Category: News

The Arc, VersAbility Resources, Norfolk International Airport, and American Airlines co-hosted 55 participants at Wings for All® on Saturday, March 25.

The Wings program is a chance for people with autism or intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families to rehearse the airport experience and board an airplane, many for the first time.

The Arc founded Wings for All in 2014 with the goal of helping to alleviate the stress of air travel with practice and to educate airport and airline personnel and TSA on ways to improve the experience for passengers of all ages with autism spectrum disorders and I/DD.

VersAbility Resources welcomes its newest members to the 2023 Board of Directors. All hold leadership positions in industry, education or the nonprofit sector in addition to being active volunteers in multiple organizations.

The Board of Directors recently added:

• Towuanna Porter Brannon, President of Virginia Peninsula Community College
• Dian Calderone, Retired President, Calderone Abbott PC
• Kapua Conley, Regional President/Peninsula, Sentara Healthcare
• Rick Dwyer, Executive Director, Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance
• Quentin Kidd, Provost, Christopher Newport University
• Lisa Pennyfeather, Commercial Lender/Senior Vice President, TowneBank
• Karen Velkey, Corporate Vice President, Compensation & Benefits, Huntington Ingalls Industries

“VersAbility is extremely fortunate to have this impressive group of community leaders devoting their talents to our organization,” said Kasia Grzelkowski, President and Executive Director of the Hampton nonprofit. “The breadth and depth of their expertise and experience will help us innovate and expand opportunities for people with disabilities of all ages.”

VersAbility Resources 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.

Meet the new members:

Dr. Towuanna Porter Brannon

Dr. Brannon became Virginia Peninsula Community College’s ninth president at the beginning of 2021.

She has spent more than 20 years in higher education. She came to Hampton Roads from Mitchell Community College in Statesville, North Carolina, where she was Vice President of Student Services.

Dr. Brannon’s interest in serving VersAbility stems from a “commitment to providing the differently abled with training and skills to be independent.”

Dr. Brannon holds Board positions with the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, Hampton Roads Community Action Program, Greater Peninsula Now and Virginia Council of Presidents.

Dr. Brannon earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from St. John’s University and a doctorate from Fordham University.

Dian Calderone, CPA

After nearly 40 years of providing personalized financial guidance to individuals and businesses, Calderone retired as President of Calderone Abbott PC, in December 2022.She held two gubernatorial appointments to the Virginia Board of Accountancy in Richmond, VA where she served as Chairman of the Board. Calderone has served as the President of the Board of Directors for the Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula and the Junior League of Hampton Roads Inc., as a member of the Executive Committees of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula and the Bernadine Sisters Foundation. She is a trustee for the Williamsburg Community Foundation, and previously served on VersAbility’s Board. She is currently serving as Chair of the Sentara Healthcare Board of Directors.

Calderone earned a bachelor’s in business with a focus in accounting from Christopher Newport University and a master’s in taxation from Old Dominion University.

Kapua Conley

Kirkpatrick “Kapua” Conley is a Regional President for Sentara Healthcare responsible for the system’s Peninsula hospitals, which include Sentara CarePlex Hospital and Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center. Conley is also the President of Sentara CarePlex Hospital in Hampton. Prior to joining Sentara, he was the Chief Operations Officer of Tri City Medical Center in San Diego.

Conley is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a member of the Academies of Hampton Steering Committee and Greater Peninsula Now. He is a Board member of the YMCA Peninsula and United Way of the Virginia Peninsula.

Conley earned a bachelor’s in business and a master’s in health administration, both from Tulane University.

Rick Dwyer

Since July 2022, Dwyer has served as Executive Director of Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance, a public-private partnership dedicated to supporting the many federal installations in Hampton Roads. A career Air Force officer, Rick served over 20 years on active duty as a civil engineer and worked in a number of installation level, RED HORSE (heavy construction unit), major command and Headquarters Air Force engineer positions.

