We’re proud to share that VersAbility Resources’ Lewis B. Puller Center in Gloucester has earned a 2026 Top 3 BusinessRate Award, recognizing it among the top-rated organizations in its area.
BusinessRate is a third-party analytics platform that ranks local businesses and nonprofits using performance metrics and public Google Business Profile data. While it isn’t an official award from Google, the recognition draws directly on the reviews and experiences people have shared about our center — which is what makes it so meaningful.
This honor reflects the dedication, compassion, and hard work of our incredible team, who create a welcoming environment where the people we support can live, learn, and thrive every day.
Thank you to our team members, the individuals and families we serve, and everyone who shared their experiences. Your support and trust make recognitions like this possible, and we’re honored to continue serving our community.
The invitation promised an evening of appreciation. What guests got was something more.
VersAbility appreciates the donors, community partners, and friends whose generosity and belief in their mission make it possible for people with disabilities to live, work, and thrive every day. What unfolded was an evening filled with gratitude, celebration, meaningful connections, and one unforgettable surprise.
We believe it’s important to pause and celebrate the people who make our mission possible. Partners in Purpose wasn’t about asking for support — it was about expressing our sincere gratitude to those who continue to stand beside us and invest in our mission.
Every person in the room represented a story of generosity, compassion, and partnership. Whether through financial support, advocacy, or leadership, our donors and community partners help open doors and minds to opportunity for over 1,500 individuals and families each year and we are deeply grateful for the trust they place in our mission.
What followed was an evening of recognition, tribute, and — in its most memorable moment — genuine surprise.
Ability Angels: A Circle of Commitment
Among the evening’s highlights was the recognition of VersAbility’s Ability Angels, a distinguished group of major donors who have pledged $10,000 or more in support of the organization’s employment, residential, early childhood, and day support programs.
Eleven returning Ability Angels were celebrated for their continued commitment, and two new members were welcomed into the community: Shelley Smith and Glenhouse Properties.
We are incredibly grateful to each of our Ability Angels. Collectively, these supporters represent something larger than a giving level. They represent a belief — in possibility, in inclusion, and in a future where people of all abilities have the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives.
Advocates Recognized for Impact Beyond the Check
The evening also honored two recipients of VersAbility’s Ability Advocate Award: Wayne MacMasters and Alexis Swann.
Both were recognized for contributions that go well beyond financial support — for the leadership, partnership, and sustained advocacy they have brought to the VersAbility community. Their recognition underscored a truth the organization returns to often: lasting impact requires people willing to invest their time, talent, and voice alongside their resources.
Twenty Years, One Surprise
Then came the moment no one had planned for — except the people who had been quietly planning it for weeks.
As the evening’s program drew toward a close, guests turned their attention to President and CEO Kasia Grzelkowski, who believed she was simply attending the same dinner as everyone else.
She was not.
What unfolded was an emotional tribute to 20 years of leadership at VersAbility — two decades during which Grzelkowski helped guide the organization through significant growth while never losing sight of the individuals at the center of its mission. Today, VersAbility directly supports more than 1,500 people annually through employment, workforce training, residential, early childhood, and community-based programs.
Family members, her best friend, colleagues, and musical guests all played a part in a celebration that moved quickly from surprise to tears to laughter to standing ovations. Her mother was in the room (also a surprise). So were the memories of two decades of relationships built through work that is, at its core, about people.
It was, by every account, the kind of moment that doesn’t happen at a fundraiser.
The Point of the Evening
As dinner gave way to music, dancing, and conversation among friends old and new, the through-line of the night came into focus.
Partners in Purpose was never about what comes next. It was about honoring what already is — the community of people who show up, year after year, to invest in others.
Behind every program VersAbility runs, every success story it tells, every opportunity it creates, are people who made a choice. The dinner was VersAbility’s way of making sure they knew it.
The greens at Cedar Point Club were in perfect shape on the morning of May 14, 2026. By the time the last putt dropped, the day had produced something far more significant than a leaderboard.
VersAbility Resources’ annual Ability Am Golf Tournament drew 23 teams and 92 golfers to the Suffolk course, raising nearly $96,000 to support employment services, day support programs, and community engagement opportunities for individuals of all abilities across Hampton Roads.
It was, by every measure, another successful tournament. But the numbers don’t capture the full picture.
A Partnership Built Over Time
The Ability Am doesn’t happen without Wayne MacMasters. The presenting sponsor has backed the tournament since its first year, and his continued investment has shaped not only the event’s financial foundation but its culture. His presence each year signals something to every golfer and volunteer who shows up: this is worth your time.
“Unwavering” is the word VersAbility uses to describe MacMasters’ support. It shows.
On the Other Side of the Ropes
While competitive golfers worked through their rounds, a different kind of game was being played nearby.
Thirty-four participants from VersAbility programs joined six First Tee instructors for an inclusive golf experience that has quietly become one of the tournament’s most anticipated traditions. The partnership, now in its second year of expanded participation, centers less on technique and more on what the game can offer someone who’s never held a club before: structure, confidence, and the particular satisfaction of making contact with a ball and watching it fly.
