Diversity

Success Respect

Success Respect Diversity Integrity Opportunity

Annual Report Fiscal Year 2009

Opportuni Integrity

Letter from the President and Chairman

We are excited to share with you the many achievements and strategic accomplishments realized during Fiscal Year 2009 (FY 2009). Since MVLEs beginnings in 1971, our mission to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities has remained constant. Our board and staff members are guided by our five organizational values: Respect, Opportunity, Success, Diversity, and Integrity. These guiding principles are responsible for MVLEs many stories of success. During 2009, we focused on growing community and business partnerships to diversify our financial foundation and insure MVLEs future in a period of economic turmoil. As a result, MVLE grew during one of the most difficult fiscal times in recent history. For persons with disabilities, our growth is providing employment and support service options that create futures one person at a time. Our principles of opportunity and success were evident as we established Good Scents potpourri, expanded our Walter Reed Army Medical Center Federal janitorial contract, and developed a new Guest Services restaurant enclave. Our other line of business, DigitalStream, is providing jobs in the technology field for individuals with disabilities, while helping local businesses streamline their office procedures. In 2009, 68 new full-time jobs were created and we served 630 individuals with disabilities, including 24 school graduates. There is no single formula that defines the journey to personal achievement. Acknowledging and respecting that diversity requires providing diverse yet individualized services. During FY 2009, MVLE developed a wealth of supported therapiesart, music, horticulture, pet-assistive technology, and physical therapy. The resulting achievements of individuals provide inspiring stories of enhanced ability and personal growth. Success for individuals with disabilities is not uncommon. Rather, with strong support and services, it is predictable. Ensuring that adequate services are available to Virginians with disabilities requires a sustaining commitment from each of us. It requires integrity and maintenance of a vision in which each individual with disabilities achieves the dream to have a life like yours. However, having a life like yours is not yet a reality in Virginia. For years, Virginia has lagged behind all but three other states in funding community services for individuals with disabilities. Progress can occur in response to advocacy efforts by individuals with disabilities and their families. In the past year, advocacy efforts resulted in Virginia eliminating the R word from the state code, increased access to Medicaid waiver services, and a needed reimbursement increase for those services. But we still have a long way to go. Further advocacy is needed to address the more than 5,000 individuals statewide who remain on the waiting list for services. Whether we are individuals with disabilities, family members, or interested advocates, it is vital that we carry such stories of success to local, regional and state elected officials. Seek out your representatives and tell your story. As you will see in this report, our community and business partnerships demonstrate a solid foundation and sustaining support for our mission. Our guiding principles of Respect, Opportunity, Success, Diversity, and Integrity form the cornerstone of MVLEs economic and strategic decisions; decisions that help individuals with disabilities to win a valued place in our communities.

April Pinch-Keeler President

Joe Apa Chairmen of the Board

Our Mission
To create futures one person at a time for people with disabilities through employment and support services.

Our Vision
Utilizing best business practices, MVLE will encourage personal and professional growth for people living with disabilities.

Our Values
MVLEs values are: Respect, Opportunity, Success, Diversity, and Integrity.

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Expanding Employment Options for Individuals with Disabilities:

Beginning in early 2009, and still in its infancy, MVLEs new Good Scents potpourri line of business has increased sales distribution to over 20 Whole Foods Market stores. In order to sustain increased sales growth, our production process is now being completed at two of MVLEs three locations, which will provide a new employment option for 29 individuals with severe disabilities. The Walter Reed Army Medical Center contract doubled in annual revenues and added 33 positions for individuals with disabilities who are working full-time and earning an average of $11.82 per hour with benefits. NISH, MVLEs largest bulk mail warehouse and fulfillment services customer, renewed their contract with MVLE. In FY 2009, individuals with disabilities who were employed by MVLE earned $1,112,474. in remunerative wages.

