2014 ANNUAL REPORT

community with action Dear Friends and Supporters,

This was an exciting and challenging internship program for transitioning service year for us as we continue to expand the members and military veterans at the MVLE community through employment and Embassy Suites, in Springfield, Virginia. other opportunities for individuals with disabilities and military veterans. Belonging This year, I challenged MVLE stakeholders to a community contributes to determining to join us in our quest to “take action” to social identity and acceptance. But to join help achieve our mission of “creating futures April Pinch-Keeler, a community and establish a personal one person at a time.” Taking Action is the President/CEO network, there must first be opportunities for first step toward growing our community integration into that community. and helping MVLE individuals become more independent and successful by focusing on In 2014, we redoubled our efforts to their unique abilities, not their disabilities. create a robust, integrated community This 2014 annual report shares many of the that encourages businesses to focus on successes individuals with disabilities and socially responsible actions that provide veterans are achieving with support from employment and opportunities for veterans MVLE, our community networks, and and individuals with disabilities. We reached our partnerships. out to businesses, government officials, and partners to share skills and resources I invite you to support and contribute to Brittney Wismer, vital for building an integrated community our efforts in expanding key community Chairperson of in which individuals with disabilities and partnerships and relationships. Please join the Board veterans can live, work, and thrive. One of MVLE in celebrating and helping to grow our MVLE’s most successful partnerships—our partnerships and community involvement— longstanding relationship with Northrop the foundation upon which meaningful, Grumman—was recognized with the 2013 productive lives are built. We continue “Don’t judge each Department of Defense Nunn-Perry Award, our pledge to create futures one person day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds making MVLE the first AbilityOne provider at a time, not only for military vets and you plant.” to enter into a Mentor-Protégé Program individuals with disabilities, but also for their agreement and receive this prestigious families, business customers, MVLE staff, award. MVLE also saw the growth of new and our community at large. —Robert Louis Stevenson partnerships, such as the creation of our

April Pinch-Keeler, Brittney Wismer, President/CEO Chairperson of the Board

2014 MVLE Annual Report is sponsored by

3 • Developed a new process to write Digital Stream • Implemented a new HRIS system proposals against opportunities. and time and attendance system. • Scanned over 3,500,000 images for • Revamped the contracts folders an array of new and recurring clients • Conducted a stakeholder Highlights & to make them more accessible to over the past year. perception survey to develop stakeholders without compromising recommendations for strategic security of data. • Scanned over 1,250,000 images for communication planning. MVLE administrative departments. • Senior Director of Contracts Bill • MVLE, Linden Resources, and Accomplishments Ahlberg spoke on a panel at a DC Corporate Events of Note: Metro Business Leadership Network Capital Office Solutions (COS)/ event: “Cultivating Your Competitive Xerox celebrated their first year • April Pinch-Keeler, MVLE President as strategic partners, offering & CEO, presented at 2014 • Increased community activities for all Edge: Leveraging Community Rehabilitation Programs our 360-degree total document SourceAmerica National Training programs by 46%. Resource Partners.” • Four hundred and eight individuals management solution to businesses, and Achievement Conference. • Began sensory integration living with disabilities were employed governments, nonprofits, and other • Finalist for 2014 Nonprofit of the assessments for clients. This AbilityOne/ at MVLE. organizations. Year through Fairfax Chamber of information will be used to update “Eighty-one employees Federal Contracts • Thirteen new graduates started with • Gave presentation to Fairfax County Commerce Outstanding Corporate sensory rooms according to MVLE from July to August of 2014. are working at MVLE • Eighty-one employees are working at Small Business Commission on Citizenship Awards. individualized preferences. MVLE AbilityOne sites. Of those, 63 services provided by Digital Stream • Partnered with over 36 AbilityOne sites. Of those, • 2014 winner of WTOP’s Click for are people living with disabilities. and MVLE. employment locations. Contract Administration 63 are people living a Cause campaign. Received • Received Department of Defense $10,000 grant. • Strategic initiative meetings began • Developed a reporting mechanism for with disabilities.” 2013 Nunn-Perry Award in Ability Nation to ensure programs are meeting • Meals on Wheels nominated MVLE MVLE divisions to report on business recognition of our Mentor-Protégé the needs of Employment First and • Hosted our first Holiday Mixer to for a 2014 Fairfax County Volunteer progress. These new reports are agreement with Northrop Grumman. Integrated Day activities. promote Ability Nation products. Service Award. called quad charts, since they convey • Added PAX River janitorial contract • Developed a partnership with A Place four key elements of each division’s • Attended various community events, • April Pinch-Keeler was installed for FY ‘15. to Be, in Middleburg, Virginia, for music performance in a single chart. including Linden Resource’s Miracle as President of Board of Directors and expressive therapy. on 23rd Street and the Community for vaACCSES. Working Warrior Nation Business Partnership’s Holiday • MVLE’s Earlene Gray was Working Warrior Nation has placed approximately Marketplace Mixer, to promote Ability • Implemented an internship program recognized with a Staff Award at Nation products. 30 veterans in meaningful employment. at Embassy Suites, in Springfield, the 2013 vaACCSES Collaborations Virginia, for military veterans. It is • Expanded Boot Fresh product Conference. expected to provide internships for offerings through partnership • Kamakshi Murti, an MVLE as many as 12 veterans over the next with UNIFORMED. volunteer, was recognized with three years. a Community Partner of the Year • Expanded our employment of highly Administration/ Award at the 2013 vaACCSES skilled veterans from one to four Human Resources Collaborations Conference. this year. • Developed and implemented new • April Pinch-Keeler spoke on an • Since the program inception, job descriptions for each MVLE AbilityOne partner panel at a WWN has placed approximately 30 staff position. TRIAD Small Business Advisory Panel event. veterans in meaningful employment. • Developed and implemented a new • Hired a dedicated WWN Program performance appraisal process for • Participated as a beneficiary of Manager, Shad Lorenz. each MVLE staff position (tied each funds raised at the 2013 Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce • Hosted our first WWN hiring event, position to competency-based golf outing. in partnership with Embassy measures of performance). Suites Springfield.