Dwyer also holds Board positions for The Eustis Civic Leaders Association, Langley Civic Leader’s Association and Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce and Virginia Peninsula Chamber. He is on the Advisory Committee for the Association of Defense Communities Federal Outreach. In addition, Dwyer is Past Local Chapter President of the Society of American Military Engineers, a former local chapter representative of the United States Air Force Association of Graduates and a member of the Sen. Warner and Rep. Luria Service Academy Selection committees.

Dwyer earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from United States Air Force Academy, where he also played football. He holds master’s degrees in construction engineering and management from Virginia Tech and military operational art and science from Air University.

Quentin Kidd

Kidd has been at Christopher Newport University for 24 years and is its current Provost. Kidd was named Provost on August 1, 2022. Prior to being named Provost, he served as Dean of the College of Social Sciences. He is also the founding academic director of the Wason Center for Public Policy.

“I am committed to the mission of the equal integration of people with disabilities in society, where they can create lives of their choosing in dignity,” Kidd said.

Kidd serves on the boards of the Riverside Foundation and United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula. He holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Arkansas and a doctorate from Texas Tech University.

Lisa Pennyfeather

Pennyfeather has spent 32 years  in the banking and finance industry and is currently a Senior Vice President at TowneBank.

“I have been an advocate for VersAbility for over 30 years,” she said. “I applaud the work they do; it is a privilege to serve.”

Previously, Pennyfeather served on the Board of the Peninsula YMCA. She volunteers with the Hampton Roads Community Action Program, Newport News and Hampton Public Schools, Virginia Peninsula Foodbank and Habitat for Humanity. She has a heart for financial literacy and disability resources. Her son has Asperger’s Syndrome.

Karen Velkey

Since 2015, Velkey has served as Corporate Vice President of Compensation and Benefits at Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII). A leader at HII since 2011, she previously worked at Northrup Grumman and has more than 20 years of experience in human resources.

“I really love the mission of VersAbility,” Velkey said. “I think the world has so much room to grow in learning how to make space for everyone and appreciate that everyone brings something special to the table. VersAbility is making that happen.”

Velkey is Past President of the Virginia Living Museum and Co-Chairperson of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Health Care Committee. She volunteers with two Boy Scout troops in Smithfield and with her church, First Presbyterian, in Hampton.

Velkey holds a master’s in business from the University of Montana and a bachelor’s in psychology from Millsaps College.

VersAbility Resources’ year of milestones in 2022 included launching two significant programs that expand opportunities for those with disabilities and achieving a major fundraising high.

The Hampton nonprofit started its Future of Work program in January 2022. Its 12-week cohorts offer life-long career opportunities to the greatest untapped talent pool in the nation — people with disabilities. Future of Work offers welding and culinary arts training while also addressing barriers to employment for people with disabilities by developing wraparound support services. Its first cohort of students graduated in the fall with new cohorts scheduled for January 2023.

“This program prepares people with disabilities for careers in high-demand industries through inclusion in certification programs,” said Kasia Grzelkowski, CEO of the Hampton nonprofit that serves more than 1,800 individuals with disabilities and their families.

Another training project, Project Independence, offers personalized life skills classes to help underserved adults and seniors with disabilities reach their highest level of independence and community engagement. Specific rooms on-site immerse people with disabilities into various areas of interest in addition to off-site community engagement/volunteer activities at local parks, museums, and more. On-site rooms include a coffee connection room that encourages individuals to practice independent decision-making in choosing their products, a technology room where they are able to participate in virtual reality programs to practice navigating real-life scenarios with the support of caring and compassionate staff, and an arts and crafts room that fosters creative engagement.

“Our Project Independence program allows people with disabilities to build skills, so they are prepared to make choices and navigate our community with confidence,” Grzelkowski said. “This program promotes physical and social wellbeing while creating an invaluable sense of empowerment and independence.”

