Community Funds Festive Spirit of Norfolk Outing for Adults With Disabilities

Individuals in VersAbility Resources’ Day Support Program experienced a day of joy, community and celebration aboard the Spirit of Norfolk Dec. 19 thanks to generous donations received from the community as part of a Giving Tuesday fundraising campaign.

“We’re on a mission to empower individuals living with disabilities to lead full, meaningful lives of their own choosing,” said Kasia Grzelkowski, CEO of VersAbility. “The holiday season is a time for magic and connection, and we’re committed to ensuring everyone has the chance to feel included in its joy. For many of our participants, this holiday cruise was their first experience of its kind. Thanks to the incredible support we received, we were able to provide our Day Support Program participants with an unforgettable celebration that embodied the true spirit of the season—connection, inclusion, and pure joy.”

The Hampton-based nonprofit raised nearly $2,000 to fund this memorable holiday experience for 30 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

VersAbility’s Day Support program helps underserved adults and seniors with disabilities reach their highest level of independence and community engagement. The people served by this valuable program participate in a range of volunteer activities and projects within the community, enjoy arts and crafts, independently choose activities they have interests in, and participate in local recreational outings to parks, museums and events.

All Aboard! Donate to VersAbility Resources’ Giving Tuesday Campaign and Fund Spirit of Norfolk Cruise for Adults with Disabilities

VersAbility Resources invites the community to give the gift of joy and connection this Giving Tuesday, December 3, 2024. The nonprofit is hosting a crowdfunding campaign to raise $1,856 to fund a memorable holiday experience for 30 participants in its Day Support program.

The funds will cover the cost of a special evening holiday party aboard the Spirit of Norfolk, offering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to enjoy a festive celebration on the water with their peers.

Donations are being accepted online here.

VersAbility’s Day Support program helps underserved adults and seniors with disabilities reach their highest level of independence and community engagement. The people served by this valuable program participate in a range of volunteer activities and projects within the community, enjoy arts and crafts, independently choose activities they have interests in, and participate in local recreational outings to parks, museums and events.

“This Giving Tuesday, we’re asking the community to come together and help create a truly unforgettable experience for the incredible individuals we support,” said Kasia Grzelkowski, CEO of VersAbility. “For many, this holiday cruise will be their first opportunity to celebrate the season in such a unique and magical way.”

The Spirit of Norfolk cruise will provide participants with an evening of fun, music, dining and camaraderie during the holiday season, fostering community connection and engagement.

Every contribution, big or small, will help make the holiday season brighter for area adults with disabilities. To donate and help VersAbility Resources reach its goal of $1,856, go here and select “Spirit of Norfolk” from the “My Donation is For” drop-down menu.

Donate to VersAbility Resources Fundraiser to Provide a Thanksgiving Meal to People with Disabilities

VersAbility Resources is calling on community members to help bring joy and gratitude to people with disabilities this Thanksgiving season by contributing to its holiday fundraiser.

The nonprofit aims to raise $2,500 to serve approximately 100 people with disabilities with its annual Thanksgiving meal on November 21.

This heartwarming event has become a cherished tradition at VersAbility, where community support makes it possible to serve a delicious Thanksgiving meal to individuals with disabilities who are supported by the organization’s programs. Each contribution directly supports a festive experience that celebrates togetherness, gratitude and community spirit.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the generosity of our community in helping us make this Thanksgiving special for the people we serve,” said Kasia Grzelkowski, CEO of VersAbility. “Our goal is to bring a sense of family and inclusion to all who join us for this meal, and we couldn’t do it without the support of our donors.”

In addition to contributions from the community, VersAbility’s annual Thanksgiving meal is made possible through the generous support of clubs in Kiwanis Capital District Division 13, a long-time partner committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Every gift brings VersAbility closer to its goal and ensures that everyone can enjoy a memorable Thanksgiving meal. To donate, please visit versability.org/support/contribute-a-gift and select “Thanksgiving” from the “My Donation is For” drop-down menu.

Ability Am 2024 a Success!

Thanks to our incredible group of sponsors, players and a supportive community, our signature summer fundraiser – the Ability Am – raised $87,625 in 2024!

