Two teams may have walked away with the top scores, but it was VersAbility Resources that won the 2023 Ability Am Golf Tournament. The Hampton nonprofit raised $91,575 at the annual 18-hole tournament held at Cedar Point Country Club in Suffolk on May 18.
Funds raised support VersAbility’s employment programs, including the innovative Future of Work (FOW) program.
VersAbility’s mission is to support people with disabilities lead full lives of their choosing.
FOW is designed to help youth and adults with disabilities complete certification programs to prepare them for jobs in high-demand career fields. The nonprofit offers training in welding and culinary arts. Support services are in place, including dedicated job coaches onsite to facilitate people with disabilities successfully completing certification/credentialing and apprenticeship programs necessary to expand their career opportunities in high-demand industries.
“People with disabilities face an unemployment rate twice as high as those without a disability,” said Kasia Grzelkowski, President and CEO of VersAbility Resources. “Our employment programs are a critical component that lead to the self-sufficiency so many strive for.”
VersAbility Resources serves more than 1,700 people with disabilities and their families. In addition to the four employment programs, VersAbility’s programs include early childhood, student services, day support and residential. Its service area includes all of Hampton Roads and the 10 counties on the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck.
A total of 76 golfers participated in the 2023 event, presented by Primis Bank and Wayne MacMasters. Additional major sponsors, among others, were TowneBank, Towne Insurance, Langley Federal Credit Union, Tidewater Orthopaedics.
A foursome from The Lee Group, a premier staffing and executive recruitment firm, and First Advantage Credit Union, took first place.
“Having so many local businesses support our golf tournament is testament to the generosity in the Hampton Roads community,” said Joe Harrow, Chief Development Officer at VersAbility. “We’re grateful for their contributions and commitment to helping people with disabilities lead fulfilling lives.”