4 5 organizations share the vision of offering valuable business solutions while serving a larger mission of providing individuals with disabilities Employment with meaningful employment opportunities. The partnership connected Linden Resources’ secure document destruction with Digital DIGITAL STREAM opportunities for military veterans and Stream’s secure document scanning individuals with disabilities. and conversion services. Including Created by MVLE in 2006 as a simple COS in the partnership was the next mail-scanning business, Digital Stream “Collaborations are critical to the logical step. COS offers document- ABILITY NATION scent and the tactile aspects of her has grown to offer a 360° document- sustainability of our programs,” said “This partnership helps management software and helps Ability Nation™ products are gifts with job. “It was great to see her enjoy management solution for businesses. MVLE President/CEO April Pinch- complete the 360° service offering a purpose, bringing together MVLE’s working, because she hadn’t known Digital Stream Director of Operations Keeler. “This partnership highlights the Digital Stream and MVLE for clients by allowing businesses to mission of providing meaningful how much fun it could actually be,” - Scanning & Development Peter importance of strategic partnerships achieve our common goal manage their documents with this employment for our individuals and said Adams. Ability Nation provided Kennedy has brought two partners— that will ensure future success of software after the documents have our commitment to expanding social Melinda with a sense of belonging to a Linden Resources and Capital Office achieving our mission.” Linden of enhancing employment been scanned by Digital Stream. entrepreneurship. The Ability Nation community and a steady paycheck to Solutions (COS)—on board to create Resources CEO Linda Chandler opportunities for military product line contributes to this mission make her more independent and bring the 360° Total Solution Partnership. echoed these sentiments, stating, “We As a division of MVLE, Digital Stream by creating jobs for MVLE individuals a smile to her face. Leveraging the power of three industry recognize that, through partnership and veterans and individuals shares in the mission of “creating while also diversifying our revenue leaders, this three-way partnership will aligning our business solutions, greater with disabilities.” futures one person at a time.” Digital stream with an exciting line of Last year, to align with our Working enhance service delivery to business benefits can be realized to support our Stream differs from other MVLE business and product offerings. Warrior Nation™ (WWN) program, partners while also providing an respective strategic goals and mission.” business divisions in its product MVLE introduced Boot Fresh products. added community benefit and value. offerings, but the core of its business MVLE individuals handcraft every item Proceeds from Boot Fresh and other Ultimately, this partnership helps Digital Stream approached Linden model is dedicated to creating and in the Ability Nation product line—from military-themed products—sold Digital Stream and MVLE achieve our Resources in autumn of 2013 to providing meaningful employment cubes of potpourri to designer Shoe through AAFES and U.S. Marine common goal of enhancing employment form a partnership. Both nonprofit opportunities. Currently, Digital Stream Fresh sachets. They manufacture, and Navy Exchanges—directly employs six to ten MVLE individuals package, and maintain quality control benefit the WWN program. Boot each day, but the division intends to on each and every product before it Fresh was created in partnership “Collaborations are critical to the sustainability increase employment opportunities is sold to retailers. MVLE Program with UNIFORMED, allowing MVLE to of our programs.” through partnerships like that with Manager LaTonia Adams works utilize licensed camouflage patterns Linden Resources and COS. directly with the hardworking Ability from the various military branches. Nation employees and regularly The Boot Fresh product line has MVLE plans to utilize the Digital Stream experiences the sense of pride these bridged two separate MVLE divisions, 360° Degree Partnership as a model to individuals take in their work. “Their connecting them for the common good create new strategic partners across faces light up when they’re creating of providing meaningful employment other lines of business and the entire a product,” she explained, “and it’s opportunities and assisting veterans in organization. By linking our services a joyous thing because they feel like their transition after military service. with complementary services provided they’re a part of something.” by other companies, MVLE will be Through innovative and synergistic able to provide additional benefits Melinda Morris is one such Ability product offerings like Boot Fresh, and opportunities for veterans and Nation employee whose life has been Ability Nation will continue to expand individuals with disabilities as well as transformed by her experiences its social entrepreneurship and the greater communities we serve. with the program. At first, Melinda business opportunities in order to struggled to work with potpourri, but support MVLE’s mission of “creating after a while, she began to enjoy the futures one person at a time.”