The instructors were patient. The participants were enthusiastic. And by every account from those on the ground, the smiles were plentiful.
The Story of Zane Sanford
If the tournament had an MVP this year, the case could be made for Zane Sanford — though he might deflect the attention.
Sanford joined VersAbility’s Government Contracts program in August 2023 as a General Laborer. He has since been promoted to Team Leader. He is also, it turns out, a scratch golfer — a distinction that puts him in rare company anywhere, let alone on a course where his organization celebrated him in front of sponsors and peers.
The recognition didn’t stop there. Sanford was recently named a finalist for a statewide self-advocacy award, finishing second among nominees from across Virginia.
His trajectory — from new hire to team leader to award finalist, all within three years — is exactly the kind of outcome VersAbility points to when making the case for what sustained support and meaningful employment can do.
What the Money Does
The $96,000 raised will move through VersAbility’s programs in ways that don’t always make for easy storytelling: job coaching, transportation coordination, benefits counseling, day program staffing. The infrastructure, in other words, that makes independence possible.
Looking Ahead
VersAbility is already looking toward next year’s tournament. The First Tee partnership is expected to grow. The competitive field will return. And somewhere in the mix, there will be another story like Zane Sanford’s — someone whose progress the broader community hasn’t yet had the chance to see.
That, more than anything, is what the Ability Am is built around.
For many job seekers, the hardest part of finding employment isn’t learning a trade — it’s building the confidence and professional skills to walk in the door and succeed. VersAbility TECH is looking for someone who understands that, and who wants to do something about it.
The Professional Development Instructor role sits at the heart of VersAbility’s workforce development programs, helping neurodiverse and disabled adults develop the workplace readiness skills employers actually want: communication, professionalism, time management, teamwork, and career planning.
You’ll design and deliver curriculum, facilitate workshops on resume writing and interview prep, and provide one-on-one coaching — all in a learning environment built around inclusion, encouragement, and growth.
This isn’t a traditional classroom gig.
It’s a coaching role as much as a teaching one. The right candidate is someone who can read a room, adjust their approach for different learning styles, and meet participants where they are. Experience working with neurodiverse individuals is a strong plus, but what matters most is the mindset: patient, adaptable, and genuinely invested in helping people reach their potential.
Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in education, human resources, or a related field, along with at least three years of experience in training, coaching, or workforce development. Familiarity with tools like Canva, Canvas, or Google Workspace is a bonus.
This is a full-time, Monday through Friday position (8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.) based in Hampton, Virginia. It’s an opportunity to work for a mission-driven nonprofit that has spent decades creating real pathways for people with disabilities to live, work, and thrive.
If you’re ready to make your workday matter, apply at VersAbility’s careers site or reach out to wehire@versability.org.
Kasia Grzelkowski, President and CEO of VersAbility Resources, has been named among the “Top 25” most influential leaders in Hampton Roads as part of the 2026 Power List released by Inside Business.
Published annually, the Power List recognizes leaders across business, government, education, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, and economic development who are shaping the future of the region. The publication’s prestigious “Top 25” distinction highlights individuals identified as having the greatest influence on Hampton Roads’ economy and regional growth.
In its profile of Grzelkowski, Inside Business highlighted her leadership of VersAbility Resources since 2006, as well as her recent recognition as the First Citizen Award recipient from the Virginia Peninsula Chamber. The publication also recognized VersAbility’s growing regional impact through employment programs, community living services, and early childhood initiatives that support more than 1,500 individuals annually.
The feature additionally spotlighted VersAbility TECH, the organization’s inclusive workforce training initiative focused on preparing individuals of all abilities for careers in maritime, manufacturing, logistics, skilled trades, and technology through hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications.
Under Grzelkowski’s leadership over the past two decades, VersAbility Resources has expanded its services, strengthened regional partnerships, and advanced its mission of empowering people with disabilities and other barriers to achieve independence, inclusion, and purpose.
In recent years, the organization has made significant investments in workforce development programs designed to meet the evolving needs of Hampton Roads industries. Through initiatives such as welding and forklift certification training, as well as technology-focused programs like abilIT, VersAbility is helping prepare students and job seekers for high-demand careers across multiple sectors.
Beyond her leadership at VersAbility Resources, Grzelkowski remains actively engaged in regional and statewide leadership initiatives. Inside Business also recognized her service on several boards and organizations, including the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, RVA757 Connects, and the Hampton Roads Chamber.
Her inclusion in the “Top 25” reflects not only her leadership within VersAbility Resources, but also the growing regional importance of inclusive workforce development and expanding pathways to opportunity for individuals of all abilities.
What if your summer internship actually mattered? Not a “get coffee and shadow someone” experience. Not a line on your resume you’ll struggle to explain in an interview.
Real work. Real impact. A real mission.
VersAbility Resources is now accepting applications for its Summer 2026 Internship Program — and if you’re a junior, senior, or graduate student ready to do something that counts, this is where you want to be.
