Local Nonprofit to Open First National Capital Area Disability Resource Center

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 9, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- ServiceSource, a disability resource nonprofit headquartered in northern Virginia, will be opening the first disability resource center in the National Capital Area.  The organization purchased a building in Oakton, Virginia, as the future home of the National Capital Area Disability Resource Center (DRC).  This facility will expand Service Source's services, target specialized needs and improve programs through technology and strategic partnerships.  Once renovations are complete, the DRC will serve as a national model of accessibility, sustainability and innovation for service people with disabilities.

The National Capital Area Disability Resource Center is a groundbreaking initiative that will serve as a new headquarters for ServiceSource and provide more programs for people with disabilities and their families in the region.  Additionally, ServiceSource will continue to maintain other Service Centers strategically located within communities where services and resources are most needed. 

The National Capital Area Disability Resource Center in Oakton will house several new programs:

• Education and Disability Employment Institute—a multi-faceted educational and activities based program that provides computer-skills training, employment training and innovative entrepreneurial activities along with health and wellness fitness programs, and creative arts.
• One-stop Employment Resource Center—drop-in job placement center where individuals seeking employment have access to online databases and job support guidance in seeking employment with third-party employers. Job programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals with disabilities, including those with autism spectrum disorders, and veterans who have disabilities through ServiceSource's Warrior Bridge program.
• Community Services Suite—designed to be a resource drop-in center for individuals, family members and the community at large. One such resource is ServiceSource's Family Support Net program that provides direct supports and information sharing for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers.

"The Disability Resource Center will ensure that people have the services and supports they need to be active and integral members of their communities," said Janet Samuelson, President and CEO, ServiceSource Inc. "ServiceSource's 40 plus year history in providing employment and other supports allows us to greatly expand services where they are most needed through the creation of this facility and the innovative programs it will house."

ServiceSource has launched a $15 million Capital Campaign to raise money for the creation of the DRC, including renovations to the main campus building and future satellite service centers.  With 100 percent participation from its leadership—including Board of Directors, Foundation Trustees, Cabinet leadership and senior staff—ServiceSource has raised $4 million in payments and pledge commitments. 

Additionally, Peterson Companies demonstrated their support of the DRC vision by working collaboratively with ServiceSource in the sale of the building. "After touring a ServiceSource location in Chantilly, I was struck by the incredible work they do throughout the region to support people with disabilities.  We felt it was more important to work with them on a final price that would enable them to continue their good works and expand their service offerings than it was to push the market value envelope," explained Jon Peterson, Principal of Peterson Companies. "We know they are going to be a tremendous resource to the community and wish them much success." 

ServiceSource is expected to close on the building in Oakton in April, with renovations set to begin shortly thereafter.  The DRC is expected to be up and running and accessible to the public beginning in January 2015.      

About ServiceSource
ServiceSource (ServiceSource.org) is a leading nonprofit disability resource organization established in 1971 that serves more than 15,700 people with disabilities in nine states through a range of innovative and valued employment, training, habilitation, housing and other support services. ServiceSource directly employs more than 1,500 individuals with disabilities, making it one of the largest employers of people with disabilities nationwide.

SOURCE ServiceSource