6 7 Consequently, Shad Lorenz was hired as WWN’s Program Manager in March of 2014. Since being hired, Shad, a veteran himself, has worked tirelessly Integration to foster new partnerships and grow the program in order to better serve the needs of veterans and our business partners. WORKING vets back into society is a critical component to the overall success WWN is growing to become an WARRIOR NATION of our community; by effectively all-around support provider for transitioning military veterans, we are Working Warrior Nation As our troops return home from transitioning service members and supporting the betterment of the military service, they often find the (WWN) offers a support veterans. This allows us to better meet entire community. challenge of readjusting to civilian network for military the needs of both the veterans and life particularly difficult. The military the civilian workforce. “To achieve Working Warrior Nation (WWN) offers has been their way of life and their veterans to use while our desired outcomes, it is critical a support network for military veterans source of income for so long that for WWN and MVLE to understand to use while readjusting to civilian life readjusting to civilian life civilian life can come as a quite a the needs of both sides,” said Shad and attempting to secure a reliable shock to those who suddenly must and attempting to secure Lorenz. “Bridging the gap between job. Our support provides a range of adapt to a completely new situation a reliable job. veterans’ skills and employers’ services, including resume review and circumstances. Often without needs will ultimately benefit both and revision with veterans, assistance jobs, these returning veterans do not parties.” WWN is actively engaging applying for employment positions, for veterans and their families. WWN of the road; instead, it leads me to a know where to seek support or how new partners, including Deloitte, IBM, interview practice, skill-building, identifies barriers to employment broader road.” to effectively market themselves to Trademasters Service Corporation, career training, transitioning, and typically faced by veterans and works employers. Integrating these returning and SRA International, and we’ve to break down these barriers and In addition to helping veterans like access to a vast network of resources spoken with several local businesses provide a more seamless integration of Brandon through individualized to refine plans for the upcoming year. vets into the civilian workforce. services, WWN plans on offering workshops and events to provide WWN serves those who have served Brandon Gilbert, a wounded veteran, enhanced career-building skills. This our country. The program’s goal met with staff at MVLE after he was year WWN hosted its first Hiring Event MVLE and Working Warrior Nation established new internship is focused on helping veterans unable to find a job. “From the very and Resource Fair at the Embassy for military veterans with Embassy Suites Springfield. integrate their military skills with beginning, they were the ones who Suites Springfield. The event provided their civilian lives, and it provides gave me the sense of confidence an opportunity to connect employers meaningful employment opportunities. in myself and pushed me to move with veteran job seekers and also It strives to help military veterans forward,” Gilbert explained. WWN met offered seminars on how to interview find and use the tools they need to with Brandon to better understand and create resumes effectively. integrate their military lives with their his career goals and then used that professional aspirations and achieve information to assist him with his job This year we identified the need continued success. search. Eventually Brandon found and for a dedicated WWN recruiter to secured his dream job and was able help grow the program. Through the to reintegrate into a civilian lifestyle, interview process, we realized that EMBASSY SUITES thanks to support provided by WWN, creating a program manager position MVLE and WWN have worked to which helped him discover skills would meet our recruiting needs build new partnerships across our within himself. “My current job is what and other management functions in community in order to provide new I’ve always strived for,” stated Gilbert. order to produce better outcomes opportunities for military veterans “But it doesn’t leave me at the end and more success for the program.