VersAbility Resources exists to create opportunities, build independence, and strengthen communities for people with disabilities. Every program, every service, every initiative is built around one question: what does this person need to thrive?
When you intern here, you’re not supporting a product. You’re supporting people. And that changes what work feels like.
Internship opportunities are available across three focus areas — choose the one that aligns with where you’re headed:
Human Resources — Go behind the scenes on recruiting, onboarding, and employee engagement at an organization where inclusive hiring with intention is everything
Grant Writing — Learn to build a funding case, tell a compelling story, and help secure resources that power life-changing programs
Workforce Development — Support initiatives that prepare individuals for employment and lasting independence
Each path is different. The experience you’ll walk away with is the same: hands-on skills, professional mentorship, and work you’ll actually want to talk about.
Students pursuing communications, marketing, HR, nonprofit management, business, or workforce development will find strong alignment here. But more than your major, VersAbility is looking for people who show up with curiosity, care about doing good work, and want to be part of something bigger than themselves.
What sets VersAbility apart isn’t just the work — it’s the culture. Collaboration is the norm. Support is built in. And growth isn’t just encouraged; it’s expected.
VersAbility Resources is celebrating a moment of well-deserved recognition for one of the region’s most dedicated community leaders.
President and CEO Kasia Grzelkowski has been named the 2025 First Citizen of the Virginia Peninsula, an honor presented annually by the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce to individuals whose leadership, service, and commitment to community represent the very best of civic life in the region.
For those who know Grzelkowski’s work, the recognition comes as no surprise.
For nearly two decades, she has led VersAbility with a steady vision rooted in compassion, collaboration, and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a full and meaningful life.
Since becoming President and CEO 20 years ago, Grzelkowski has helped guide the organization through remarkable growth and transformation. Today, VersAbility supports more than 1,500 individuals each year through employment programs, community living services, and early childhood initiatives — creating pathways to independence and belonging for people with disabilities across the Virginia Peninsula.
Yet what truly defines Grzelkowski’s leadership is the way it reaches beyond any single organization.
Throughout her career, she has been a tireless advocate for partnerships that strengthen the entire community. As a past board chair of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and a contributor to numerous regional and statewide initiatives, she has consistently worked to bring together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and public institutions to solve challenges and expand opportunity.
At its heart, this recognition reflects the mission that has guided VersAbility for generations — creating communities where people of all abilities are valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Under Grzelkowski’s leadership, that mission continues to grow in both reach and impact, ensuring that inclusion is not just an ideal, but a lived reality across the Virginia Peninsula.
A Leadership Journey Rooted in Advocacy
Accepting the award at a gala held at Christopher Newport University, Grzelkowski reflected on the early experiences that shaped her perspective on fairness, leadership, and service. Raised by parents who were sociology professors, she grew up immersed in conversations about citizenship and the responsibilities individuals share in building stronger communities.
One childhood moment offered an early glimpse of the advocate she would become. While working in her family’s apple orchard packing house as a young child, Grzelkowski discovered that her brother was being paid more for the same work. With encouragement from the women working alongside her, she created a protest sign and staged a picket for equal wages, successfully convincing her grandfather to change the pay structure.
“That determined little girl with a handmade sign and a heart for fairness grew up to become a city planner,” she told the audience during her remarks.
Her early career in planning and work with community-focused organizations ultimately led her to VersAbility nearly 20 years ago. At the time, both she and the organization’s board took a leap of faith, with Grzelkowski stepping into her first CEO role and into a field where she had not previously worked.
“Sometimes life calls us to stretch, to overcome our fears and doubts, and step up to serve at a higher level,” she said.
Advancing Opportunity for People with Disabilities
Throughout her tenure, Grzelkowski has remained deeply motivated by VersAbility’s mission to ensure individuals with disabilities have access to meaningful employment, independence, and full participation in community life.
“People with disabilities are often overlooked, their voices are not heard, and their gifts and experiences are often overlooked,” she said during her acceptance speech. “That’s the ‘why’ that drives everything we do.”
Grzelkowski emphasized that these achievements are the result of a dedicated team and strong partnerships across the region.
“I accept this honor as a reflection of a team and community that believes in shared responsibility and shared success,” she told attendees.
A Vision for the Future of Inclusion
Grzelkowski is optimistic about the future of inclusion in Hampton Roads and the Virginia Peninsula. She highlighted the importance of collaboration between business leaders, community organizations, and public institutions to create sustainable opportunity for everyone.
VersAbility continues to play a vital role in that effort by expanding workforce pathways, strengthening partnerships with employers, and helping ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to dignified lives of their choosing.
“If a little girl can stand up for fairness,” she said, “then surely we, together, can build a community where dignity and opportunity belong to everyone.”
When people think about workforce readiness, one question often comes first: What kind of learning truly prepares students for real jobs?
For students preparing to enter today’s workforce — including students with disabilities —the answer is increasingly clear. Hands-on training plays a critical role in building skills, confidence and long-term success.
