A Quarter Century of "Standing in the Gap"

Ross J. Nese,
Chairperson, Verland Board of Directors

Hello to everyone in the Verland family,

I write to you with great pride on this wonderful occasion. We have much to celebrate today as we herald Verland's 25th anniversary of service to individuals with developmental disabilities. However, when looking back on the history of human services over the last century, one is rarely met with a pretty picture. As a matter of fact, as a sociaety, we have historically victimized and segregated persons with mental retardation. And until 1964, there wa litte governament intervetnion to protec even the most basic rights of millions of Americans who were placed in institutions with no personal recourse. Isolated and forsaken, America's most fragile population stood alone with no voice to express their frustration, nor their dreams.

Thankfully, there were men and women of conscience who felt compelled to take action. Thankfully, these visionaries, our own Carol Mitchell included, were prepared to challenge the status quo, "stand in the gap for God", and voice the needs and rights of those unable to speak for themselves. It was their willingness to look beyond what was familiar or comfortable that planted the seeds for Verland's 25 years of humane service.

With such dramatic success over the last quarter century, it can sometimes be difficult to remember what deficiencies marked our system of care for individuals with developmental disabilities. However...remember we must...because by remembering the injustices that preceded our current, more-enlightened path, we do honor to all who were lost in its excavation, while also helping to ensure that our journey continues on solid footing.

We must always remember...it took remarkable strength and courage for our human service pioneers to journey the road less traveled.

They faced countless battles and unimaginable odds. And even now, with Verland's 25 year record of "state-of-the-heart" success, we must all recognize that our on-going development of dignified supports must never end. We must continue with self-scrutiny. We must continue to monitor our existing ways and eagerly embrace opportunities for growth. The only way to ensure Verland's 25 years is to continually recommit ourselves to "stand in the gap" and perpetuate our God-inspired mission.

Only then, when we repeatedly reevaluate our own success, can we hope to be worthy of the transcendent mission that calls us all to this sacred work. Thank you to all who have contributed to Verland's success over the last 25 years...families, staff, volunteers, board members and donors...for only through your personal involvement can we ensure the next 25 years for Verland in an increasingly unsettled world.

Sincerely,
Ross
Ross J. Nese
Chairperson, Verland Board