The 85 golfers on 21 teams and 14 sponsors made it possible for us to do even more good work to help ALL abilities shine!

Allegra Hampton Roads Awards $1,000 Grant From FootPRINT Fund to VersAbility Resources

VersAbility Resources received a $1,000 grant from the FootPRINT Fund.

The FootPRINT Fund awards marketing communications and print services through Allegra Hampton Roads to select applicant nonprofit organizations to help enhance their image, expand their services and extend their marketing communications and printing budgets. The awarded funds can be used for marketing planning, graphic design, printing, signs and banners, copying, bindery or automated mailing. The maximum award is $1,000. All awarded print and marketing communications services must be used by Dec. 2, 2024.

Allegra Hampton Roads is a full-service marketing and print communications company based in Norfolk. VersAbility Resources supports people of all ages with disabilities to help them lead full and productive lives of their choosing.

Shop at Kroger and Give to VersAbility Resources Without Spending More

It’s so easy to donate to VersAbility Resources while you’re shopping for groceries at Kroger.

And it won’t cost you any extra $$.

Here’s how it works. You’ll need a Kroger Plus Card that you can sign up for at any customer service desk at your local store.

Create a digital account if you don’t already have one. If you’ve ordered groceries online before, you likely have a digital account. You’ll need to have your Kroger Plus card Card handy to link to your account.

Log in to your account. Next, look for My Account on the top right of the screen and click it. Scroll down to find Community Rewards. You’ll see hundreds of organizations that can earn money when you link your digital account to your Kroger Plus Card. Search for VersAbility Resources by name or find by using its organization number: CR660. Make VersAbility your selection and remember to click “Save.”

The rest is easy. Swipe your Kroger card every time you shop. You’ll not only get discounts, fuel points and digital coupons. Kroger donates annually to the organization you selected (VersAbility Resources) based on your percentage of spending at it relates to the total spending associated with all participating Kroger Rewards Organizations.

Just by doing your regular shopping at Kroger, you’re benefitting VersAbility’s mission: for people with disabilities to live full and productive lives of their choosing.

VersAbility Resources thanks you for being a Kroger shopper!

Support Inclusion & VersAbility on World Autism Awareness Day

World Autism Awareness Day held annually on April 2 is one of seven official health specific days sanctioned by the United Nations.

Member states, which include the United States, are encouraged to raise awareness about autism on this day, highlighting the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives. VersAbility Resources operates with a similar mission of making sure people with disability lead full and productive lives of their choosing.

When you donate to VersAbility Resources, you’re contributing to making a better life to those with autism or another disability. If you have a family member or friend with autism, host a Facebook fundraiser on April 2 to support VersAbility Resources.

Autism or autism spectrum disorder refers to a broad range of lifelong conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, according to Autism Speaks, a nonprofit dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism.

If you suspect your child is on the autism spectrum, reach out to VersAbility’s Early Prevention and Intervention for Children (EPIC) program. Free developmental screenings are provided for any child living in Hampton and Newport News under the age of 3.

Blue is the color associated with World Autism Awareness Day. Wearing blue on April 2 symbolizes autism awareness and solidarity with the mission of not simply existing with autism but living life a life without limits.

While World Autism Awareness Day is only one day, appreciating differences, promoting understanding and making the world a more inclusive place is a 24/7/365 endeavor.

Sign up for Bloomin’ Bucks to Support VersAbility Resources

Shop online at Brent and Becky’s Bulbs and support VersAbility Resources.

The 28-acre farm and family owned  garden center on Daffodil Lane in Gloucester has been home to quality flower bulbs, perennials, seeds and more for generations.

Start by registering for an account if you don’t already have one.

Then visit bloominbucks.com and select VersAbility Resources from the dropdown menu.

Click Go.

From there you’ll be taken to Brent and Becky’s website where you can browse the huge selection and make your choices that will be shipped directly to you. 

When you order, 25% of your product total will go to VersAbility!

If you prefer to order by phone at 877-661-2852, remember to mention that you want to support VersAbility. Or if you have the physical catalogue, write in VersAbility Resources at the bottom of the order form.

Feel good about your purchase knowing you are making a difference in VersAbility’s mission to support people of all ages with disabilities live full and productive lives of their choosing.

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