2005 MVLE Annual Report

7/28/2019 2005 MVLE Annual Report

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B U I L D I N G R E S I L I E N C Y

A N N U A L R E P O R T

Fi sc al Ye a r

July 1 , 2004 - June 30, 2005


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April Pinch-Keeler, PresidentFrank Doe, Chairman

BUILDING RESILIENCY

Fiscal Year 2005 has been an outstanding year thanks to our dedicated staff, Board ofDirectors and the individuals we serve! Throughout this fiscal year MVLE, has proven its

financial strength and corporate visibility. An uncertain economy and the forces of Mother

Nature continue to teach us that life does not always go the way we wish or expect. The

power to cope with adversities and adapt to challenges and change has been both an anchor

and an opportunity for MVLE. We are stronger as an organization and remain a viable choice

for people with disabilities looking for employment opportunities or supportive services.

Refocusing how we operate has been the key to MVLEs success this year. By tightening our

focus and utilizing best business practices, we have become more results-driven. MVLE has

developed new ways of creating revenue, increased employee development and

specialization, and enhanced our proven marketing techniques The MVLE Difference and

our tag line Creating Futures 0ne Person At A Time.

MVLE has also spent this past year redefining the roles of our Board of Directors and our

senior management team. We have reinforced overall staff development and training by

implementing a performance management system that will ensure program effectiveness

and efficiency, attract qualified personnel, and support additional funding requests. We also

increased the use of organizational metrics and the overall management of MVLE. Other

significant achievements this year included strengthening and implementing our 2005-2007

Strategic Plan, and developing a quality plan and a program evaluation system to support it.

During 2005, we continued to build partnerships with area schools, local businesses and

government programs. It is with great pleasure that, as you read the enclosed stories of

successes and accomplishments, that you join MVLE staff, Board of Directors and supporters

in recognizing the important role individuals with disabilities are assuming in our

community as a valued, capable workforce and contributing members of our society.

Furthermore, individuals with disabilities are achieving successful outcomes, attesting to the

fact that MVLEs community-based vocational employment and support services are:

Creating Futures 0ne Person At A Time

Thank you for your continued support.

THE HUMAN SPIRIT IS STRONGER THANANYTHING THAT CAN HAPPEN TO IT.

-C. C. Scott


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THE SUCCESS OF THE MVLE-NISH-JWOD PARTNERSHIP

The NISH-JWOD Pro g ra m

The Wagner-ODay Act, passed in 1938, initiated employment opportunities for people who are blind. In1971, under the leadership of Senator Jacob Javits, the Wagner-ODay Act was amended to include peoplewith severe disabilities and provide services to the Federal Government. More that 60 years later, theJWOD network of nonprofit community service providers continues to provide services to the Federalgovernment and the thousands of people with severe disabilities.

The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled is the Federal agency thatadministers the JWOD Program through two central nonprofit agencies; NISH and the National Industriesfor the Blind (NIB).The Committee, in conjunction with NISH and NIB, facilitates non-competitiveprocurement of products and services from nonprofit agencies that employ persons with disabilities. TheJWOD program plays the following role in obtaining and overseeing federal contracts sometimes referredto as set-asides employing individuals with disabilities:

Determines which products and services purchased by the Federal Government must beprocured from JWOD-participating nonprofit agencies;

Establishes the fair market prices for these products and services; Ensures that nonprofit agencies comply with Committee rules and regulations;

Assists entities of the Federal Government in Expanding their JWOD procurement; and

Designates one or more nonprofit organizations to provide JWOD products and services.

Successful business partnerships are essential in generating employment and training for people withsevere disabilities. MVLEs JWOD contract at the Armys Ft. Belvior Defense Acquisition University (DAU) isdue to the advocacy of John Lawless. After attending a NISH conference in 1999, John, in his position asDirector of Contracting and Logistics at DAU started the process of securing a NISH janitorial contract. Hisinitiative resulted in the award of a Javits-Wagner-ODay (JWOD) custodial-janitorial contract with MVLE.

Since the award of the contract in October 2000, John has been a strong advocate and supporter of MVLEand the JWOD program. On many occasions, Mr. Lawless has publicly expressed his support of MVLEs workat DAU and the NISH program in general. He has also assisted in pursuing other potential leads forindividuals with disabilities. Throughout his tenure at DAU, Mr. Lawless has supported MVLEs staff andemployees with respect and professionalism.

MVLE salutes and acknowledges Johns role in providing employment for persons with disabilities. Hisinitiative and support has played a key role in creating and sustaining the MVLE-JWOD and DAU successfulpartnership.