Through training programs offered by VersAbility TECH, experiential learning provides opportunities to learn by doing, turning potential into practical, employable skills. Building on VersAbility’s long-standing commitment to supporting people of all abilities, the program delivers inclusive training designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of leaners.
Learning by Doing Builds Real-World Skills
Hands-on training allows students to engage directly with tools, equipment and real workplace scenarios. Rather than relying solely on lectures or textbooks, students practice tasks they are likely to encounter on the job.
This approach helps learners:
Understand how tasks are performed in real work environments
Develop muscle memory and technical proficiency
Improve problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Retain information more effectively
For many students – including those with disabilities – active learning removes barriers that traditional classroom instruction may create.
Confidence Grows Through Experience
Confidence is a key component of employment success. Hands-on training helps students build confidence by allowing them to master tasks step by step in a supportive environment.
As students complete training milestones, they gain:
A sense of accomplishment
Increased independence
Trust in their own abilities
Motivation to pursue employment opportunities
These outcomes are meaningful not only for students, but for families who want to see their loved one succeed at work, and in everyday life.
Inclusive Training Meets Students Where They Are
Hands-on learning environments can be adapted to support a wide range of learning styles, physical abilities and communication needs. Training can be paced appropriately, reinforced through repetition and supported with visual, verbal or physical cues.
This flexibility helps ensure that:
Students are not rushed or overwhelmed
Skills are learned safely and effectively
Individual strengths are recognized and built upon
Inclusive, experiential training acknowledges that there is no single path to success, and that every learner benefits from instruction designed with accessibility in mind.
Preparation for High-Demand Careers
Employers consistently seek candidates who are ready to contribute on day one. Hands-on training prepares students for this expectation by exposing them to workplace standards, safety requirements and professional routines.
These industries value reliability, safety awareness and practical skills, qualities that hands-on training helps develop.
Bridging the Gap Between Education and Employment
One of the greatest challenges facing students with disabilities is the transition from education to employment. Hands-on training helps bridge that gap by connecting learning directly to job outcomes.
Through structured training and workforce preparation, students gain:
Job-ready technical skills
Exposure to real workplace expectations
Resume-building experience
A clearer understanding of career pathways
Hands-on training is more than an instructional method. It is a pathway to confidence, independence and meaningful employment for students of all abilities.
Through VersAbility TECH, experiential learning helps ensure that every student has the opportunity to build skills that matter, prepare for high-demand careers and move toward a more independent future.
Business leaders. Workforce champions. Technologists. Community advocates. Now is the moment to come together.
Leading workforce development and business organizations in Hampton Roads invite the community to Breaking Down Barriers in Tech Employment — a free, regional event on Thursday, March 5 starting at 5 p.m. designed to bring the community together in a call to action focused on expanding access, increasing opportunity and building a more inclusive technology workforce.
The evening, held at Rivers Casino Portsmouth, will feature networking, panel discussion and action-focused dialogue centered on building more inclusive pathways into high-demand tech careers across Hampton Roads.
The event’s signature panel discussion features regional leaders including:
• Shawn Avery, President & CEO, Hampton Roads Workforce Council • Johnny Garcia, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, SimIS, Inc. • Kasia Grzelkowski, President & CEO, VersAbility Resources
The conversation will be moderated by Blair Durham, Co-Founder & CEO of Black BRAND, with Francesca Garcia Moncion, Board Member of the Hispanic Chamber of Coastal Virginia, serving as event emcee.
Panelists plan to explore the evolving tech employment landscape, addressing both the opportunities and systemic barriers that job seekers face. Topics will include alternative credentialing, apprenticeships, military-to-civilian skill translation, inclusive hiring practices and the role of employer partnerships in workforce development.
While careers in technology are frequently perceived as requiring advanced degrees, extensive experience or security clearances, the event will highlight the growing number of accessible entry points into the industry. Attendees will gain practical insight into certifications, training programs and structured support systems that are helping people with disabilities alongside people of all abilities transition into meaningful tech careers.
For individuals with disabilities, one goal often rises above all others: meaningful employment that builds confidence, independence and long-term stability.
Through VersAbility TECH, forklift certification offers a practical, achievable pathway toward that goal. While it may seem like a simple credential, forklift certification can be a powerful stepping stone into high-demand careers.
A Credential That’s Widely Recognized and Needed
Industries across Virginia – including warehousing, manufacturing, distribution, shipbuilding and logistics – depend on trained forklift operators to keep operations running safely and efficiently.
Forklift certification is a recognized workforce credential that demonstrates safety knowledge, technical competence, and job readiness. For individuals with disabilities, earning this certification provides a concrete achievement that translates directly into employment opportunities.
Building Confidence and Independence
Workforce training delivers more than technical skills. It fosters:
Increased self-confidence
Greater responsibility
Stronger workplace independence
Pride in achievement
Mastering equipment operation and meeting certification standards helps individuals see their own capabilities in a new light. That growth often extends beyond the workplace into everyday life.
