Mount Vernon-Lee Enterprises, Inc.Today's Quality Tomorrow's Future

Mount Vernon-Lee Enterprises, Inc.7405 Boston Bouleva rd • Sp r i n gfield, Virginia 22153

(703) 569-3900 • (703) 569-3932 Fax(703) 569-3320 TTY • www.mvle.org

C R E A T I N G F U T U R E S O N E P E R S O N A T A T I M E

ANNUAL REPORTFisca l Ye a r

July 1 , 2003 - June 30, 2004

1

April Pinch-Keeler, PresidentFrank Doe, Chairman

MOUNT VERNON-LEE ENTERPRISES, INC.: TO D AY’S QUALITY TOMORROW’S FUTURE

It was not so long ago that a group of committed citizensat Mount Vernon-Lee Enterprises, Inc. (MVLE)identified a need whose idea and time had come. Sincethen, our Mission-To provide opportunities for peopleliving with disabilities to develop to their fullest potentialby participating in community life through valued workand support services—has been the stabilizing forcerooting us in our ability to forge ahead and continue top rovide quality services for over 400 people with disabilities.

Since our founding in 1971, MVLE has maintained aphilosophical commitment to facilitating and supportingthe employment of as many individuals with disabilitiesas possible in community-based worksites. We have alsocommitted to maintaining a viable and support i ve facility-based program, which provides community access activities.Our corporate aim is to maximize each individual’sfunctional capacity through the acquisition of usefulskills that enable him or her to more fully participate incommunity life. As we look back over the past year,p re p a re for this new fiscal ye a r, and look tow a rd the future,it is important to take a look at the outcomes for FY04.

Over the past year, budgeting was the buzz word atMVLE. Tightening our belts and prioritizing our needsand wants helped MVLE end the year in a betterposition than in the past. The agency will continue to bechallenged by potential reductions in funds. Therefore,MVLE will focus future efforts on attaining grants andfunds from other available sources.

During the past year, MVLE’s center-based mail househas grown into a viable enterprise, having successfullysupplied mail, packaging and fulfillment services tonumerous long-term customers while securing newcustomers. The future holds endless possibilities forattaining even more new customers, and MVLE willforge ahead to expand these services and increase oureffectiveness while increasing the earning wages of theindividuals working in the mail house.

In 2004, MVLE maintained and created over 100partnerships with area businesses, schools, andgovernment programs. More than 300 individualsprovided valued work and services for a growing number

of area establishments with whom MVLE has developedsuccessful partnerships. MVLE is committed to focusingon future partnerships with additional communitybusinesses thereby enabling more individuals withdisabilities to fulfill their future dreams of valued andsuccessful work relationships.

This year, CARF awarded MVLE the highest level ofaccreditation that can be achieved by an organization.MVLE has been accredited for a period of three years;this latest accreditation is the 2nd consecutive Three-YearAccreditation outcome that the international accreditingcommission has awarded to MVLE.

Our FY 2005-2009 Strategic Plan is a key element inM V L E ’s new direction tow a rd performance management,reflecting the Board of Directors and the SeniorManagement Teams’ commitment to continuous qualityimprovement (CQI). With this plan, we are creating aframework for performance management and CQI thatincorporates setting meaningful targets for goals andmeasuring actual performance, linking both to ouractivities and to financial and human re s o u rces initiative s .

2004 was a year that we embraced both the bitter andthe sweet…A year that will be remembered by thepassing of a colleague, mentor, and advocate for peoplewith disabilities…A year that MVLE faced adversity andachieved greater opportunities for people withdisabilities…A year that we experienced a tremendousamount of change that has altered the way the agencyfunctions…A year that has allowed us to evolve into anagency that has built a stronger foundation for success,one on which it will stand for many years to come.

Overall, it has been a challenging and successful year forMVLE. As we relinquish the past and move forward intothe future, we will not forget from where we have come, norwill we forget how far we have to go. To g e t h e r, a dedicatedteam of more than 100 staff, Board of Di rectors, communitypartners, and 459 people living with disabilities can lookback on the successes achieved this past year and lookforward to many more successful endeavors in the future.

Thank you for your continued support.

