How Does VIP Use Their L.E.O. Funds?

ABOUT VIP SERVICES:

For 40 years, VIP Services has been serving adults with disabilities in Walworth County, and helping them to explore and experience endless possibilities.  It is in carrying out this mission statement, VIP makes it possible for their clients to:

    *Identify  their life choices and pursue them.

    *Learn new work and life skills to help them thrive in the community.

    *Develop the confidence needed to try new experiences and experience new environments.

    *Do more for themselves so that they can do more for others.

In 2007, VIP underwent a major transformation when their operations were moved to a new facility (formerly a "big box" retail store) that was redesigned to meet the needs of VIP's diverse clients.  The new facility has provided new training and work opportunities for adults with disabilities, in addition to greatly enhancing the morale of everyone involved.  It has also spurred a rebirth of community participation and enthusiasm.

The Geneva National Foundation began supporting VIP Services through the L.E.O. in 2007  - the same year they moved into their new facility.  As a result, the funds raised from the 2007 and 2008 L.E.O. events were especially meaningful because they helped accelerate renovation and the move to their beautiful new building.  The bright rooms, wide handicap accessible hallways and new areas for learning fostered a new feeling of pride both in the clients and the community. 

The Geneva National Foundation has raised $322,160 for VIP Services since 2007.  These funds have been used to:

-2007 L.E.O. contributions went toward VIP's Building Fund

-2008 L.E.O. contributions went toward VIP's Building Fund debt reduction and special projects and purchases including: Sound absorption and Sound masking materials for Day Services Activity Center, Garden/Horticultural Program Equipment, Expresso S3 Recumbent Exercise Bike, Thera-Band Exercise Station, Floor mats / exercise mats, SMART Board and Projector, Adaptive computer equipment, Stationary swing, Specialized furniture, Wall decor and acoustical materials.

-2009 L.E.O. contributions were applied toward VIP's Building Fund debt reduction. In 2009, they were able to pay off their capital improvement debt and are now concentrating on reducing their mortgage.  Through the 2009 L.E.O. funds, VIP was also able to purchase a Satalight SMART Board unit that makes SMART technology available and accessible to adults with disabilities that are restricted to wheelchairs.

-2010 L.E.O. proceeds were used to help pay down VIP's mortgage, as well as adding two wheelchair accessible doors to their building, and allowed them to purchase a touch screen computer that provides interactive opportunities for clients with limited motor skills. They were also able to purchase a Hoyer lift that assists clients with mobility limitations.

Plans for the 2011 L.E.O. Funds:

Funds raised through the 2011 L.E.O. will be used to support ongoing collaboration between VIP Services, Lakeland School and other local school districts to ensure that the transition from school to work is as seamless and effective as possible.  We are looking at creative approaches to joint staff development efforts as well as designing "hands on" opportunities for students to discover and pursue their vocational and life skills interests.  These efforts, which were already underway, have become increasingly important since the State of Wisconsin imposed a new enrollment cap that went into effect on July 1, 2011 and will last for two years.  Without this funding, students who have just graduated or will graduate in the coming year will face an atrophying of skill and ability levels.  The funds raised through the L.E.O. are critical in trying to address this major service gap.