Creating Pathways to Stable Employment
One of the biggest advantages of earning forklift certification is how versatile it can make one’s skillset. While many people picture forklift work within traditional warehouse settings, the reality is that certification helps you qualify for roles in industries you might not expect, including:
Manufacturing facilities
Retail supply chains
Port and logistics operations
Construction material yards
These roles are essential to the economy and often provide consistent hours, competitive wages and opportunities for advancement. For families planning for long-term financial stability and independence, these factors are significant.
Support Beyond the Certification
What makes VersAbility TECH different is not just the credential, it’s the support system. Participants receive:
Hands-on training in a supportive learning environment
Job readiness preparation
Resume and interview coaching
Connections to local employers
Ongoing encouragement and guidance
At VersAbility TECH, we see what happens when opportunity meets support. We see individuals gain skills. We see families feel hopeful. And we see careers begin.
For individuals with disabilities, forklift certification may be more than job training. It may be the start of long-term independence.
Eight graduates completed 14-week IT training program designed to expand access and build an inclusive tech workforce.
VersAbility Resources proudly announces the first graduating class of abilIT, a groundbreaking 14-week workforce development program delivered in partnership with Melwood to prepare people with disabilities for competitive, in-demand careers in information technology.
The inaugural cohort included eight graduates, each completing hands-on training, career development support and industry-recognized credential preparation to help them confidently pursue in-demand roles in the technology sector. In several cases, the program’s career-focused approach enabled graduates to move seamlessly from training into the workforce with interviews and job placements already underway at the time of graduation.
abilIT is offered in partnership with Cybrary, the world’s most extensive online cybersecurity training platform. The program combines foundational IT instruction with preparation for widely recognized certifications, including CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ — helping graduates strengthen technical skills and stand out to employers seeking talent in IT support and cybersecurity pathways.
“This graduation represents more than completing a program,” said Kasia Grzelkowski, President and CEO of VersAbility. “It represents access, opportunity and a tech workforce enriched by the talent and perspectives of people with disabilities.”
Graduates of abilIT are prepared to pursue roles such as IT Specialist, Help Desk Support and Cybersecurity Analyst, with dedicated career support designed to help participants translate training into real employment opportunities.
VersAbility Resources encourages individuals interested in beginning a career in IT — or those who know someone who may be interested — to inquire about the abilIT program and future opportunities.
Due to anticipated winter weather conditions and out of an abundance of caution, all VersAbility Resources staff will operate on a two-hour delay on Monday, February 2, 2026.
Please review the details below carefully, as guidance varies by program and role.
Waiver Day Support & ICF Programs
-Waiver Day Support (Copeland, Fishing Point, and Puller): Two-hour delay. Community Living leadership will provide additional instructions. -ICF Day Support: Closed. -ICF Residential Programs: Will shelter in place. All DSPs should report to their designated homes on a two-hour delay. Please stand by for further instructions from your supervisors.
Leadership and Salaried Employees
-Two-hour delay (report by 10 AM). Each division should use discretion and make safety-based decisions in the best interest of their teams and current weather conditions.
Residential Staff (ICF/Waiver)
-Two-hour delay. Community Living leadership will provide further guidance regarding any shift adjustments.
Government Contract Staff and Employees
-Please follow the scheduling guidelines provided by your respective base locations. -Government Contracting staff should follow instructions from their immediate supervisor.
The safety of our staff and the individuals we support remains our top priority.
Thank you for your flexibility and continued commitment.
Please travel safely and stay tuned for any additional updates.
Now enrolling for 2026. VersAbility Resources has released its full schedule of Forklift and OSHA 10 Certification Training Classes, opening the door for individuals of all abilities to build marketable skills, earn nationally recognized certifications and take the next step toward meaningful employment.
Designed to meet OSHA training standards, the course combines instructor-led instruction with practical training and performance evaluation. Participants who complete the program will earn Forklift Certification (15 hours) and the OSHA10 Certification (10 hours), helping build workplace safety skills that are in high demand across logistics, warehousing and manufacturing industries.
The classes are held at the VersAbility Resources headquarters in Hampton one week each month throughout 2026, Tuesday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The cost to enroll is $250 per participant.
Class capacity is limited to 10 students per session.
Adults of all abilities age 18 and older are eligible to enroll.
Interested students are encouraged to inquire about upcoming classes here.
“Forklift certification is often the difference between someone being interested in a job and being qualified for it,” said Casey Roberts, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Development of VersAbility Resources. “By offering forklift training, we’re removing a common barrier to employment and giving people practical, in-demand skills that translate immediately into opportunity. These credentials open doors for individuals of all abilities while helping employers fill essential roles across our region.”
VersAbility forklift class Tuesday August 26, 2025.
VersAbility Resources is committed to creating inclusive training opportunities that equip individuals with practical skills and safety knowledge needed to succeed in today’s workforce. Reasonable accommodations are available. Participants are encouraged to note any accommodation needs during registration.