8 9 and individuals with disabilities. One exciting new partner is the Embassy Suites Springfield. The hotel opened in the fall of 2013 and has become a valued partner for MVLE over the past Demographics year. The two businesses have worked together across several of MVLE’s business divisions, including MVLE’s printing services and, most recently, the creation of a new internship program with WWN. MVLE INDIVIDUAL DEMOGRAPHICS: Male: 271 • 60% Through the partnership with Embassy Suites, WWN has developed and Total individuals served: 451 implemented a four-month paid internship program for veterans. The first intern started this spring, and we Female: 180 • 40% are planning to expand the internship later this year to include multiple Types of disabilities we serve: positions. The internship exposes the candidate to a variety of management positions in the hospitality industry When his internship is over, Allison military experience. Partnerships Intelectual Disability and teaches valuable workplace skills will undoubtedly be able to use these help advance the goal of MVLE, and 96% a veteran can transfer and apply to new skills to secure a position within its lines of business, to connect the Total FY14 Hours worked Mental Health other industries as well. As a veteran the hospitality industry or other right talent to the right job. Community refines existing military skills such as business fields. The skills learned integration is made possible through 17% 36,559.15 teamwork, problem solving, and task during the internship are not just these strategic partnerships as Blind and/or Visually Impaired management, he or she also develops applicable to the hotel business but are partners come together to take action 17% new skills that build upon previous transferable to a variety of industries and promote the importance of work experiences and skills. across public and private sectors. independence for all members of our Deaf Total FY14 Wages earned “I would like to pursue sales and community. MVLE’s mission is focused 7% Kenny Allison, the current intern at showcase my skills,” Allison said, who on creating futures through meaningful $525,665.76 Unspecified the Embassy Suites Springfield, has believes the experience he is gaining employment and support services. worked across all areas of the hotel, through the internship program will The community acts as a catalyst for 4% from answering phone calls at the ultimately allow him to lead a more change and serves as the link between front desk to learning the finer details fulfilling, thriving life. MVLE and our partners, helping us and laws governing the hospitality achieve our mission of creating futures industry. He has been able to use his WWN and MVLE plan on using the one person at a time. military skills to assist the hotel with Embassy Suites partnership as a their Sales Department’s filing system. model to build internship programs “There was no order to the system,” with other employers. These MVLE STAFF DEMOGRAPHICS: Allison explained. “I remembered that, internships provide a new gateway to Female: 108 • 60% back in the Corps, we used a certain meaningful employment for veterans Total staff members: 181 system, so I applied it to theirs. It and help vets acquire skills in order worked beautifully, and they’re using to build a resume that enhances their it now.” Male: 73 • 40%

