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.”
