Category: News

To better serve the communities of the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck, VersAbility Resources announced this week it is relocating its Day Support services to 6738 Main Street in Gloucester.  The new site is only minutes away from the current Puller Center location and will provide a more welcoming atmosphere for program participants.

VersAbility Resources began operating the Lewis B. Puller Center in 2001 to provide long-term employment, training, and day support services for adults with disabilities.  Reneé Rose, COO at VersAbilty commented, “The service needs at this location have shifted over the years.  We no longer provide onsite employment, partly because of the pandemic. What VersAbility continues to provide is day support services, with a strong focus on more robust community engagement activities.”

“We are excited that the new location will allow us to enhance and expand our services for people of all abilities and their families,” said Kasia Grzelkowski, President and CEO. “This significant investment in the future of services marks a new beginning for those we serve in the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck communities.”

VersAbility is a leading provider of comprehensive services for people with disabilities of all ages. Headquartered in Hampton, the nonprofit provides early childhood, residential, day support, and diverse employment programs throughout Hampton Roads and beyond.

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WHAT:

Virtual Candidate Forum – House of Delegates Districts 69,70 & 71 and Senate Districts 23 & 24

WHEN:           

23 October 6-7:30 pm

WHERE:          

https://thearcofva-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MI3lAB11T66lkOD_5-j1nw#/registration   

CONFIRMED:

Chad Green, Shelly Simmons, Matt Waters, Michael Bartley, Jessica Anderson, Danny Diggs & Monty Mason

BACKGROUND:

The Arc of Greater Williamsburg and VersAbility Resources will be hosting a Virtual Candidate Forum, inviting all area candidates for the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate on the ballot for the 2023 General Election.

This nonpartisan event will focus on creating an open, informative space for all individuals, families, and care providers in the area to hear candidates share their own thoughts on ensuring A Life Like Yours for Virginians with Developmental Disabilities.

This event is free and open to the public. Candidates may be contacted independently post-event with interview or comment requests.

The Arc of Greater Williamsburg and VersAbility Resources, promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively support their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. Our organizations are nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) organizations; we do not endorse political parties or candidates.

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Now we’re cooking – and operating – with gas!

VersAbility Resources is pleased to announce it recently received a $5,000 grant from Virginia Natural Gas to support the Early Prevention and Intervention Children’s Program (EPIC).

EPIC is a family-centered program that provides information, support for families and free developmental screenings for any child under the age of 3 living in Hampton and Newport News with intellectual and developmental delays. Staff work with families to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan based on the both the family and child’s needs and preferences to ensure the child reaches his or her full potential and the family has the resources necessary to support their child every step of the way.

Virginia Natural Gas is committed to providing communities with clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy for today and tomorrow. Its charitable giving program takes pride in its legacy as one of Virginia’s oldest corporations and aspires to “be a citizen wherever we serve.”

VersAbility remains committed to ensuring people with disabilities enjoy dignified, productive lives of their choosing. The nonprofit is a leading provider of comprehensive services for people with disabilities of all ages. VersAbility provides early childhood, residential, day support and diverse employment programs throughout Hampton Roads and beyond.

Mark your Calendars for some Summer Fun while Supporting People of all Abilities!

VersAbility Resources has partnered with WYDaily and Tradition Brewing for their new beer series called Tide Brews & Good News. During the months of July, August, and September, $1.00 of every Tropical Blonde Ale sold in the Tradition taproom will be donated to VersAbility, supporting our mission and people of all abilities.

Join us on Friday, July 21st from 5-8 p.m. for the Tropical Blonde Ale Release Party at Tradition Brewing, located in City Center, Newport News at 700 Thimble Shoals Blvd. During the event there will be live music inside, a food truck outside, Tide corn hole, a VersAbility tent with information and swag, games, and more fun! Bring your friends and family for a fun night out while also supporting people of all abilities!

Questions about this event? Contact Keltie Bransford at kbransford@versability.org.

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VersAbility Resources supports people with disabilities in leading productive and fulfilling lives year-round. But July is a special month annually as it’s Disability Pride Month, an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences and struggles of the disability community.

What can you do to recognize Disability Pride Month with a VersAbility twist? Here are 5 ideas.

