adventure! | |
Ring in the new year with Attend Behavior
Trillium is excited to connect families to Attend Behavior. This free, easy-to-use online program is designed for busy families of children with autism and other developmental disabilities. In a few minutes a day, Attend provides practical tips and strategies to improve daily routines and behavior at home.
With on-demand resources and direct support from Attend Specialists, families get the guidance they need without long waitlists. Join over 125 Trillium parents and caregivers learning at their own pace and making meaningful improvements that fit their schedule. Ready to get started? Fill out the interest form to connect your family to Attend today.
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Trillium’s Simulation events enrich our communities
Trillium’s recent Simulation Events offered powerful, hands-on learning moments across our communities in December. In Edgecombe County, Supporting Children Early Simulation attendees experienced daily realities of families raising children with disabilities. Through role play, community members and stakeholders learned the challenges navigating complex systems and supporting children’s healthy development. A big thanks to Family Services Coordinator Sonja Person with Down East Partnership for Children for sharing her work and knowledge at this event.
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Future Simulation Event Dates—Register to Join Us!
Reentry Simulations
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Mark your calendar for upcoming Simulations that are free and open to the public. | | | | During the holiday season, Trillium staff were out in the community helping people shine bright, both on the inside and out. From sharing food and resources to supporting families and safety efforts, these events brought connection, care, and support to communities across our regions. | | | |
Northern
In the Northern Region, Trillium participated in several events focused on food access and community health. Staff supported mobile markets and food giveaways in Halifax County, helping families receive fresh food and essential supplies. Trillium also joined a health fair in Northampton County to share crisis resources and wellness information.
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North Central
Trillium’s work in the North Central Region centered on helping families meet basic needs during the holiday season. Staff supported a large food and turkey giveaway in Nash County that served hundreds of community members. By sharing information and resources at the event, Trillium helped connect families with ongoing support beyond the holidays.
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South Central
In the South Central Region, Trillium took part in community celebrations, safety efforts, and support for individuals with disabilities. Staff joined partners in Duplin County for a networking event that strengthened relationships and collaboration. Trillium also delivered Narcan and resources to support public safety. In Lenoir County, staff participated in a holiday gathering that brought families together and promoted inclusion.
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Southern
Events in the Southern Region focused on children, families, and prevention education. Trillium supported a sensory-friendly holiday event in Brunswick County for young children with special needs and their families. In New Hanover County, staff shared resources with parents at a school breakfast and helped bring hands-on education to students through a vaping prevention program.
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Dive into the latest Trillium updates
Explore the Trillium Blog for Community Health Insights
Did you know Trillium regularly shares blog posts designed to support the health and well-being of our communities? You can find them on our website under News Releases and Blog Posts.
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Dry January is here!
This annual campaign invites us to reset on our relationship to alcohol for a one-month challenge. This month’s blog post dives into the health benefits (better sleep and money in your pocket, yes please!), tips to tackle the challenge head-on, and the resources to support you along the way. It is never too late to join the challenge.
Read Dry January's Blog Post
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