NEVER DOUBT THAT A SMALL GROUP OF COMMITTED CITIZENS CANCHANGE THE WORLD.INDEED, IT’S THE ONLY THING THAT HAS.“ ”-Margaret Meade

2

THE MVLE DIFFERENCE…OUR STORIES OF SUCCESSMVLE individuals live and work in our communities. With MVLE’s help, they are empowered to livesuccessfully and participate in their community. We encourage our individuals to achieve even greater levelsof independence through job training and on site employment support. We teach valuable life skills andprovide a wide range of therapy, both physical and occupational.

Each year, more MVLE individuals are able to contribute to the community in which they live. Wecongratulate each and every one of them for their courage, determination and responsibility. We would liketo share with you a small sampling of their successful endeavors.

Patrick Connelly

Like many young adults, Patrick wasn’t quite ready to enter the work world and admittedthat he would rather be enjoying leisure activities at home. This year, Patrick has showndramatic growth, both personally and professionally. With MVLE’s support andencouragement, Patrick soon began to work very hard. He received extensive hand-over-hand support, his work was divided into smaller steps, and lots of positive reinforcementwas given from staff. Patrick soon began completing all assignments quickly and

efficiently, and asked for additional work. Patrick has developed a sense of pride in his work and he nowlooks forward to being able to purchase many of his favorite things. These great strides, along with Patrick’scourteousness and pleasant demeanor, are an equation that truly equals success. Cheers to a job well done!

Azar Doro o d i a n

Azar has always had a tough time making the leap from volunteer activities to paid employment. Finally, in2002, Azar looked to MVLE to help her find a job. When she first started, Azar had difficulty focusing ontasks for more than a few minutes at a time. With the help of her job coaches and her individual supportplan, Azar has increased her productivity significantly and she is able to work all day without difficulty. Sheis even taking the initiative to check and correct her own work! MVLE plans to help Azar get as close aspossible to achieving her ultimate goal of working in a restaurant.

Samer Haddadin

Since enrolling in MVLE’s employment program several years ago, Samer has been able tofind work at Wal-Mart, Burger King, Guest Services, The Fairfax Retirement Home, and hiscurrent job, Chick-fil-A Chantilly. He is an enthusiastic employee and is adored by hisco-workers. Samer works hard to increase his opportunity to work in his f a vo r i t etask, food preparation, by always being willing to try new duties and acquire newskills. Besides being an avid basketball fan, Samer also knows his way around akitchen very well and is able to help with almost every operation in the Chick-fil-A restaurant. Samer hopes to someday work in food preparation for a chef.

LOOKING BACK…WHERE ARE THEY NOW.S t a c ey Beasl ey

Last year, Stacey received the President’s Award because of achieving greaterindependence. When Stacey came to MVLE in August of 2000 seeking employment

support, she was experiencing difficulty maintaining her employment due to a lackof support. With MVLE’s diligent support, Stacey came a long way with herproductivity and her ability to focus on the task at hand. She increased herindependence greatly and has taken the initiative with assisting her co-workers

in completing their tasks. Since last year, Stacey has sought out more challenges at work, with one of t h o s echallenges being to learn how to complete and file 7-El e ven tickets, which she has successfully achieve d .

B everly Jones

On August 19, 1999, Beverly Jones joined MVLE in the Center-Based Production program area.Beverly has always been a diligent worker, enjoying completing mail room tasks. A few years later,Beverly indicated she was interested in trying out different types of work in the community. Beverlywould often act as a substitute in the Community Access program, where she would join the group forthe day to deliver fliers and newspapers, complete grounds-keeping tasks, or go to Greensprings Villageto complete dining room preparation. Beverly thoroughly enjoyed going to Greensprings and soonasked to work there full time. Once a spot opened up, Beverly joined the Greensprings crew and hasbeen doing a great job ever since. Beverly works independently to help maintain the dining room bycompleting tasks such as, wiping chairs, filling sugar bowls and salt and pepper shakers, rollingsilverware, and sometimes helping in the kitchen. As a result of all her hard work, Beverly was one ofthe recipients of the President’s Award in 2003.