1

If you own a business, become a business partner in VersAbility’s Supported Employment program. People with disabilities are a capable workforce and VersAbility’s Employment Specialists ease the transition for new employees with on-site job training, individualized assessments and long-term support to both the individuals and those who employ them. Garrett Reality Partners, Habitat for Humanity Re-Store – Williamsburg, Muddy Marley’s, Walgreens-Hayes are just a few of VersAbility’s business partners. Learn about this program by contacting Vickie Greatwood at 757-896-8446 or vgreatwood@versability.org.

2

Volunteer with VersAbility, which always needs volunteers at its signature events but can also use help with painting and landscaping at one of its community living homes. The nonprofit also needs teachers and mentors willing to share their talents and expertise with people who have disabilities. Find out how you can get involved by contacting Lara Zawacki at lzawacki@versability.org.

3

When you shop at the Peninsula Farmers Market held at the Jewish Community Center in Newport News on Thursdays, stop by the Super Local Food Project booth that contains young plants and seeds — basil, tomatoes, cucumbers, among them — and bring a plant home. Suggested donation is $4 and all money supports VersAbility’s new Able Acres Community Garden located on the grounds of its Hampton headquarters. Three raised beds containing young vegetables and edible flowers are sowed and harvested by adults in VersAbility’s Day support programs who have identified an interest in gardening and plants. All donations support VersAbility’s Project Independence program, which helps underserved adults and seniors with disabilities to reach their highest level of independence and community engagement through personalized life skills classes and virtual reality simulation. Hours of the market are 10 a.m.  until 2 p.m.

4

Tell others in the community about the important work taking place at VersAbility by inviting a member of its Speakers Bureau to attend your church, civic, or other group function. Share photos of the event on all your social media accounts using the hashtag #DisabilityPride and #DisabilityPrideMonth. Contact Lara Zawacki at lzawacki@versability.org for information.

5

VersAbility appreciates monetary donations and has introduced two new ways that help the nonprofit and save you money!

When you join or renew your membership to BJ’s before July 31, 2023, you’ll be supporting VersAbility Resources. New members can join with a special promotional rate of $25 and receive a $10 reward. Renewals are $55 and include a $10 reward credited to your account or $110 to renew a rewards membership. Rewards members who renew in July will receive a $20 credit. For VersAbility to receive a donation, you must call 800-313-8887 weekdays between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., and reference Promo code 500313.

If you shop online at Wal-Mart, you can round up your purchase total to the nearest dollar and donate to VersAbility. Learn the few simple steps to do that here.

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The Lewis B. Puller Center along Main Street in Gloucester got a boost to its mission thanks to the Community Foundations on the Middle Peninsula and the Northern Neck. River Counties Community Foundation awarded VersAbility Resources $10,000, the Gloucester Community Foundation gave $3,000, the Mathews Community Foundation $5,00 and the Sanders Foundation $3,000.

Funds will be used to build on offerings of providing long-term skill-building, community facing events, and day programs to adults with disabilities.

The Puller Center is the only program of its kind in the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck region, and without it, many adults and seniors with significant disabilities would be unable to experience the dignity of inclusion. In Fiscal Year 2021, the Puller Center served 47 adults with disabilities including four seniors. It costs an average of $15,842 each year to provide services to one senior with disabilities.

People with disabilities in the Puller Center program are typically part of low to moderate income populations and rely on Medicaid funding and community support. They require supervision, support, and direct support in an integrative community. The Puller Center provides Inclusive Community Engagement for People With Disabilities that nurtures self-determination, independence, sense of belonging and authentic community integration.

The Puller Center also serves seniors with disabilities by providing a day support program that provides daily structured activities, social interaction and services to nourish skill development. Thanks to this program, People With Disabilities volunteered with Meals on Wheels and the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society; participated in art classes at Bay School of the Arts; and visited the local libraries and community events.

These Community Foundations enhance the quality of life for residents throughout the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck counties and towns. Every year the Foundations award grants that advance goals of cultural vibrancy, economic prosperity, educational success, environmental stewardship and health and wellness.

VersAbility serves more than 1,800 people with disabilities and their families each year in early childhood, student services, day support, residential, and diverse employment programs.