MVLE is one of 600 community-based nonprofit agencies in the NISH-JWOD nationwide-network ofpublic-private partnerships that employs individuals with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities are

providing Government agencies with an array of services and products under the auspices of the JWOD(Javits-Wagner ODay) Program.

MVLEs partnership with NISH-JWOD began in 1994 with the awarding of a contract to provide janitorial/custodial services for the M.V. Bostetter Federal Bankruptcy Courthouse in Old Town Alexandria.

MVLE currently provides janitorial and mailroom services that are valued at over $2,000,000. These servicesprovide employment for more than 48 individuals with severe disabilities. MVLEs Federal contracts provideaverage hourly earnings of $10.75 with an added $2.63 an hour for health and welfare benefits. MVLE valuesits role in the JWOD Program. MVLE is part of the network of nonprofit agencies and community rehabilitationprograms providing a wide range of employment opportunities for people with severe disabilities.


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THE MVLE-JWOD PARTNERSHIP

MVLE is providing federal cus t o m e rs with:

Cost Savings and Efficient Pricing: Handles all administrative matters; orders equipment andsupplies; recruits, trains, and supervises.

Reliability: MVLE ensures, through its quality assurance process and employee evaluation and

training programs, that individuals work performance meets and exceeds the requirements of thecontract being performed.

Flexibility: MVLE offers flexible procurement options for government agencies and commercialfirms. The Javits-Wagner-ODay program facilitates non-competitive procurement of products andservices from service provider vendors that employ persons with disabilities. Temporary and long-term employees can be hired directly or through contracts or purchase orders.

MVLES FUTURE

The growth of MVLEs Federal contracts illustrates its capability to meet and exceed performanceexpectations of its Federal customers. MVLE looks forward to further expansion of this sector of Federalbusiness as it supports the increased employment and wages paid to the people who are disabled. Atpresent, MVLE is actively expanding contract services in the areas of fulfillment, shelf stocking, andmailroom services. MVLE is working to establish partnerships with commercial companies that are seekinggovernment contracts supported by a dynamic workforce trained and managed by MVLE.

People with disabilities remain a vast untapped resource with an unemployment rate estimated at morethan 70 percent. The JWOD Program is an example of Government at its best. While the mission of theprogram is first and foremost to provide employment opportunities for people who are blind or have severedisabilities, the program also serves Federal customers by providing high quality products and servicesdelivered on time and at a reasonable price. The American taxpayer realizes a benefit from the reduction indisability payments and the increased tax revenues.

Harry Johnson: Ticket To Work Pro g ram Part ic ipant

In September 2004, Harry was experiencing difficulty finding work when he came to MVLE as a participantof Social Security Administrations Ticket-To-Work program. MVLEs staff provided Harry an opportunity towork at Walter Reed Army Medical Center working on MVLEs NISH-JWOD janitorial contract. Within

three months of being hired as a Lead Worker, Harrys confidence and skill level led him to obtaincompetitive employment with US Airways as a Ramp/Baggage handler.

However, after working only four months Harry suffered two strokes. The second stroke affected hisspeaking ability and, despite four months of physical and speech therapy, Harrys ability to communicatecontinued to present difficulties for him. Harry, however, felt ready to begin working again. One of the jobcoaches at MVLE worked with him to increase his job application skills and, despite initial frustration andlet downs Harry was hired by AirServe Inc. as an aircraft service technician. He is now responsible fordetailing, cleaning, and refueling jet aircraft at Dulles airport.

THE ARTIST IS NOTHING WITHOUT THE GIFT,BUT THE GIFT IS NOTHING WITHOUT WORK

-Emile Zola


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THE MVLE DIFFERENCE

Sheryl Gra b owski: Win-Win the MVLE Style

Sheryl Grabowski faced a challenging future after graduating from Edison HighSchool in 1994. Although Sheryl was skilled, she lacked opportunities to

demonstrate her potential because of developmental and learningimpairments. Sheryl experienced many obstacles along her road to

success until she learned of MVLEs programs.

In 1999 Sheryl decided to seek MVLEs assistance. Shortly thereafter,she was placed in a Community Employment Services program whereshe was offered full-time employment, advancement opportunities,

and benefits. During the next few years the MVLE staff trained and supported her and helped her toidentify the work skills that enabled her to work successfully at Guest Services and Chick-Fil-A.

As Sheryls skills grew, so did her dreams and goals. Although she knew what she wanted to do, sheneeded additional guidance from the staff at MVLE to obtain her goals. Recently, Sheryl was hired by thePotbelly Restaurant to do food preparation.