Rehabilitation Program Accomplishments

In June 2008, MVLE transitioned 24 school graduates from school to the workplace and to community support options at MVLE. Access to supported therapies grew dramatically at MVLE during FY 2009, as a result of grants, community partnerships, and MVLEs volunteer programs. More than 1,133 hours of art, music, horticulture, pet-assistive technology, and physical therapy were provided to MVLE participants at our Springfield and Chantilly locations. Supported therapies are creating personal successes that enable individuals with disabilities to become all they are capable of becoming. MVLE staff received more than 52,180 hours of training. Training is the key to sustaining and building the knowledge, skill, and sensitivity of staff that result in high quality services, and in staff commitment to the value of rights and personal freedoms, choice, self-determination, dignity, respect, safety, health, relationships, and community inclusion. Ingrained throughout staff training, these values are directly linked to the quality of life of the people they serve. MVLE received a total of $65,000 in grant funding. Grant money provided art, music, physical therapy, and assistive technology services, and purchased $17,764 in needed program equipment. In FY 2009, 630 individuals with disabilities were served through MVLEs day support, production, community access community employment, individual supported employment, or Federal contract programs.

A new branding image was created for DigitalStream, MVLEs secure digital document management service. DigitalStream is a division of MVLE that is leading in the development of a national consortium of community rehabilitation programs in secure document management services.

Accomplishments

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Organizational Recognition
MVLE was a Top Five finalist in the 2009 Washington Post Award competition in the category of Excellence in Non-Profit Management. MVLE developed two commercial lines of business that will provide funding diversification and increased employment options for individuals with disabilities. MVLEs Human Resources department undertook the recruiting and hiring of 33 individuals with disabilities to support the expansion of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center janitorial contract. In collaboration with the Northern Virginia Training Consortium, MVLE contributed to the development of a training curriculum for front-line supervisors. MVLEs Volunteer program logged 189 volunteers,who provided 2,022 hours of volunteer service in support of MVLEs mission.

Accomplishments
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John Healy Learns Art as a Language

In January 2009, John Healy was introduced to art therapy as a group participant in MVLEs Art Therapy program. The program was created by joining a United Way grant and George Washington Universitys art therapy internship program. When John was first introduced to the art therapy environment, he was hesitant to engage with the art materials. He would sit for the first few minutes of a session contemplating the paper in front of him before reaching for the oil paint and grabbing the yellow tube. He quickly produced seven pieces of artwork, using circular and linear sweeping motions, recorded first in yellow, then in black, then in two shades of blue. John was communicating by using art as a language. Johns intellectual and developmental disability, coupled with his physical handicaps, compel him to use a wheelchair leaving him with limited fine motor skills. In addition, a hearing impairment severely limits his expressive verbal communication. In the weeks that followed, John explored many new media. As weeks went by, a markedly personal style began to emerge and it came to light most clearly in his sixth week of work. John now possessed a clear artistic voice. At this time, John began intense work on a similar representation in his artwork, using a diagonally sweeping motion from the upper right area of his paper to the bottom left. Johns artistic voice continued to develop. When arriving at art therapy, he would sit at the table and immediately begin to work with no prompts from the art therapist. Along with self-initiation, a critical milestone in his progress, John slowed down to produce one highly developed piece of artwork during each session. He created layer upon layer of oil pastel. Although John is verbally mute, his abstract art representations conveyed deep and complex emotions, evoking high acclaim from viewers who attended MVLEs June art therapy showcase. Viewers enthusiastically connected to Johns art. As a result of Johns success, MVLE is researching and evaluating program resources and options for John and other individuals to create works of art as their livelihood. Such a program would support artistic ventures by individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities, aiding them in selling their artwork to the local community. Art therapy allowed John to develop the unique ability to produce artwork to which viewer response provided him with a voice and language he had never enjoyed.