VersAbility Resources is seeking inquiries from students looking to register for its 2026 Welding Training Program, a core offering of VersAbility TECH (Train, Educate, Certify, Hire), a first-of-its-kind workforce development initiative designed to prepare people with disabilities alongside people of all abilities for high-demand, industry-recognized careers in welding and advanced manufacturing.
The welding program is part of VersAbility TECH’s growing portfolio of employer-aligned training pathways that support careers in shipbuilding, manufacturing, logistics and related skilled trades.
Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training, participants gain industry-recognized skills that lead to meaningful employment and long-term career advancement.
The six-month training program, divided into two semesters, runs Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. at the New Horizons Regional Education Centers – Butler Farm Campus in Hampton. Students can earn certifications in SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), ARC I, ARC II, AWS D1.1.
Adults of all abilities 18 and older are encouraged to inquire.
“When we invest in training like welding for people with disabilities, we’re doing more than teaching a trade, we’re opening doors to purpose, independence and long-term opportunity,” said Casey Roberts, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Development of VersAbility Resources. “These programs equip individuals with marketable, in-demand skills that can truly change the trajectory of their lives, while also helping meet the critical workforce needs of Hampton Roads. Our region depends on skilled welders, and VersAbility TECH ensures that talent exists in places that have too often been overlooked.”
Due to facility conditions due to the winter weather and operational needs, VersAbility will operate on a modified schedule Monday, January 26, 2026.
Please carefully review the following updates:
Waiver Day Support & ICF Programs
-A 2-hour delay is in effect for Wavier Day Support. -ICF programs will shelter in place, with all DSPs reporting to their designated homes. -Fishing Point will serve as headquarters for the Copeland Day Support program. -Please stand by for further instructions from your supervisors.
Puller Center
-The Puller Center will be closed for the day.
Copeland Campus
-The Copeland Campus will be closed due to main water line repairs and will not be accessible to staff. -All Copeland staff will work remotely. If you are not able to work remotely, you are authorized to take PTO or take an unpaid day.
Copeland-Assigned Employees
-Employees assigned to Copeland should follow their supervisor’s guidance and reporting expectations.
All other sites (Norfolk and Gov Con sites) will remain fully operational, and staff members assigned to those locations are expected to report to work on time as scheduled.
Thank you for the great flexibility and cooperation as we ensure the safety of the entire staff and continuity of services.
Additional updates will be communicated as needed.
Please reach out to your supervisor with any questions.
VersAbility Resources announced that TowneBank has made a transformational $500,000 investment to advance the expansion of VersAbility TECH (Train, Educate, Certify, Hire), an innovative, first-of-its-kind workforce hub designed to prepare people with disabilities alongside people of all abilities for high-demand careers in shipbuilding, cybersecurity, logistics and manufacturing.
The gift, one of the largest single donations in VersAbility’s history, underscores TowneBank’s deep commitment to strengthening inclusive workforce opportunities across the region. This historic investment will accelerate the development of VersAbility TECH, expanding the organization’s current training footprint into what will eventually become a 75,000-square-foot workforce training center, offering employer-aligned training pathways in welding, logistics, marine coatings and more. The center will use universal design principles to ensure full accessibility while strengthening the region’s talent pipeline through industry-recognized credentials.
VersAbility TECH currently operates several high-impact training programs — including welding, IT/cybersecurity and forklift certification — and TowneBank’s investment will help scale these offerings while creating new employer-aligned credentialing pathways in the future, building pathways to independence and long-term career success for the people it serves.
“This generous gift from TowneBank is a powerful investment in the future of employment for people with disabilities. VersAbility TECH will redefine what inclusive workforce development looks like in Hampton Roads,” said Kasia Grzelkowski, President and CEO of VersAbility Resources. “By preparing people with disabilities alongside people of all abilities for high-paying, in-demand careers, we are helping employers meet critical talent needs while opening doors to economic opportunity for thousands of individuals. TowneBank’s leadership and commitment to community will make a lasting impact for generations.”
The VersAbility TECH center itself comes at a pivotal time, as only 41% of Virginians with disabilities are currently employed, despite major workforce shortages in key industries.
VersAbility TECH will help close this talent gap by expanding training capacity, removing barriers to credentialing, aligning programs directly with employer needs, and creating a scalable regional model for inclusive workforce development.
“TowneBank is honored to support VersAbility Resources and the groundbreaking work they are doing to build a more inclusive and resilient workforce,” said Alexis Swann, President of TowneBank’s Peninsula and Williamsburg markets. “The VersAbility TECH center will help ensure that every individual – regardless of ability – has access to robust training and successful careers. We are proud to invest in a vision that strengthens families, meets the needs of employers, and supports the economic vitality of the Hampton Roads region.”
VersAbility has already demonstrated strong training capacity, graduating dozens of welders and offering weekly forklift certification as it prepares for the continued expansion of VersAbility TECH.
