VersAbility Resources Celebrates 70 Years of Service and Counting

VersAbility Resources released its 2023 annual report, celebrating 70 years of service for the innovative nonprofit that believes people with disabilities have no limits.

“It’s been a banner year for VersAbility reinforcing our commitment to ensuring people with disabilities thrive in whatever area of life they choose,” said Kasia Grzelkowski, in her 18^th year of being the organization’s President and CEO. “We’ve been able to offer more thanks to the generous support of our business partners, the growth of our federal contracts program and the tireless work ethic of our team, and people always looking for new ways to develop more inclusive activities and events for those who we serve.”

VersAbility, headquartered in Hampton, offers Day Support programs at sites in Hampton and Gloucester. Its eight residential homes that provide 24/7/365 care and support also include regular recreational and educational opportunities.

A few highlights from 2023 include:

• Serving nearly 500 individuals with disabilities through the expanded reach of VersAbility’s Supported Employment programs that include Future of Work. The Supportive Employment program relies on the support of businesses across Hampton Roads to employ people with disabilities who receive training and mentoring from skilled Employment Specialists provided at no cost to the employer. The Future of Work program strives to eliminate barriers to employment by providing wraparound support services to participants. High school graduates, career-switchers and veterans receive training and credentialing in welding and culinary arts. New Horizons Regional Education Centers became a partner for the onsite instruction for welding, an in-demand trade that opens the door to career opportunities.
• VersAbility’s Day Support program, distinguished by its numerous opportunities for engagement, added another in the Able Acres Community Market Garden. Adults with disabilities and an interest in gardening and plants built six raised beds and filled them with young vegetable plants. Many of the vegetables grown at the Able Acres Community Garden were donated to THRIVE Peninsula. Seedlings, young plants and pumpkins in October were provided at a weekly farmers market where donations were accepted.
• VersAbility remains a federal leader in creating job options for the greatest untapped pool in the nation — people with disabilities. In 2023, its Government Contracts program generated jobs to more than 300 people. Last January, VersAbility landed a $141.7 million contract over 10 years to assist the Air Force in handling mail and postal services, creating jobs at nationwide Air Force installations.

The nonprofit, founded in 1953 by a group of parents, serves more than 1,500 people with disabilities and their families.

For a full copy of the annual report, go here.