As Verland Comes of Age, Verland's Future

As we stand on the brink of a new age very grateful of God for all has been accomplished during our first 21 years, the administration at Verland fully understands…the only thing that remains constant is change. With today’s galvanizing technology not to mention our evolving political landscape, how swiftly Verland anticipates and embraces theses changes is what invariably determines our horizon. Wiht Verland’s continuing small home expansion (we now have 35 homes throughout Allegheny, Mercer and Fayette Counties) and current operating budgets close to $20M, one could safely assume that we are meeting the challenges as well as any residential agency serving individuals with disabilities in today’s marketplace with its formidable workforce challenges.

As progressive and innovative human service providers, we are grateful for the enormous strides that have defined our path in recent years. Our sustained organizational growth and that of every Verlander is the true measure of our success. That we now support over 200 individuals with a wide range of challenges speaks to our resourcefulness and determination. There is much work yet to be done, however, and Verland pledges to remain cutting-edge in creating "state-of-the-heart" lifestyles for every individual who needs our support.

Certainly, realizing these goals could and should be further driven by a recent report from the Surgeon General of the United States. In a rare and powerful declaration, Dr. David Satcher reported on the serious accessibility issues that continue to plague people experiencing mental health challenges. Citing its prevalence and calling for complete and final parity, Dr. Satcher underscores the enormous waste of human and financial resources that results from our culture’s inability to accord equal value to our fellow Americans with physical and mental disabilities. Indeed, he even goes so far as to decry the differentiation between the two. Hopefully, the urgency of his plea to the American people and our governing bodies will yield increased support for Verland’s human service mission.

Until that idyllic time comes when government support is equal to the community’s needs, we will continue to fundraise in order to perpetuate Verland’s margin of excellence. The extraordinary level of Verland’s individualized services can only be sustained by the most creative use of both public and private funds. It therefore remains incumbent upon Verland’s leadership to earn the continued support of every sector as we meet the challenges of creating increasingly independent lifestyles for every person we support.

As we highlight Verland’s recent progress in the following report, it is our distinct pleasure to update you on these ever-evolving person-centered supports. What is equally important to impart, however, are the things that will never change. Indeed, I am just as pleased to report our unwavering commitment to Verland’s original mission as I am the settlement we received in May, 1998 from the State due to our dogged determination. The same passion, love and energy that marked our infancy is still vibrant and real today. One visit speaks volumes. We invite you to make a difference yourself by volunteering your time and/or resources. It will change your outlook and your Life!

I wish to thank you, our many friends, for the serious role your extremely generous contributions have played in Verland's remarkable journey. You have provided the foundation with unimaginable joy and fufillment, and your continued support is what will ensure future triumphs for God's most fragile children. The privilge and honor of serving them has been ours and will continue to be so in the future. Please join your prayers with ours for another twenty-one successful years and more...

God bless you...

Carol B. Mitchell