10 11 Government contracting allows MVLE to offer a well-rounded approach to employment. Because many of the jobs differ in scope and focus, Government individuals can utilize their varying talents and skill sets to do their best work. “They’re jobs that help them be productive members of society ABILITYONE and make them feel purposeful in The AbilityOne Program enables MVLE The AbilityOne Program is a Federal life,” added Ahlberg. NASA and Fort to provide additional employment initiative to help people who are blind Detrick currently provide the most opportunities for our individuals MVLE received its first or have other significant disabilities opportunities to MVLE individuals, through government contracts. MVLE find employment by working within federal government utilizing their janitorial services to works through SourceAmerica to a national network of over 600 keep their facilities clean. fulfill contracting needs for the federal contract in 1994 and has nonprofit agencies that sell products government, commercial businesses, and services to the U.S. government. since grown to employ over In addition to contracting federally, and government contractors. Senior As an AbilityOne provider, MVLE MVLE also contracts directly with Director of Contracts Bill Ahlberg 81 individuals at AbilityOne shares its vision of a world where defense contractors Northrop maintains existing contracts while contract sites. every individual with a disability is Grumman and Parsons in order to has provided extensive management stating, “This award is a testament also preparing for future ones. “We able to achieve his or her maximum offer jobs to veterans and adults with training for MVLE, including ISO 9001 to the dedication and commitment currently have thirteen contracts employment potential. MVLE received disabilities. As MVLE has moved and Six Sigma. Access to mentoring that went into our Mentor- under the AbilityOne program,” said its first federal government contract in into the contracting sphere, our across Northrop Grumman’s sectors Protégé agreement with Northrop Ahlberg, “which vary in opportunities 1994 and has since grown to employ relationship with Northrop Grumman increased opportunities to expand Grumman. This recognition speaks from mail services to janitorial work.” over 81 individuals at AbilityOne has become an essential piece of MVLE’s business across government to the importance of cross-sector contract sites. the program. and commercial contracts. Ultimately, collaboration to provide meaningful the partnership has enhanced MVLE’s employment opportunities for In 2010, MVLE became the first program operations, helping us to individuals with disabilities.” MVLE, Inc. and Northrop Grumman Corporation AbilityOne service provider to achieve our mission of creating futures were honored with the 2013 Department of Defense establish a Department of Defense one person at a time. Although the program has grown in the last year, Bill Ahlberg still has Nunn-Perry Award. Mentor-Protégé Program with a prime defense contractor like Northrop Northrop Grumman has taken MVLE’s big plans for its future. He’s looking Grumman. The Mentor-Protégé Mentor-Protégé relationship to a to expand the program exponentially Program is managed as part of special level. “As a result of all of that and find more opportunities for MVLE Northrop Grumman’s Socio-Economic we were doing, we were recognized individuals. “Our mission is to create Business Program. The goal of this by the Department of Defense’s Small futures for people with disabilities,” program is to ensure that capable Business Office with the Nunn-Perry he explained. “The best way to create small businesses receive the maximum Award, the highest award you can futures is to provide work.” number of practicable subcontracting get,” stated Bill Ahlberg. MVLE is opportunities on all major programs. now the first AbilityOne organization Through MVLE’s relationship with to receive the Nunn-Perry Award. Northrop Grumman and the AbilityOne Through Northrop Grumman’s Receiving this prestigious honor Program, we will be able to create mentorship, MVLE has grown should help us to find even more even more futures for even more of its federal government contract contracts to employ MVLE individuals. our individuals. capabilities and revenue, thereby expanding employment opportunities April Pinch-Keeler, MVLE’s President/ for individuals with disabilities and CEO, expressed her excitement for military veterans. The partnership receiving the Nunn-Perry Award,

12 13 areas. This past year, MVLE worked with 155 volunteers who provided over 1,960 hours of service in a variety of programs. Our volunteers bring a wide Social range of skills and knowledge to the table. Kamakshi Murti, for example, leads a weekly reading class for our individuals and shares computer Responsibility knowledge with MVLE staff members. Helen Aguera leads “Our Voices Count,” a self-advocacy group made PAUL MITCHELL “We wanted to do it because we up of MVLE individuals, which engages want the individuals to feel good This spring, Paul Mitchell The School interesting guest speakers to address about themselves,” said Cassandra Woodbridge visited MVLE to offer “It’s a very humbling the individuals at meetings. Kathy Philips, an MVLE employee and a day of makeovers and beauty Gold, a diabetic nutrition specialist, the event organizer. “Working with experience for me to be transformations for our individuals. leads quarterly cooking classes at all volunteers creates an opportunity Students at the Paul Mitchell School able to work with such three MVLE locations. In addition, local for our individuals to interact with volunteered their time and skills volunteers share poetry, literature, and members of their community in a new an awesome group of to help MVLE individuals look and current events through MVLE’s “Book and exciting way. These experiences feel their best. The Paul Mitchell professionals and the Club,” and a music therapist teaches are positive and meaningful for both volunteers’ impact went far beyond awesome community two music sessions each week individuals and volunteers alike.” in Chantilly. a new hairstyle or a makeup tip that we live in.” One Paul Mitchell stylist, Diana, supporters worked hard to spread and truly transformed our individuals commented, “It’s a very humbling the word and tell people about our All of the Paul Mitchell students from the inside out, building up their experience for me to be able to important mission. The success of the Our individuals are always excited enjoyed their time working with the self-confidence and self-esteem. work with such an awesome group campaign has shown what we can do, to work with Kamakshi Murti during individuals and staff here at MVLE. of professionals and the awesome together as a community, to create reading classes. Her skills as a reading community that we live in.” futures one person at a time. Outreach teacher have benefitted the individuals efforts allow MVLE to engage a new both personally and professionally, 2013 – 2014 Total volunteer hours: 1,957.5 MVLE individuals enjoyed the audience and create new partnership which allows them to give back to services provided by the Paul Mitchell opportunities for our programs. So their community. Learning how to read Total number of volunteers: 155 volunteers so much that most of please keep spreading the word and allows them to feel more connected them were grinning from ear to ear clicking for MVLE! with the rest of the world by the entire time. Smiles like that are a expanding their horizons and providing result of the meaningful services that them with the skills they need to MVLE—together with our community VOLUNTEERS browse the internet, learn about new job opportunities, and connect with partners—bring to our individuals each Volunteers take action every day to different communities. and every day. help MVLE grow. Our individuals are able to connect to their community “These individuals are human beings, in many different ways through the and they have been challenged in WTOP outstanding work our generous different ways,” said Murti, who has Thanks to clicks from our supporters, volunteers do with and for MVLE. volunteered at MVLE since 2010 MVLE won first place in radio station and was awarded the vaACCSES WTOP’s “Click for a Cause” campaign, In our local community, we have a Community Partner Award in 2013. resulting in a $10,000 donation from network of diverse volunteers who “We are more fortunate that we haven’t the station. With over 1,100 total clicks, help engage staff members and had to go through those challenges, MVLE came out on top because our individuals in several different subject