Sheryl is a prime example of the success individuals with disabilities are achieving with the support andtraining they receive at MVLE. Sheryl illustrates how important these services have been for her and themany persons MVLE serves daily. Sheryl progresses daily in her new job having earned a promotion withnot only increased responsibilities, but also higher pay. This is a win-win for both Sheryl and MVLE.

Julie Stober: Receives AAFES Courtesy Awa rd

Julie began working right out of high school in July 2003 as a silverware roller atGreenspring Village within the MVLE Enclave. Julie became one of the enclaves bestemployees. In December 2003, MVLE staff recommended Julie for placement atChurchs Fried Chicken at Ft. Belvoir, which was a new start-up employment sitepartnering with MVLE.

Julie began learning to fry chicken, portion potatoes, and clean the diningroom. Not too long into her new employment at Churchs, the MVLEEmployment Consultant was surprised to see Julie expediting orders atthe front counter. Julies responsibilities now include food prep,expediting orders, and taking orders from customers. She is alwayssmiling, polite, and friendly. In June 2005, Julie was awarded the Armyand Air force Exchange services (AAFES) Courtesy Award of the Quarter. It is obvious that Julie hasbecome a Most Valuable and Loyal Employee for the AAFES, as well as MVLE.

Pat ri ce Robinson: Ac h i eving Community Employ m e n t

A 2005 graduate of Fairfax Countys School, Pulley Vocational Center, Patrice

Robinson was placed by MVLEs Community Employment services at theHoliday Inn Hotel in Tysons Corner, Virginia. Patrice is currently employed inthe housekeeping department, and she takes pride in her ability to perform a

variety of housekeeping tasks with a high degree of skill.

Patrices employment not only provides her with work that she genuinelyenjoys, but also the new and valued relationships with her co-workersfrom MVLE, the Holiday Inn, and the MVLE Community Employment staff.In just a few short months, Patrice has become an important member ofthe MVLE work crew, and her positive attitude at work is setting a

standard for her co-workers.

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CENTER-BASED SUCCESS STORIES

J e rad Kisner : Tra nsitioning From School to Work

MVLEs transition process allows graduating students to determine forthemselves their future employment wishes, plans, and dreams. Jeradstransition from school to work at MVLE provided the opportunity for Jeradto be actively involved in the planning for his own future. During Jerads

last year of public school, in the fall of 2002, MVLE and the Ivy MountSchool in Maryland provided him with the critical transition process which

was necessary for his self-determination.

This early transitioning helped Jerad to:

Match his skills to employment options;

Identify his short and long-term employment goals;

Learn socialization skills required in the workplace; and

Become familiar with the persons and places that would be part of his world

of work after graduation.

At first, Jerad, accompanied by his teacher, would come a few days a week to MVLE. By March 2003, Jerad

was attending independently without the assistance of his teacher. By his May graduation from Ivy MountSchool, Jerad was hired as a 30-hour-a-week mail-handler in the MVLE Springfield Center-BasedProduction program.

Since last May, Jerad has made a dramatic transformation from being shy and uncomfortable around largegroups of people to being much more independent and at ease within a large work group. He is now ableto express his feelings more openly, and is more focused on his work throughout the day. Jerad is alwayswilling and excited to learn new job tasks, and enjoys participating in employment skills curriculumtraining. By working closely with his MVLE instructors, he has increased his own self-management skills,which has helped to create rewarding and productive days for Jerad. His transition from school to theworld of work has provided a strong foundation for life-long employment that provides part of the normallife we all experience in our communities.

Jerry Barham: Moving Fo r wa rd through Community Ac c e s s

Earning a paycheck plays an important role in allowing individuals with disabilities tolearn community life skills. Paychecks enable all of us to build financial independenceand take a more active role in the daily-life choices we make.

Not long ago, Jerald Barham, who goes by Jerry, did not know how to use avending machine nor did he have the money that would allow him to do so.

Originally enrolled in MVLEs Personal Support and Social Group program,Jerry received services that focused on therapeutic activities in small groupenvironments. These services provide training and assistance with daily life

skills (i.e., hygiene, personal care, communication, motor skills, and cognitiveand educational training). However, the staff recognized that Jerry had thedesire and the potential to learn more. A transition was planned for Jerry to move from the PSSG to theCommunity Access program. After only one day in the Community Access program, Jerry knew this waswhere he wanted to be. He enjoys his job delivering community newsletters, as well as flyers andadvertisements five days a week. He enjoys working outdoors and the opportunity to socialize with hispeers and staff. Jerrys independence and skills have grown during the three years he has worked in theCommunity Access Program. Jerry is an example that persons with disabilities can achieve greaterindependence and build brighter futures based on meaningful employment.