Diversity

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Michael Buycks
Michael Buycks has become a valued and respected employee. His new job changed his life. Michael, who is 23, has Aspergers syndrome (AS). AS is considered a form of autism; however, unlike individuals afflicted with autism, those with AS are verbal but encounter difficulties in social and communicative interactions. When, at age 18, Michael graduated from school without critical transition services, he simply stayed at home. Although he was intelligent, he had no social skills and couldnt understand how to match his abilities to employment options. As a result, Michaels series of work experiences was frustrating. These disappointments almost led him to not ever want to work. He was offered employment at the AAFEX food court, but transportation was problematic, and he could not accept the job. He then tried the Job Corps, a Federally-sponsored career technical training and education program for young people ages 16 to 24. He left Job Corps when he encountered

difficulties in getting along with others. Upon Michaels return from the Job Corps, his MVLE Employment Consultant and the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) placed Michael in a recycling position, and he seemed to be succeeding at recycling work; but, within 15 months, the recycling business closed. Michael was again unemployed. Michaels sense of ambition was diminishing. He was locking himself in his room, and shutting out the world around him. The MVLE Employment Consultant and DRS aggressively searched for a position that would suit Michaels preferences, and would also accommodate him and his disabilities. A custodian job at Impressions Marketing Group, Inc., in Lorton, VA, was located. Michael, a weightlifting enthusiast who is almost six feet tall and very muscular, now empties 50-gallon drums, cleans up lumber scraps, shovels sawdust, and helps with loading and unloading shipments in the Impressions production-fabrication warehouse.In April 2008, on Michaels second day on the job, Joe Holland, Impressions Maintenance Supervisor, told the MVLE Employment Consultant, we love him; hes just what we need! Michael now works 32 hours a week, and his mother provides support and training for Michael to sustain his living independently in his own apartment. Michael enjoys the autonomy he has on the job, and being treated with respect.Knowing that he is valued for his good performance is giving him a sense of self worth and social validation. Based on Michaels performance, Impressions is expanding his job duties to include collecting the recycling materials from the office areas. This year has been a very successful one for Michael with respect to his work and his personal life. He now has his own apartment in Lorton, VA. He enjoys living independently and has become more social at work. He is very friendly with the people he knows, and loves the opportunity to discuss sports such as basketball and baseball. Michael thinks his dream job would be car detailing or auto body work, but, for now, this brown-haired, brown-eyed young man feels respected and loves his job.

Opportunity

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The Road to Opportunity Creates a Future Joyce McCall

Opportunity by definition is a good chance for advancement or progress. At MVLE, our focus is on providing opportunities in the community for people with intellectual disabilities. People must know the past in order to understand the present and face the future. Prior to 1989, Joyce McCalls life consisted of little to no opportunity. From an early age, she resided at Central Virginia Training Center (CVTC), a state institution. As a mature woman in her late 40s, Joyce was de-institutionalized and moved from CVTC to Northern Virginia to receive community-based services. Personal choice was not the hallmark of services for individuals institutionalized at CVTC. Rather, CVTC services presupposed that individuals with disabilities needed protection and sheltering from society. Joyces institutional life offered no room for choices or self-determination. However, once assimilated in the Northern Virginia community, despite many medical troubles and, yes, some disruptive behaviors, Joyce gradually became a unique individual with support and opportunities to make choices based on her personal preferences. For several years, MVLE has been part of Joyces community network of support and services. But in this past year, Joyce has blossomed beyond everyones expectations. Music activities at MVLE have given Joyce a new sense of self-fulfillment. She is now described as outgoing and happy. Incidents of verbal aggression and refusal to participate in program activities are a rare occurrence. Joyce is hooked on MVLE Zumba classes, using her walker to dance to upbeat Zumba Latin rhythms. She is enjoying a diverse array of MVLE classes and activities, such as yoga, music appreciation events, and art activities. She can lead group discussions of books, and can be heard singing gospel hymns in tune. Despite so many formidable barriers, concepts of self-determination and individualized support for Joyce have successfully replaced destructive misconceptions and practices of the past. The present is providing Joyce with a rich life and future based on her own personal choices. At MVLE, our goal to continually improve services assures a future in which people with disabilities are viewed as equals.