VersAbility also made major strides in fundraising, including a total exceeding $107,000 during its Ability Am Golf Tournament held in May. That is the first time the nonprofit raised over $100,000 at a single fundraising event. VersAbility also raised more than $76,000 at its 15^th Annual Gala held in person again in September after a cancellation in 2020 and a virtual event in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

VersAbility expanded its Ship Provisioning government contract to include sites at Kings Bay, Georgia, and San Diego, California. These expanded contracts created more than 100 additional jobs for people with disabilities. VersAbility also expanded the scope of jobs available through its Supported Employment program, which placed nearly 600 people with disabilities in diverse industries throughout the region, including the Eastern Shore.

Finally, VersAbility added to its leadership team with the hiring of Chief Development Officer Joe Harrow.

“We look forward to working together in the coming year to support people of all abilities in leading fulfilling lives of dignity, purpose and opportunity,” Grzelkowski said. “We appreciate the overwhelming support of our staff, business partners and community that’s helped us fulfill our mission.”

A recent expansion of VersAbility Resources’ Day Support program helps underserved adults and seniors with disabilities to reach their highest level of independence and community engagement.

Project Independence offers personalized life skills classes that cover topics that include technology, budgeting, healthy living, personal safety, nutrition, self-care and self-advocacy.

Project Independence also offers Virtual Reality simulation programs to help train people with disabilities for various real-life scenarios. By practicing these skills in a safe environment among supportive staff, people with disabilities can expand their personal and economic independence.

“Our Project Independence program allows people with disabilities to build skills, so they are prepared to make choices and navigate our community with confidence,” said Kasia Grzelkowski, CEO of the Hampton nonprofit. “This program promotes physical and social wellbeing while creating an invaluable sense of empowerment and independence.”

Participants in Project Independence can select from among five different areas of interest, each broken down into several rooms onsite at the Hampton facility:

• A game room contains four card tables, an air hockey game, exercise equipment and yoga mats.
• A coffee connection room staged to resemble a coffee shop encourages individuals to practice independent decision-making in choosing products. They can make their own coffee or enjoy a beverage at a table among friends. They also enjoy baking goods for the room or for in-person events hosted by VersAbility.
• In the Hot Spot room, individuals can practice technology skills using a laptop or iPad, familiarize themselves with software and learn how to research items to purchase online. Using virtual reality equipment, individuals can practice real-life scenarios, such as going to the grocery store, to the bank or navigating their way through an airport.
• An arts and crafts room fosters creative engagement by offering opportunities for individuals to express themselves in unique ways, including arts and crafts projects.
• A relaxation or “quiet” room offers a safe space to break from the stresses of the day. The lighting is dimmed, soft music plays, and comfortable lounging options are available.

Project Independence launched in June 2022 with seven participants. The growing program now serves 30 individuals.

“We want to create the opportunity for choice, to give people with disabilities options, to encourage independent thinking and decision-making in their daily routine and activities,” Grzelkowski said. “At the end of the day, we want them to have control over their day, what they choose to do and how they want to learn and progress within the program to best fit their interests, needs and aspirations.”

In addition to the various rooms, Project Independence features a community engagement component. Individuals usually go out into the community a minimum of twice per week. They visit parks, museums, beaches and more. They also participate with volunteer programs through the Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula and clean-up projects for the city of Hampton.

“These opportunities give them a sense of pride for their community,” Grzelkowski said.

VersAbility continues to research new areas of interest that can add to the program to expand the learning/volunteer opportunities available to individuals participating in Project Independence.

VersAbility’s mission is to break down the barriers people with disabilities face that prevent them from living independently. The nonprofit teaches and encourages participants while building their confidence in a supportive environment.

Click here to download our 2022 Annual Report!

VersAbility Resources welcomes Joe Harrow as Chief Development Officer of the nonprofit committed to ensuring people with disabilities live full and productive lives.

Harrow brings 35 years of business success in the banking and insurance industries to the position that is effective immediately. As Chief Development Officer, he will focus on fundraising, resource development, business development, marketing, community relations, advocacy and awareness for VersAbility, which annually serves more than 1,800 people with disabilities and their families.

“We are very excited that Joe is devoting his considerable experience, his extensive network, and his skills and expertise to furthering VersAbility’s mission, said Kasia Grzelkowski, its President and CEO.