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Benny Will ard

Despite severe physical disabilities, Benny enjoys participating in the CommunityAccess Program where he participates in flyer deliveries and mail room work. Also,he is active in community outings, sensory stimulation, and therapeutic activities.

As a participant of the MVLE programs since May 2002, Benny has achievedtremendous accomplishments. In the past year Benny has begun to use the

Easy Stander, which has helped him to maintain an upright position,building his stamina slowly. He is now able to maintain better control ofhis torso and head movements when he is in his wheelchair. Histherapeutic activities have also allowed him to gain significant upperbody strength. Benny exhibits a sense of accomplishment andfulfillment now that he is able to stand straight and make eyecontact with his peers. Whenever anyone walks by, they willmost assuredly see Benny smile and say, Look at Me.

Damien Eaton

In June 2004, Damien joined the Chantilly Center-Based program. With thesupport and training of the Chantilly staff Damien is able to complete various

mail room work tasks with minimal supervision.

Damiens review of his schedule at the beginning of each dayhelps him better anticipate what he will be doing throughout

the day. With assistance from staff, Damien is able tocomplete various mail room tasks with minimalsupervision, and he is proficient at transitioning todifferent areas of the program throughout the day tocomplete a variety of work tasks.

When not working, Damien loves checking out websitesthat interest him. With the help of MVLE instructors Damien uses the Chantilly computer lab regularly to

surf the net and go boldly where all of us go everyday.

MVLE Volunteer Hort icul tural Pro g ram Provides Mutual Joy and Satisfaction for

Pa r t i c i p a n ts and Vo l u n t e e r

Since the spring of 2005, MVLE participants are receiving increased community inclusion activities. Sincethe volunteer program started, 34 volunteers have provided over 240 hours of time worth $4,212.00 inlabor. In less than one year, MVLEs new volunteer program has grown so dramatically that a volunteercoordinator was needed to maintain its growth. MVLE continuously works to reach out into the communityand develop varied and interactive enrichment and therapeutic programs for MVLE participants.

Ronald, who is one of several horticulture therapy participants at MVLEs Chantilly location, says he loves

planting, repotting, watering and seeing the plants grow as a result of the care and attention he givesthem. Ronald would like to spend more hours participating in horticulture therapy.

Working with MVLE individuals through the horticultural therapy program is just plain fun according toKathy Wellington, the volunteer horticulture therapist. Two years ago, Kathy Wellington actually startedout being paid as the horticultural therapist through a grant staff obtained for MVLE. When the grant ranout, Kathy decided to stay on as a volunteer just because she enjoyed working with MVLE individuals.Kathy states that working with individuals with disabilities challenges her as a horticultural therapist. Shesays she must come up with unique methods of planting, watering and caring for the plants which shouldbe that individuals with disabilities can perform successfully. Kathy delights in this challenge and MVLE is

even more delighted to have her as part of its team!

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MVLES STRATEGIC PLANNING

MVLE has five strategic goal categories: Board Growth, Corporate Capability and Structure, Financial, StaffDevelopment, and Services. In FY 2005, MVLE successes and accomplishments in these five strategic areasincluded

B o a rd Growth

MVLEs Board of Directors assisted management in the development of business plans, policy objectives,and overall business strategy. Through regular meetings, the Board has ensured effective organizationalplanning and has ensured that MVLEs resources are managed effectively. Efforts have focused on Boarddevelopment through training and a strategic retreat in which the Board established new committees toassist with the governance of the organization.

C o r p o rate Capabil ity and Structure

Business growth, continuous quality improvement and strategic change is the focus of MVLEs effort toincrease organizational capacity for future growth and development. MVLEs implementation anddevelopment of sound quality improvement objectives is providing a strong foundation for corporatecapability using a holistic technological system.

F i n a n c e

MVLE has increased revenues and improved fund raising and grant initiatives. We continue to establishcollaborative partnerships with other non-profits, community sponsors, and local businesses.

Learning and Grow t h

MVLE continues to hire and retain qualified dedicated staff that are critical to ensuring quality services.We continuously seek tools and methods that encourage our staff to increase their leadership andaccountability to the organization and the individuals we serve.

S e r v i c e s

MVLE provided expanded, comprehensive, individualized services that actively support, develop andmaintain the diverse needs of each person we serve, enabling them to experience increased participationand integration in the activities of community life.