Respect

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Integrity in Action
Several international leaders are credited with saying, integrity is something that happens when there are no witnesses. Looking back over this past year, we noticed that, of all our volunteers committed to MVLE, one person stood out. This person was exceptionally committed, not because her actions spoke louder or her donations were greater, but because her volunteer efforts enabled MVLE to offer new and stimulating activities that expanded the quality of MVLE services to individuals with disabilities. Each Tuesday, volunteer Laura Stimmell quietly enters MVLEs front door. The time is 9:55 a.m. sharp. There is no fanfare, no recognition, or glory. Every week, she faithfully arrives to share her time with others. As Laura dons her MVLE volunteer nametag, she says a quick hello to the receptionist and then eagerly walks to the Personal Social Service Group (PSSG) area.

Laura is a member of MVLEs volunteer Book Club. On her own, she seeks books that include pictures that clearly illustrate the storys message. The individuals in PSSG enjoy listening to her voice and seeing her face as they connect with a story or poem. Although Laura seldom receives a verbal thank you from the individuals, she values deeply the smiles and nods of understanding she receives while she reads to them. Holding steadfast to her volunteer commitment, Laura demonstrates integrity in action. As one of MVLEs corps of volunteers, Laura is committed to making a difference in the lives of PSSG participants and in her own life while also supporting MVLEs mission. Since the inception of the volunteer program in 2005, MVLE volunteers have provided 5,189 service hours, which benefit individuals with disabilities. Each volunteers donation of time is priceless, and MVLE is thankful for the time, skills, and talents that each volunteer shares with us. It is exciting and rewarding to see the gratitude on the faces of the individuals served. Their experiences are more enjoyable, and their lives are positively influenced by the activities and social interaction that our volunteers provide to them.

Integrity

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Creating a Win-Win for Employers and Employees

Success is a journey, not a destination. Larry is a 44 year-old man who has Aspergers Syndrome (AS). His story of success did not come early in life, or easily. In fact, if it werent for the support of Larrys community employer, Beckys Pet Care, an MVLE Employment Consultant, and Larrys sister and parents, Larrys life would still be as frustrating and unfulfilling as it was before 2005. Although trained and qualified as a medical lab technician, Larry worked in a different field. His early career was stocking and file clerking. Poor social skills, typical of individuals with Aspergers, made interaction with co-workers difficult and resulted in Larry losing his job. In 2005, after yet another job separation associated with interpersonal difficulties, Larry indicated he preferred a job requiring less social interaction. One day, when the MVLE Employment Consultant discussed job development options with Larrys sister, she suggested a dog walking job. The Consultant met the owner of Beckys Pet Care at a business networking function. Founded in 1998, the company is a recognized leader in the pet care industry with 4,000 customers. Their success is based on commitment to high quality service delivered to clients by more than 60 competent employees.

When asked to describe Larry, Becky said of the red-haired, red-bearded employee, hes a very interesting character. Larry has a lot of company pride and participates in company events. He works between 30 to 45 hours per week, walking an average of 8 to 10 dogs per day. He provides each pets owner with a Pet Report Card about the animals activities and behavior before concluding his time with the pet. Beckys Pet Care is committed to Larrys success as an employee. This is an exceptional example of corporate social responsibility. When Larry requires more work hours to maintain his eligibility for company health insurance, Becky finds additional work for Larry to complete, such as delivering flyers. Beckys Pet Cares social commitment to Larry is supporting Larrys full employment and economic independence. Larry lives in his own apartment, and has a close bond with his sister and her family who also live in the area. His parents, who live out-of-state, also provide additional support that Larry needs; however, Larry prefers to be self-sufficient. He drives his own car, enjoys bike riding, and studies the Kabbalah in his spare time. Employing Larry resulted in a win-win solution for both Beckys Pet Care and for Larry. Larry gained the support and direction to sustain long-term employment in a job he likes, while Beckys Pet Care has a dedicated and enthusiastic employee to meet customer demand. Additionally, MVLE provides Becky with mailroom services that save her time and money. This business solution relieves her of the hassle of putting together business mailings, while also providing individuals in MVLEs production program with the opportunity to work and earn money. Partnering with Beckys Pet Care is a great example of how success can result from looking at the possibilities and not just the challenges.