14 15 Financials Source of Funds Audited 2014 DRS 684,815 4.72 CSB 6,190,673 42.70 VA/Medicaid 2,872,951 19.82 Contributions 238,594 1.65 Production Services 4,469,177 30.83 Other 40,326 0.28 Total 14,496,537 100%

Use of Funds Center Services 6,394,587 41.65 Community Employment Services 488,829 3.18 Production Services 4,781,696 31.1 Management and General 3,688,650 24 and teaching them has been the most MVLE also appreciates the support Volunteers play an integral role in Total 15,353,761 100% gratifying experience for me.” of local businesses and community MVLE’s mission of creating futures organizations that volunteer their one person at a time, and there are Helen Aguera, volunteering with time and help improve the lives of many exciting volunteer opportunities Revenue Audited 2014 “Our Voices Count,” facilitates our individuals. This past spring, here at MVLE! If you are interested in Program Services 9,748,440 67.25 monthly advocacy meetings for MVLE for example, students from the Paul volunteering with MVLE and learning individuals. She brings in timely, Mitchell School Woodbridge donated how you can Take Action to help grow Production Services 4,469,177 30.83 important speakers and advocates their time and provided a day of our community, please contact Contributions 238,594 1.65 who help our individuals learn more pampering for MVLE individuals, which MVLE Volunteer Coordinator Sabrina Other 40,326 0.28 about themselves and the community was a hit with all who participated. Gibson at [email protected] or in which they live—speakers like Emily And MVLE believes it is equally 703-569-3900. Total 14,496,537 100% Fallings, from the Virginia Assistive important for us to give back and Technology System, who spoke about support our local communities. Each new assistive technology to help on winter, MVLE programs hold clothing the job and in daily living. Because and food drives to collect winter Expenses Helen volunteers her time to find clothing and food items to donate to Personnel 10,652,862 69.38 resources, many individuals better local organizations. We also support Occupancy 1,834,914 11.95 understand advocacy and the role Meals on Wheels by having MVLE they can play as self-advocates in individuals participate by delivering Equipment/Supplies 2,382,495 15.52 their community. weekly meals to our neighbors. Other 483,490 3.15 Total 15,353,761 100%

16 17 RACHEL O’DONNELL A simple smile can actually transform a person, and Rachel O’Donnell, who works in Production at Chantilly, transforms an entire room of her peers every day with her bright smile. Each morning, Rachel warmly President’s welcomes the Chantilly staff members and then leads the Morning Meet- and-Greet, pleasantly engaging her peers in a discussion session.

As a monthly participant in Our Voices Count meetings, self-advocacy Awards is an important and meaningful aspect of Rachel’s life. She joins the conversation with her peers and guest speakers to help make her life, and the lives of others, better. Rachel considers herself an active community member and tries to get out into the community to do volunteer work as ALFRED DEWS often as possible. Alfred Dews knows what it takes to create a future for himself. He started Artwork and poetry are two of Rachel’s many incredible talents. During at MVLE as a part-time worker and transitioned to fulltime employment “Rachel considers herself an MVLE’s Fine Arts Showcase, Rachel entered several of her pieces into with a position at the Defense University of Acquisition (DAU) at Ft. the exhibit; she also wrote and presented a poem during the showcase’s Belvoir. It wasn’t easy for Alfred—he had to overcome many challenges in active community member talent portion. Rachel’s big heart and caring disposition have made her an his personal life—but by overcoming those obstacles, he has learned what and tries to get out into the effective advocate and valued member of the community. it takes to work consistently and enthusiastically. community to do volunteer

