Finding Independence Through Work

Eric Workman loves the independence working for VersAbility Resources gives him.

He is a floor technician at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown and Cheatham Annex. The Hampton resident drives himself there every weekday morning, where his tasks include vacuuming and mopping, and he is learning to strip and wax tile floor.

“I like having my job and that I don’t have to depend on my parents for rides,” he says. “Having a job teaches responsibility and can help you save up money for the important things. Having a job makes you feel like you’ve grown up.”

Workman is saving for a reliable car, hoping for a Kia or Hyundai.

The Bethel High School graduate connected with VersAbility through the Department of Rehabilitative Services. He worked for five years at Norfolk Naval Base and later moved to a custodial position at Colonial National Historic Park in York County. He prefers his current role, which he started in December 2021.

His mother, Jerri-Lynn, is proud of how much Eric has grown.

“He has a purpose, and he knows that his job matters,” she says. “He’s doing something important. This new position has been really good for him.”

Workman is pleased with a hidden benefit of the job. Due to the regular hours, he is more disciplined about his diet.

“I’ve been able to change how I eat,” he says. “I’ve lost a little weight, which is good.”

Workman is grateful to VersAbility for working with him to find not just any job, but a position he enjoys.

“I feel VersAbility Resources does a great job working with adults with special needs and disabilities,” he says. “They know how to make people living with disabilities feel great.”