Becky, the proprietor of Beckys Pet Care, hired Larry. This was her first time employing a person with a disability, and it was not an immediate win-win situation. Although a kind person who shows a great deal of love for animals, Larry lacked adequate communication skills. One of Beckys Pet Care clients withdrew business with Becky after observing Larry make a verbal outburst to a parking lot attendant. At this point, Becky considered letting Larry go, but she decided to give Larry a second chance. As his supervisor advised him, he learned how to improve his behavior and grow from his past experience. He has also learned to filter his verbal communication, and he now knows what is acceptable to say when talking to people. Although Larry could obtain higher paying jobs, he says of his pet walking position, I am getting just what I need, as does his employer, Beckys Pet Care.
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Accomplishments

Success
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Modernizing Office Routines

DigitalStream is modernizing office routines, leaving more time for customer service and sales, says Jeffrey Pennington, owner of Kingstowne Insurance Agency. Kingstowne is an independent, full-service insurance agency that takes pride in delivering good, old-fashioned end-to-end customer service that focuses on looking out for their clients best interests. This year, Kingstowne focused on improving customer service. To achieve that goal, Jeffrey chose to use MVLEs DigitalStream, a secure digital mail and document management service as a strategy to streamline office processes. DigitalSteam allows each customer to customize the service and outcomes they want to achieve. Kingstownes postal mail is now delivered to MVLEs Secure Digital Document Center where each envelope is security checked, opened, scanned, and then loaded into a secure, Web-based system where it is archived. An e-mail is then sent to Pennington using a passwordprotected digital mailbox. Kingstowne can now manage their postal mail digitally, from anywhere via the Internet. They can then forward, file, delete, save, and print postal mail documentsjust as with e-mail.

DigitalStreams secured mail and document management service reduces the need for Kingstowne Insurance Agency to maintain paper filing systems. Studies have shown that employees spend twenty percent of their day searching for information, not to mention that, in paper filing systems, documents are very susceptible to being misplaced or lost. Digital mail services reduce costs associated with filing, archiving and long-term storage of paper records. Scanned documents can easily be accessed from a computer in seconds, and, once scanned, are easily backed up and protected on servers or storage devices. Pennington says, I dont have to touch files or find paper documents anymore since the office mail is automated. This new process leaves me more time to spend with customers and prospects. Thats the bottom line impact. In addition, Kingstowne is now able to provide its customers with digital documents. DigitalStream is also opening technology career paths for MVLE employees with disabilities who perform the secured digital mail and document management services using state-of-the-art equipment and methods. Historically, office and technical career paths for individuals with disabilities have been limited. DigitalStream targets a specific business need and is fostering success for businesses such as Kingstowne Insurance Agency, as well as defining new employment options for individuals with disabilities.

Diversity
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RespectSuccess Opportunit Integrity

Potpourri Project
Beginning in early 2009 with just a few employees, Good Scents, a new line of business developed by MVLE, now provides jobs for more than thirty individuals with disabilities at our Chantilly and Boston locations. The scented floral products production process accommodates people with varying severity of disability. As a result, there is great potential for developing new skills and, thus, generating new employment opportunities for the MVLE workforce, who are involved in every aspect of production. The process starts with the sorting and drying of flowers donated by Whole Foods Market, Trader Joes, and other supermarkets. Then the botanical blends are scented and carefully packed into cellophane bags and various sachets. To achieve the right look, the potpourri blends in the bags are carefully arranged according to a prescribed pattern. Finally, labels are affixed and the product is packed into boxes for delivery to participating retailers. Although MVLEs Good Scents line of business is still in its infancy, our potpourri product line is now sold in over 20 Whole Foods Market stores, as well as other retail outlets in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. MVLE has successfully built a sales network within this region. In addition to commercial store sales, MVLE is also reaching out to supportive businesses, churches, and other organizations that can use our products as a fundraising tool. Our future goal is for individuals with disabilities to extend their work from producing the potpourri to selling potpourri products. It just makes good sense to create futures for individuals with disabilities in ways that encourage their personal and professional growth.