“Employers across Hampton Roads are seeking skilled talent, and people with disabilities represent an untapped workforce ready to contribute,” said Casey Roberts, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Development for VersAbility Resources. “TowneBank’s remarkable investment in VersAbility TECH accelerates our ability to meet this need head-on, aligning high-quality training with pressing workforce needs and creating long-term economic opportunity for individuals and businesses alike.”
VersAbility Resources, a Hampton-based nonprofit empowering people with disabilities through early childhood, day support, residential services, workforce training and meaningful employment, proudly announces that Zane Sanford has been named a finalist for the 2025 SourceAmerica Evelyne Villines Award, one of the organization’s most prestigious national honors.
The Evelyne Villines Award recognizes employees with disabilities across the nation who exemplify exceptional leadership, initiative and advocacy within their workplace and community. Presented annually as part of SourceAmerica’s Achievement Awards, the honor celebrates individuals whose work and dedication advance employment opportunities for people with disabilities at a time when national unemployment rates for this population remain nearly double those of people without disabilities.
Sanford began his career with VersAbility in August 2023 as a General Laborer on the Ship Provisions Program in Norfolk, which supports mission-essential naval operations throughout the Hampton Roads region. Through his professionalism, reliability and leadership, Sanford quickly earned the respect of his peers and supervisors. He was promoted to team leader in December 2024, where he now manages a team of over 50 employees and has supported an estimated 1,000 Navy ships, demonstrating the substantial trust and responsibility the organization has placed in him.
As a hearing-impaired employee, Sanford’s leadership extends beyond his job responsibilities. He has provided interpreter support for fellow 16 hearing-impaired coworkers, fostering inclusion, understanding and effective communication across his team. His ability to turn challenges into opportunities has made him a trusted leader and mentor among his peers.
“Zane’s leadership reflects the very best of Hampton Roads’ workforce,” said Kasia Grzelkowski, President and CEO of VersAbility Resources. “His work not only strengthens our support to our nation’s military but also embodies the power of inclusion and opportunity that defines our community.”
In addition to his leadership at VersAbility, Sanford represented the organization at the 2025 SourceAmerica Grassroots Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C., where he met with Congressional and Senate representatives to advocate for the AbilityOne Program and champion expanded employment opportunities for people with disabilities nationwide.
For decades, SourceAmerica’s Achievement Awards have honored nonprofits, employees and business partners for their exceptional contributions to disability employment. Winners will be announced during SourceAmerica’s annual ceremony on Dec. 3, 2025, in celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
To learn more about SourceAmerica’s Achievement Awards and view a full list of finalists, visit SourceAmerica.org.
VersAbility Resources is taking another major step toward building a more inclusive workforce for Hampton Roads. GO Virginia Region 5 has awarded VersAbility a planning grant to advance development of the VersAbility TECH (Train, Educate, Certify, Hire) Center — a 75,000-square-foot workforce training hub designed to meet the region’s growing need for skilled workers in shipbuilding, logistics and advanced manufacturing.
With only 41% of Virginians with disabilities currently employed, the VersAbility TECH Center will help close the gap by breaking down barriers to training and connecting inclusive talent with high-paying, high-demand careers. The GO Virginia planning grant will support the creation of an implementation-ready blueprint for launching this transformative workforce hub for Region 5.
Investing in People, Expanding Opportunities
“This project is an investment in creating the future of employment for people with disabilities,” said Kasia Grzelkowski, President and CEO of VersAbility Resources. “VersAbility TECH will prepare a broader, more inclusive workforce to fill vital roles across our region’s core industries—helping employers meet talent needs while opening doors for individuals of all abilities.”
Casey Roberts, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Development at VersAbility and a GO Virginia Region 5 Council Member, emphasized the broader impact, saying “we want employers to see earned credentials as indicators of workforce readiness—not individual disability. VersAbility TECH taps into the largest untapped talent pool to meet the workforce needs of Hampton Roads and beyond.”
Building a Blueprint for Regional Growth
The planning process will result in several key deliverables:
A universal-design architectural site plan for the 75,000-square-foot facility, ensuring full accessibility.
Employer-aligned training pathways in welding, logistics, marine coatings and related trades.
Formation of an advisory group representing industry, education and inclusion partners.
An industry-vetted implementation roadmap guided by the Hampton Roads Workforce Council’s Talent Pathways Initiative (TPI) reports.
Regional employers, including Huntington Ingalls Industries, Liebherr and the Port of Virginia have already identified persistent skilled trades shortages and are collaborating with VersAbility on curriculum development and advisory efforts.
VersAbility’s experience in training is already making an impact — the organization has graduated 24 welders and offers weekly forklift training, demonstrating strong readiness for expansion. Earlier this year, a regional advisory “think tank” convened by VersAbility confirmed widespread support for the TECH Center initiative.
Strengthening the Region’s Competitiveness
“For a region to be competitive and grow, it must train and retain talent, particularly in its core industries,” said Tom Frantz, Chair of GO Virginia Region 5. “The VersAbility TECH Center and this program should play an important role in strengthening Hampton Roads, its workforce and its core industries.”