J o shua Tra i n

Joshua Train transitioned to MVLE after graduating from high school in July 2002. Joshua started inthe Springfield Center-Based program in the Personal Support & Social Group. While there, Joshuahad the opportunity to participate in therapeutic recreational activities, community outings, and heoccasionally completed work tasks. Joshua became more confident and independent over that year. InMay 2003, Joshua transferred to MVLE’s Center-Based program in Chantilly. While in Chantilly,Joshua continued to mature into an independent and confident young man. He enjoyed participating incommunity activities, horticultural therapy, physical therapy, and sensory stimulation activities. InOctober 2003 at the Annual Board Meeting, due to his extraordinary growth, Joshua was given thePresident’s Award. Joshua continued to enjoy his daily activities in Chantilly until he left MVLE in July2004 when he moved into a group home in Front Royal, Virginia.

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTSCharles Swa ns o n

Charles came to MVLE seeking employment in 1999. He had never held down a jobfor more than a few months at a time and needed a job that would allow him to move

around all day, but sit part of the time to accommodate his disability. MVLE’sIndividual Supported Employment Department’s Employment Consultantshelped Charles find a job at Booz-Allen-Hamilton and even took him shopping

so that he could meet the professional appearance requirements of theworkplace. Charles currently serves as a mailroom clerk at Booz-Allen-Hamilton in Fairview Park. His accomplishments and professionalism have

made him stand out as a model employee among MVLE IndividualEmployment Programs.

K r istina “Tia” Krzysk o

In 1999, Tia came to MVLE from Fairfax High School’s Davis Center. Her first jobwas as a dining room attendant at Burger King where she first became acclimated toworking in a busy dining/kitchen environment. Tia, who is also an accomplishedathlete in several sports, surprised her co-workers with her energy for work andher “Can-Do” attitude. She has been working at Fairview Park Marriott since2003 in Kitchen Utility and Silver Polishing. Tia is now very comfortable inthe high paced atmosphere of the Marriott’s banquet and kitchen operationsand hopes to some day be able to handle working more independently in anexciting place like the Marriott.

3

4

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTSKelly Ruth

Kelly Ruth became a part of MVLE on June 12, 1995. Kelly has always had a very positiveattitude and pushes herself to complete every task presented to her by the Instructor. She

works diligently and has formed quite a few friendships with individuals and staff atMVLE. Every morning upon arrival, Kelly eagerly awaits personal grooming activities

and the morning meeting with her peers. Last year, Kelly was an active participantin the Personal & Social Support Group’s (PSSG) fall Fashion Show.

Kelly currently works in PSSG’s sub-group, where she works on various goals andobjectives while also having the opportunity to earn wages. Some of the wage earningtasks includes flier and newspaper deliveries, mail inserting, and paper shredding. Kellyalso had a successful transition from home to a residential facility. We applaud Kelly forher continued achievements in all areas of her life.

Saint Claire Scott

Saint Claire joined the Chantilly Center-Based program in June 2003 after his graduation fromhigh school. Over the last year, Saint Claire has demonstrated great strides in personal andvocational growth. Saint Claire loves to greet his peers and staff upon arrival every morning.He always makes a point of ensuring staff are keeping up-to-date by maintaining staff ’scalendars. Saint Claire loves to help out with all activities and jobs, and has even helpedto purchase arts and crafts supplies in the community. He spends half of his day in thecenter performing janitorial duties to ensure the site is always well maintained, and theother half of his day he enjoys participating in various center-based activities. One ofSaint Claire’s biggest accomplishments since being with the center has been to increasehis verbal communication both at the center and at home.

S k i l ls Training and As s e s sment Pro g ra m

Last fall, MVLE introduced its skills training and assessment program. The program was designed by Linda Johnson-Brown, Coordinator of Production Training (C.P.T.), who also conducts the training and assessments. The purposeof the program is to give the individuals personalized training to help them achieve their goals and focus on pro d u c t i o nwork. Some of the individuals are learning new skills while others are sharpening current skills. The training sessionstypically last four to six weeks and when desired outcomes are reached, it increases the earning potential for theindividuals. Data is collected during the training period, which enables us to identify the types of jobs that would bemost suitable for the individuals, the turnaround time, and the size of the jobs that can be handled in the Productiondepartment. This data and the individual’s personal goals are often used to develop the individual’s annual plan withachievable objectives. Linda often attends the Our Voices Count and ISP meetings to learn what types of tasks andskills individuals are interested in learning. She also works closely with the Support Specialist to identify and obtainassistive devices, which helps to increase the independence of the individuals we serve.