MVLE obtained a new JWOD Federal contract at its Chantilly location that provided new

employment opportunities for over 25 individuals.

The Individual Supported Employment (ISE) and Community Employment Services (CES)

departments have worked together to launch a cluster program that allows individuals to work

earning competitive wages while receiving full time job coach support.

ISE and CES have also expanded employment services to the Chantilly location where more

than 20 individuals from both programs are served.

Work opportunities have increased for all Center-Based programs, including a new community

contract with a local church and a weekly flyer delivery opportunity for those in the day program.

A new sensory stimulation area (in Springfield), a library (in Springfield), and a computer lab

(in Chantilly) have all been created to provide increased training and learning opportunities for

individuals.

The Springfield and Chantilly centers offer new and improved therapeutic services, especially in

the areas of Physical Therapy and Speech/Language Therapy. The Chantilly location now also

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DEMOGRAPHICS OF INDIVIDUALS SERVED BY MVLE

E T H N I C / R ACIAL DIVERSITY

OF INDIVIDUALS RECEIVING SERVICES AGE RANGES

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G E N D E R :

PRIMARY DIAG N O S I S :

FY' 05 MVLE SERVED OVER 450 INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.

MVLE CURRENTLY HAS A 97% RETENTION RATE FOR INDIVIDUALS RECEIVING SERVICES.

M a l e

Fe m a l e

Mental Retard a t i o n

Mental Il lness

Other Disa b i l i t i e s


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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SOURCE OF FUNDS

DRS $134,618 1.6%

CSBS $3,594,749 43.4%

Va. Medicaid $1,760,641 21.2%

Contributions $61,372 .7%

Production Services $2,633,427 31.8%

Other $105,380 1.3%

USE OF FUNDS

Center Services $2,933,714 37.7%

Community Employment

Services $1,497,639 19.3%


Management and General $1,059,293 13.6%

R E V E N U E

Program Services $5,490,008 66.2%


Contributions $61,372 .7%

Other $105,580 1.63%

E X P E N S E S

Personnel $5,807,881 74.7%

Occupancy $964,379 12.4%

Equipment/Supplies $817,155 10.5%

Other $187,958 2.4%


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MVLES MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES

M is si o n

To provide opportunities for people living with disabilities to develop to their fullest potential byparticipating in community life through valued work and support services.

V isi o n

MVLE will infuse creativity and energy into encouraging personal and professional growth for peopleliving with disabilities. Utilizing best business practices, MVLE will strengthen the organizationthrough increased visibility and growth.

Va l u e s

People living with disabilities are our first priority. We will treat everyone with dignity and respect;honor their right to choose and to pursue opportunities that allow them to be successful. Furthermore,we will

Be loyal to those we serve;

Provide valued work and service opportunities;

Focus on continuous quality improvement;

Value diversity in our workplace; and

Show integrity in all our business dealings.

WE ARE CREATING FUTURES 0NE PERSON AT A TIME.

INVISIBLE THREADS ARE THE STRONGEST TIES.-Friedrich Nietzche


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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

O F F I C E R S

B. Frank Doe

Chairman

Financial Planner

Peggie FurloughVice-Chairman

Parent/Business Operator

Ken Hansen

Secretary

Chief, Investment Goods Industrial Branch,U.S. Census Bureau

Joe Apa

Treasurer

Broker/Financial Planner

April Pinch-Keeler

President

D I R E C TO R S

Ray Miner

Associate Director, OSEPU.S. Department of Education

Karen RobersonRealtor/Parent

Gay Shane

Security Consultant

Richard Dezio

Attorney

Carol Ciofalo

Ob/Gyn Physician

Gary Bojes

Principal Management Consultant, SAIC

Paul Seigle

Government Contractor, SAIC

C O R P O R ATE OFFICERS

April Pinch-Keeler

President

7405 Boston BoulevardSpringfield, Virginia 22153(703) 569-3900(703) 569-3932 Fax(703) 569-0170 TTY

3855 Centerview Drive, Suite 100Chantilly, Virginia 20151(703) 796-9602(703) 796-9615 Fax

#8257

www.mvle.org

MVLE is an equal opportunity employer.


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7405 Boston BoulevardSpringfield, Virginia 22153(703) 569-3900(703) 569-3932 Fax(703) 569-0170 TTY

3855 Centerview DriveSuite 100Chantilly, Virginia 20151(703) 796-9602(703) 796-9615 Fax

www.mvle.org

Documents

2005 MVLE Annual Report