Who they are:
MVLE creates opportunities for individuals with disabilities to find independence through community-based social activities, supported employment, and customized skills training, and the organization has been serving people with disabilities for roughly 50 years. In 2018, MVLE joined the Fedcap Group, a global network of nonprofit agencies focused on advancing the economic and social well-being of the impoverished and disadvantaged, giving it access to a broader platform and national footprint.
Persons met:
- Michelle
- Claire
- Rhianna
- George
- Denise
Their mission:
MVLE is committed to building a competitive and reliable workforce to enhance inclusion in the communities it serves, doing so by working with a broad network of community providers and family members to help program participants achieve their goals through specialized training and services that foster personal and professional growth.
What stood out on the visit
- MVLE’s commitment to community integration is woven into how the organization actually operates day to day, evident in the intentional ways they connect participants with the broader Springfield community.
- The energy in the building was immediate and infectious: walking in, I was greeted by a concert already in full swing, a small but telling glimpse into the vibrant special activities and programming that make up daily life at MVLE.
- The direct support professionals (DSPs) and broader team have remarkably long tenures, a testament to the culture MVLE has built and the deep, trusted relationships that form as a result.