VersAbility Resources Acquires Hired Hands & Associates, Expanding Services for People with Disabilities and Regional Businesses
HAMPTON, VA – VersAbility Resources, Inc., the largest and most comprehensive provider of services for people with disabilities in Hampton Roads, recently acquired Hired Hands & Associates, Inc., specialists in Supported Employment services that train and place people with disabilities in jobs with regional employers. The acquisition took place on December 1, 2020 and marks a significant investment in greater diversity and inclusion in the workforce. “VersAbility is very excited to be combining our strengths with those of Hired Hands to create more jobs for people with disabilities while providing the skilled workforce our regional economy needs to thrive. People with disabilities want to be productive citizens and this strategic acquisition expands the scope and quality of our mission services while better serving existing and future business partners,” says Kasia Grzelkowski, VersAbility’s President/CEO.
Founded in 1953, VersAbility now serves over 1,300 people with disabilities and their families each year in early childhood, student and day services, residential, and four diverse employment programs. Services range from coordinating developmental therapies for children to crafting successful staffing solutions for employers while providing jobs for people with disabilities. As an ISO and SWaM-certified nonprofit with a budget of $45 million and over 850 employees, VersAbility is a capable partner for businesses seeking talent.
At no cost to employers, Supported Employment services provide a skilled, trained workforce ready, willing and able to work. Through the support of experienced job coaches, this program matches qualified candidates with employers by providing tailored, on-site job training, long-term supervision, and ongoing support to employees with disabilities and their employers. Supported Employment services ensure a good initial job fit and lasting employment success for both parties.
Employers benefit from reduced turnover and overall attendance improves in organizations that employ people with disabilities who uplift their colleagues by valuing their job every day. Employing people with disabilities has a lasting impact on their lives, contributes to business success, and benefits our regional economy as a whole.
Hired Hands has a strong reputation and successful track record of providing Supported Employment services throughout the 757. “The joining of our resources and talent exponentially expands opportunities for those we serve and our ability to implement innovative approaches that enhance our common mission. Bringing 30 plus years of experience in Supported Employment for people with disabilities, working with the Deaf community, and serving those with autism, our dedicated staff of hearing and Deaf professionals are excited to seamlessly transition into VersAbility and continue to forge beneficial relationships with employers,” says Anna Burns, former President of Hired Hands, who will serve as a consultant during the transition.
VersAbility will retain the Hired Hands brand (dba) for their Supported Employment program. Burns says, “A new landscape is unfolding for persons with disabilities in Hampton Roads because of the integration of our organizations.” Grzelkowski adds, “Our combined capacity for job creation and career development will open new doors to independence and brighter futures for people with disabilities.”
To learn more about VersAbility Resources and their employment programs, please visit www.versability.org.
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