In addition to owning a Williamsburg insurance firm, Harrow served as the Virginia Regional President of Towne Insurance. He is a former Board Member and Chair of Hospice House & Support Care of Williamsburg, The Historic Virginia Land Conservancy and Angels of Mercy Medical Center. Harrow has also served on the boards of Grove Christian Outreach Center, the James City County Educational Foundation and Avalon Center, a domestic violence shelter in Williamsburg.

“I want to give back and do something that can have a real impact on this community and in people’s lives,” Harrow said. “I will use my experiences gained in my professional life for the benefit of VersAbility Resources and those that we serve.”

Harrow is a graduate of Randolph Macon College. He and his wife, Leanne, reside in Williamsburg.

As Chief Development Officer, Harrow said he looks forward to “opening heart and minds” by raising the visibility of the Hampton nonprofit that operates programs in early childhood, student services, day support and residential. VersAbility also offers diverse employment programs for adults with disabilities.

Harrow can be reached at jharrow@versability.org or at 757-600-7083.

James Luckett always wanted to work outdoors.

As a 16-year-old, he began a job cutting grass at the Puller Center in Gloucester, which later became ARC and today is VersAbility Resources.

Forty-seven years later, James is retiring from the nonprofit that empowers people with disabilities. VersAbility recently recognized his years of dedicated service at its Amethyst Award Celebratory Dinner. Within the next few weeks, James will be presented a customized sterling silver ring with an amethyst stone in the middle as a thank you for his years of service. A ring he can proudly wear for years to come, serving as a proud reminder of his time with VersAbility.

For all but those early months, James has been part of the grounds crew at Yorktown Naval Weapons Station, where he does it all, said his supervisor Rhonda Walton.

“He’s like a son to me; I don’t know what I’m going to do without him,” she said. “He’s my righthand man.”

James and the crew mow 150 acres a week, and he’s precise in every aspect of the job. He operates all the equipment, maintains it and repairs it when needed. James credits his original supervisor, Isaac Addington, for showing him the ropes and building his confidence.

“He taught me how to change the oil, put belts on, change blades and so much more,” James said. “He taught us how to do detailed work and to take pride in what we do. I was so happy to have a job so I could support myself.”

Thanks to that career, James was able to buy his own home with his wife, Charlotte Jean, whom he recently lost after 39 years of marriage. They raised three children, now adults. His eldest son, James II owns Dixie Tree Service in Hampton, where his father plans to help out after retiring at the end of July. James really looks forward to spending time with his three grandchildren, too.

“I never thought of ever leaving my job because it allowed me the opportunity to support my family,” he says. “At the same time, I’ve loved working here.”

Throughout the ongoing pandemic, VersAbility Resources has continued supporting people with disabilities of all ages in leading lives of purpose and opportunity. Our holistic approach to services includes seeking innovative ways to meet the needs of those we serve.

The prolonged pandemic has been hard on us all, but has been especially difficult for people with disabilities. COVID-19 forced us to close our in-person programs, sending hundreds of adults with disabilities home for their safety. People with disabilities endured significant disruption of their daily routines and were unable to participate in activities outside the home. These disruptions led to loss of skills and mental health challenges including anxiety, frustration, and confusion for people with disabilities.

As we safely reopen our day programs, community engagement is a primary focus. Community engagement benefits mental health and well-being, and promotes social and skill development for people of all abilities.

Over one hundred people with disabilities are unable to access community engagement services due to lack of funding. These individuals are missing access to learning opportunities, resources for a healthy lifestyle, and the social and skill development that builds independence.

With your support, we can open doors for people with disabilities and eliminate barriers to being active citizens of our community. Your generosity helps VersAbility provide memberships to community centers/gyms so people with disabilities get regular exercise, take classes, volunteer, enjoy the amenities of our community, and more!

Help us end isolation and break down barriers for people with disabilities by donating to VersAbility today. Donations can be made directly online here.

Thank you for your generosity!

Your gift helps people with disabilities participate in our community and build their independence and sense of belonging. Your donation creates rewarding lives of opportunity and purpose.