Accomplishments

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Source of Funds

Use of Funds

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Revenue

Expenses

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MVLE Lines of Business

Comprehensive Mailroom Services & Web-based Fulfillment Secure Document Management Scanning & Document Destruction Janitorial-Custodial Rehabilitation Services-Vocational Employment-Day Support Good Scents Potpourri-scented Floral Products Employment Solutions to the Community Businesses Car Detailing Food Service Flyer & Neighborhood Newsletter Delivery Fulfillment Housekeeping Services Property Monitor Warehouse Services

Opportunities

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Demographic Statistics 2008-2009

Type of Disability
Intellectually Disabled Mental Health Learning Disabled Deaf Unspecified disability 82% 7% 5% 1% 5%

Gender

Male Female

61% 39%

African American Caucasian Asian/Middle Eastern Hispanic Other

Ethnicity

30% 47% 9% 5% 9%

Historical Perspectives of People served

2008-2009 2007-2008 2006-2007 2005-2006 2004-2005 630 546 480 421 396

Includes all served active, inactive * terminated during the fiscal year prior years represented static capacity at the end of the reporting period

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Executive Staff April Pinch-Keeler

President, CEO Senior Vice President Program Services Vice President Business Contracts and Development

Kenan Aden Ken Rush

Paul Koepfinger

Vice President Business Operations and Development

Board Of Member List FY 2009 Directors

Samantha DiCola
Vice President HR and Administration

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MVLE 2008 Annual Report 16

Officers
Senior Partner, The Capital Group Committees: Executive, Finance, Business Development

Directors Karen Roberson

Realtor/Parent, Coldwell Banker Committees: Legislative, Business Development Principal, Edge Commercial Committees: Business Development

Joseph Apa, Chairperson

Gay Shane, Chairperson-Elect

Director, Global Security/FSO NES Associates, LLC

Scott Mendelson, Paul Seigle

Gary Bojes, PhD, Treasurer

Senior Program & Policy Advisor, Rural Development Utilities Program, U.S. Department of Agriculture Committees: Executive, Finance

Market Risk Analyst-PES Committees: Performance Development, Board Governance

James E. Smith Carmen Jones Ken Hansen

Mark Beerthuis, Secretary

U.S. Army-Retired Committees: Executive, Board Governance

Principal Consultant, JS Associates Committee: Business Development President, Solution Marketing Group Committee : Marketing and Business Development Special Assistant for Manufacturing Programs, U.S. Census Bureau, Retired Committees: Audit

B. Frank Doe, Past Chairperson

Financial Planner, Frank & Darby Doe Committees: Finance, Audit

Robert A. James
Attorney Bryant Miller Olive Committee: Finance

Carl E. J. Ericson
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Communications Consultant Committee: Legislative

MVLE 2008 Annual Report 1

www.mvle.org

#8257

Rehab Center

7405 Boston Boulevard Springfield, Virginia 22153 (703) 569-3900 (703) 569-3932 Fax (703) 569-1690 TTY

Corporate Headquarters
7420 Fullerton Road, Suite 110 Springfield, Virginia 22153 (703) 569-3900 (703) 569-3932 Fax (703) 569-1690 TTY

Rehab Center

3855 Centerview Drive, Suite 100 Chantilly, Virginia 20151 (703) 796-9602 (703) 796-9615 Fax (703) 569-1690 TTY

MVLE is an equal opportunity employer. MVLE is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.