Once the planning phase is complete, VersAbility will be positioned to pursue a GO Virginia Per Capita Implementation Grant—paving the way to launch a scalable, inclusive workforce hub that strengthens regional competitiveness and expands economic opportunity for all.
VersAbility Resources’ 2025 Annual Fundraising Gala raised an unprecedented $210,000, marking the most successful event in the organization’s history. The sold-out celebration brought together more than 200 community members, corporate partners and advocates united by a shared mission — to empower people with disabilities to live, work and thrive in our community.
Held at The Mariners’ Museum, the evening featured an inspiring keynote address by retired Navy SEAL, author and motivational speaker Jason Redman, whose powerful message of resilience and leadership resonated deeply with guests. Attendees also enjoyed live entertainment by the acclaimed swing band Good Shot Judy, for a night filled with energy, generosity and community spirit.
This year’s gala marked the highest-grossing event in VersAbility’s history, a milestone made possible by the generosity of donors, sponsors and community partners.
TowneBank’s $50,000 contribution as the evening’s presenting sponsor helped set the tone for a record-setting evening of giving.
“We are absolutely thrilled by this tremendous outpouring of support,” said Kasia Grzelkowski, VersAbility’s President and CEO. “Every dollar raised helps expand opportunities for people with disabilities — from diverse employment programs to early childhood and residential services. This incredible generosity allows us to broaden our impact and transform the lives of people with disabilities of all ages for years to come.”
Funds from the gala will directly support VersAbility’s programs across Hampton Roads, including early childhood intervention, workforce training, residential services and the new VersAbility TECH Center, a first-of-its-kind workforce hub preparing people of all abilities for high-demand careers in the maritime and manufacturing industries.
As a man of faith, Casey Roberts holds fast to the belief that his path in life led him to his position as Executive Vice President of Strategy and Development for VersAbility Resources.
“I never thought I would go down the route of nonprofit leadership,” Roberts says. “But God has a way of building parts of your life.”
A Hampton native, Roberts grew up just around the corner from VersAbility’s headquarters and attended Hampton High School.
He entered Virginia Tech intending to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering and even had dreams of becoming a military pilot, but that changed when he realized he enjoyed working with people more than working with computers.
Roberts switched his major and graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s in history with a minor in leadership studies. He also holds a master’s in curriculum and instruction from Regent University and an education specialist degree in educational leadership and administration from the George Washington University, where he is nearing completion of a doctorate in educational administration and policy studies.
Though he didn’t plan it, Roberts’ shift toward education and teaching made sense. He comes from a long line of educators, starting with his great-great-grandmother Mary Todd Park, who was among the first African Americans in Surry County to teach formerly enslaved people how to read and write.
It was his experience as a member of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets that showed him he had a knack for instruction.
“I had experience instructing cadets both in high school and college and discovered I was generally good with teaching high school students,” he said.
From there, Roberts began his career at Hampton City Schools as a social studies teacher. At 30, he became principal at Smithfield High School in 2015. In the summer of 2018, he accepted the position of Executive Director at New Horizons Regional Education Center – where they train and educate students from the six Greater Peninsula School Divisions, preparing them for college and the workforce. Some students with autism and intellectual and emotional disabilities receive community readiness skills training and credentialing.
He learned about VersAbility during his time at New Horizons.
“The intersection of education, workforce development, and working with vulnerable populations led me here,” Roberts says.
Roberts was asked to join VersAbility’s volunteer Board in 2022, where he advocated for them on various community committees and councils. He came on full-time in his current role in August of 2024, where he’s helping shape the future of VersAbility, and couldn’t be happier.
“It’s hard work here. I love the saying that we’re opening hearts and minds to all populations in our society,” says Roberts.
One of the major pillars of VersAbility is advocacy for those with disabilities – especially in the workforce.
“People tend to think of people with disabilities as on the outskirts of society, but some of them are more productive than people without disabilities,” he says.
Roberts is ready for the tough conversations that lie ahead.
“It’s about tearing down biases and false narratives to allow them to unlock their future. Going forward, we want every individual who is capable to be an active participant in our society. Whether it be in the workforce, or community living, or in our community as a whole,” Roberts says.
A self-professed “Trekkie,” Roberts draws inspiration from the beloved show his mom introduced him to as a child.
“It was one of the first times she had seen someone of color on TV not in a service role but in an officer role,” Roberts recalled.
That change in perception and break from the stereotypical norm is what he wants for those with disabilities.
“Going where no individual with a disability has gone before — that is going to be the future.”
A husband and father, Roberts is excited to be part of such an important mission, and he’s looking forward to telling VersAbility’s story.
“VersAbility has been a staple in our community and I am thrilled to support our President and CEO Kasia Grzelkowski,” he says. “We are poised to be an absolute powerhouse and leader in innovation and workforce development. We aren’t doing charity work here. We’re trying to make an impact and move the needle of the economic vitality of our region, our nation.”
