VersAbility Resources Celebrates New Programs, Fundraising Milestones of the Last Fiscal Year

VersAbility Resources closed out the recent fiscal year by celebrating multiple achievements in advancing its mission of supporting people with disabilities to work and thrive in our communities.

“It’s inspiring that so many businesses and individuals continue to support our programs and fundraising efforts that improve the lives of people with disabilities,” said Kasia Grzelkowski, CEO of VersAbility Resources. “We thank everyone for making a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities of all ages.”

The many highlights of fiscal year 2022 include the following.

• The launch of Project Independence reshaped VersAbility’s day support offerings to better assist adults with disabilities to reach their highest level of independence by navigating life with confidence.
• The Future of Work program that began in January 2022 with the help of a $200,000 Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Grant graduated its inaugural welding cohort. This program prepares individuals with disabilities for careers in high-demand industries by providing support services to facilitate their training to achieve industry credentials.
• Additional grants were received from Dominion, Truist, Newport News Shipbuilding, Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation, Sentara, PBMares, Langley Federal Credit Union, counties of Gloucester and Mathews, community foundations of River Counties, Mathews Community, Gloucester Community, the Sanders Foundation, and Elis Olsson Memorial Foundation supported VersAbility programs.
• Funds raised by the Ability Am Golf Tournament exceeded $107,000 — a milestone for this signature event. The tournament attracted 21 teams and 81 golfers, and proceeds reached the six-figure mark, the most raised by VersAbility in a single day.
• VersAbility raised more than $1,500 as one of 201 organizations that participated in a 24-hour giving campaign called Give Local 757! The donations helped purchase memberships/tickets to local attractions and gyms at community centers. Community engagement has been identified as key to increasing access to learning opportunities for people with disabilities. VersAbility also raised more than its $2,500 goal on Giving Tuesday.
• With the help of the Kiwanis Clubs of Divion 13, VersAbility gave Thanksgiving lunch, catered by Paradise Ocean Club to hundreds of individuals with disabilities. Holiday meals were handed out as part of a drive-thru event at VersAbility’s Hampton headquarters.
• In partnership with United Way of the Virginia Peninsula, VersAbility participated in 2021 Day of Caring where community volunteers came together to help VersAbility with painting and building furniture.
• VersAbility had the privilege of being selected as the beneficiary organization for Tidal Wave Auto Spa’s 13^th Annual Charity Day. Volunteers and staff members enjoyed a wonderful day of fundraising at their Gloucester location, raising over $1,000 for people with disabilities while sharing information about VersAbility with customers.

VersAbility Resources serves more than 1,800 individuals and their families with early childhood, student services, day and residential support and five diverse employment programs.