“He loves people,” said Beverly Johnson, Alfred’s employment consultant. work as often as possible.” “He is a good-hearted person and a hard worker.” Ms. Johnson has monitored Alfred’s work over the many years he’s maintained his contracted position with DAU. She has seen firsthand all of the ways in which Alfred has overcome challenges to become a skillful, valued employee. Now Johnson allows Alfred to train other individuals in their job CELESTE WHALEN posts and serve as an on-the-job role model. For 15 years, Celeste Whalen has had a close relationship with MVLE. “He loves people,” said In her current position, she is a crewmember, working at four Arlington Beverly Johnson, Alfred’s In his position, Alfred has won several awards, including the Department County facilities. From starting the day at the Woodmont facility to ending of the Army’s Certificate of Appreciation and the DAU Alumni with the Carlin Hall Pre-School, Celeste maintains this tight schedule five employment consultant. Association’s Award for Outstanding Performance. MVLE is proud to days a week. “He is a good-hearted recognize Alfred for overcoming the hardships in his life and serving as a shining example to all of our individuals. At first, Celeste rushed through her tasks in order to stay within strict time person and a hard worker.” limits. However, once she learned different techniques and procedures, she improved her timeliness while upholding site cleanliness standards. Celeste’s positive attitude and willingness to learn has led to a noticeable improvement in her job performance.

Celeste is happy to be a team member and to work with the rest of her crew in order to accomplish a goal. She’s willing to pick up the slack when “Celeste is happy to be a another crewmember is absent, and she keeps others on track with their team member and to work busy schedules. Celeste’s transformation demonstrates that she prides herself as a member of the community and makes smart, healthy choices with the rest of her crew in in her own life. order to accomplish a goal.”

18 19 Up to $500 Pompan, Murray & Werfel, PLC Jennifer Fatzinger ($101 – 500) Steve Porter Joan Fegan Kenan Aden Sandy Pullara Lisa Ghorbani 2013 – 2014 Ah Love Oil & Vinegar, LLC Karen Roberson Cecil Giddens, Jr. William Ahlberg Marsha Rolston Willie Gooden John Anderson Gloria Stokes M. Joseph Grattan Donor’s List Joseph Apa Brittany Wismer Ken Hansen Jill Arnott Jeffrey Yang Gilda Hartman MVLE is grateful to all of our supporters who have taken action by contributing to our mission Boston Properties Bettyann Hays this year. Your contributions enable MVLE to provide enhanced opportunities and services that Boundary Jumpers Up to $100 Helen Hipolito are not covered through program fees and public funding sources. We greatly appreciate all of the Jodi Anderson Barbara Holleb contributions made to support MVLE and our lines of business — Working Warrior Nation, Ability Bozzelli’s Italian Deli Nation and Digital Stream. Thank you for taking action to create futures one person at a time! Sarah & Chris Caldwell Anonymous Sabrina Jackson CITCO Bank Applied Business Services Inc. Shala Jafari Mitchell Cropp Barbara Archer- Jones Nicholas Jordan Bill DeRosa Leslie Armstrong Paula Johns $20,000 and above Up to $5,000 Itility, LLC Shirley Faulkner Doris Artis Matthew Jones Devine Family Foundation ($3001 – 5000) Mercedes Benz- Chantilly Tyler Fitzhugh Jennifer Ayers Mitzi Jones EDGE Commercial Real Estate NeoSystems Fred Flippin Sherrell Benson Milind & Swati Kanitkar Up to $20,000 FCE Benefits Virginia Health Care Services Flying Fish Restaurant James Betthauser Dan Kimball ($10,001 – 20,000) FORM Architects Winmar Construction Fundraising Strategist Stacy Boseman Jim Kirkpatrick AmSan KTA Group, Inc. Gateway Strategist, LLC Matthew Brotherton Kelly Knox Northrop Grumman Corporation United Way V.A. Giachette Timothy & Theresa Bucher Lars & Jean Larson South Walton Celebrity Golf Classic USI Insurance Services, LLC Up to $1,000 Mark Gibb Pilar Carpenter Rajesh Lalwaney “Sudden Sam” McDowell Celebrity ($501 – 1,000) Alvin Glazier Brandon Carroll Michelle Lotrecchiano Golf Classic Up to $3,000 Guest Services The Greene Turtle Bill Cheatham Mary Ludden ($1001 – 3000) The Halle Company Robert & Nancy Grunewald Chipotle Mexican Grill Miguel Macaspac Up to $10,000 ADI Construction Elizabeth Hayes Brenda Haase Phyllis Cook Elizabeth Manning ($5001 – 10,000) The Capitol Group Jimmie J. Jackson, Jr. Jennifer & John Coplin Kevin & Lilia Martin Buffalo Rock Company Karen Kanitkan Cox Business Kaiser Permanente Jane Cunningham Melinda Mason April & Gary Keeler Robert LeMay DEVAL, LLC Peter Kennedy Diane Dempsey Carey Mayer Mitsubishi Electric Power Production Angel Lugo Digital Office Products Scott Mendelson Alexis DeRosa Jill Meade Nino R. Vaghi Foundation Mary & J. Brian Lundberg First Virginia Community Bank Malek’s Pizza Palace Cathy Detroia Emily Morin Wells Fargo Fernando Medina Frank Doe Mt. Vernon Knights of Columbus Falina Elbarbary Kamakshi Murti WTOP Merck Partnership for Giving Embassy Suites Springfield Points of Light Institute MKK-USA, Inc. Jeannette English Sue Nesbit Greenspring Joseph Seubert Richard Evans Northern New Jersey Mercedes Benz iNetU, Inc. Parkway Express Stephanie Pinch Glenn Fatzinger Vera Olson

