Credentialed media and members of the public are invited to attend Ignite Your Future: A Project Spark Event, hosted by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Project Spark was created by NCDHHS to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) explore, prepare for and keep a job in their community and is paid for by the U.S. Department of Education. Project Spark also helps people with I/DD transition from subminimum wage jobs to competitive, integrated employment alongside their peers.
The Ignite Your Future resource fair is designed to connect people with I/DD and their families to employment and support services. Attendees will have access to one-on-one benefits counseling with certified counselors, group information sessions and opportunities to engage with vocational rehabilitation providers, independent living supports, assistive technology resources, and healthcare services.
The event will feature open-table networking throughout the day and a peer mentor panel during lunch. Registration is free and open to the public, and individuals can register through this link. Participants must pre-register online to receive complimentary lunch. Walk-ins are welcome anytime during the event.
As Project Spark continues its mission to enhance economic opportunity and independence for North Carolinians with I/DD, this event embodies its core goal of enabling individuals to earn competitive wages, build relationships and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Project Spark offers personalized guidance and ongoing support, including benefits counseling, job placement and job coaching, assistance from a trained IDD peer mentor and post-employment follow-up for North Carolinians with I/DD.
What: Ignite Your Future: An NCDHHS Project Spark Event
When: Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Carolina Pines Community Center
2305 Lake Wheeler Road
Raleigh, NC
Media: Credentialed media are invited to attend and should RSVP to news@dhhs.nc.gov.