20 21 Kenneth Opiela Kristen Thomas Barrel Oak Winery Channary Our Aretha Thrash Briar Patch Charles Parfitt Andrea Tutt The Capital Group Michael Payne Thomas Tutt James Clark Leadership Constance Pendleton John & Cyndi Upthgrove Dandy Restaurant Cruises Catherine Pennington Gladys Vidangos Digital Office Products Karen K. Roberson Amy Porter Pauline Wade Embassy Suites Springfield Officers Directors Parent Advocate Delores Robinson Katherine Warren Kevin Everage Brittany Wismer Joseph A. Apa, III Caldwell Banker Chairperson of the Board The Capital Group, LLC Marion Rogers Debby Weinsten Guernsey Office Products Congressional Bank Gay Shane Steve & Kim Sanker Irene Williams Heavy Seas Brewing Company Mitchell Cropp Past Chairperson of the Board Jessica Searing Dion Wiltshire Erica Lee Jimmie C. Jackson, Jr. CroppMetcalfe Services Operation Renewed Hope Foundation Vice Chairperson of the Board Gay Shane Leon Worden Mercedes Benz-Alexandria ITility, LLC B. Frank Doe Paul Siegel John & Betty Shippe Kevin Young ProLine Embroidery Frank & Darby Doe Financial Planners Mark Risk Analysis- PES Carol Skelly R&R Catering Larry Peters Secretary, Parent Advocate Ken Hansen Lauren Sloan Renner & Company In Kind Donations Northrop Grumman Corporation Retired, U.S. Census Bureau Eugene Smith Ah Love Oil & Vinegar Talk of the Town MVLE Executive Staff Catherine M. Pennington Angel L. Lugo Inta Sraders Steven Ahlberg Washington Capitals April Pinch-Keeler Treasurer Independent Consultant and Colonel President & CEO Mary K. Stine Washington Nationals Arthur Murray Dance Center Renner & Company, CPA (Retired), U.S. Army Gregory Szymanski Baltimore Ravens Steve & Ashley Young Kenan Aden April Pinch-Keeler Scott A. Mendelson Executive Vice President/Chief President & CEO, MVLE Edge Commercial Real Estate Operating Officer

John Pellegrin Law Offices of John D. Pellegrin, PC

22 23 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 Respect, Opportunity, Success, Diversity and Integrity.

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

Corporate Headquarters Community Center Community Center 7420 Fullerton Road, Suite 110 7405 Boston Boulevard 3855 Centerview Drive Springfield, VA 22153 Springfield, VA 22153 Chantilly, VA 20151 T 703.569.3900 T 703.569.4686 T 703.796.9602 F 703.569.3932 F 703.569.5525 F 703.796.9615 TTY 703.569.1690 Moving November 2014 to: 7400 Fullerton Road, Suite 100 Springfield, VA 22153

www.mvle.org [email protected] MVLE, Inc. MVLEInc

Campaign #8257