TO HAVE CHARACTER IS TO BE BIG ENOUGH TO TAKE LIFE ON.“ ”- unknown

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTSSOURCE OF FUNDS

DRS $122,662 1.6%

CSBS $3,337,908 44.3%

Va. Medicaid $1,469,088 19.5%

Contributions $34,716 .5%

Production/

Business Services $2,446,745 32.5%

Other $121,539 1.6%

USE OF FUNDS

Center Services $2,666,067 36.5%

Community Employment

Services $1,731,924 23.7%

Production/Business Services $2,013,140 27.6%

Management and General $891,445 12.21%

R E V E N U E

Program Services $4,929,658 65.4%

Production/

Business Services $2,446,745 32.5%

Contributions $34.716 .5%

Other $121,539 1.6%

E X P E N S E S

Personnel $5,511,072 75.5%

Occupancy $891,263 12.2%

Equipment/Supplies $704,074 9.6%

Other $196,167 2.7%

5

6

ACHIEVEMENTS…In FY 2004, MVLE served a total of 459 individuals.

We increased corporate visibility by participating in various local MR committee meetings and host-ing monthly Employment Service Organization meetings.

We continued to benefit from our relationships with local CSBs (Community Service Board), DRS(Department of Rehabilitative Services – VA) and local school systems as a result of their continuedleadership and ongoing support during this past year.

The average yearly wages for individuals with disabilities increased collectively by 12% in threedepartments: Organizational Employment Services: Community Access, Community EmploymentServices, and Individual Supported Employment.

The average number of hours individuals worked increased collectively by 11% in three departments:Organizational Employment Services: Production, Organizational Employment Services: CommunityAccess, and Individual Supported Employment.

The average hourly wage for individuals with disabilities increased collectively by 3% in threedepartments: Community Employment Services, Individual Supported Employment, and NISH.

We expanded our mail room opera t i o ns by incorporating new services and mailing servic-es techniques, which have significantly increased revenues for our Production department.

In FY 2004, we received a 3-year accreditation from CARF in all service areas. We have continued toimplement Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) teams, which aided in our accreditation.

JWOD work opportunities increased in FY 2004, and we are currently employing 18% more individ-uals with disabilities through the JWOD Program.

We have implemented a new communications system for e-mail and data sharing (Blackberry ServerServices) with our cellular partner AT&T Wireless, which has increased our communications ability.

We created a new computer-training lab at the Chantilly site that has given individuals with disabili-ties a centralized location to work and gain computer experience on various software programs.

…AND GOALSOur FY 2005-2009 Strategic Plan is the cornerstone of MVLE’s new focus toward implementing aperformance management business system. This plan has been developed to:

• Provide an agency-wide performance agreement with our Stakeholders;

• Set goals that are measurable results directly supporting MVLE’s mission;

• Align activities and the role of human resources in accomplishing our goals;

• Align activities and fiscal responsibilities used to accomplish the expected results; and

• Clearly show where MVLE can and cannot fulfill its mission with current resources.

MVLE has five strategic goal categories: Board Growth, Corporate Capability andS t r u c t u re, Financial, Staff Development, and Services.

7

MVLE’S MISSION, VISION, AND VALUESM is si o n

To provide opportunities for people living with disabilities to develop to their fullest potential byparticipating in community life through valued work and support services.

V isi o n

MVLE will infuse creativity and energy into encouraging personal and professional growth for peopleliving with disabilities. Utilizing best business practices, MVLE will strengthen the organizationthrough increased visibility and growth.

Va l u e s

People living with disabilities are our first priority. We will treat eve ryone with dignity and respect; honortheir right to choose and to pursue opportunities that allow them to be successful. Fu rt h e r m o re, we will…

• Be loyal to those we serve;

• Provide valued work and service opportunities;

• Focus on continuous quality improvement;

• Value diversity in our workplace; and

• Show integrity in all our business dealings.

MVLE is a private not-for-profit 501(c)3 tax exempt organization, founded in 1971, a n dincorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1972. MVLE is CARF accre d i t e d ,licensed by the State of Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardationand Substance Abuse Services, an approved JWOD vendor, an authorized vendor forthe De p a rtment of Re h a b i l i t a t i ve Se rvices, the Virginia De p a rtment of Medical Se rv i c e s ,

and a recipient of United Way support and individual and corporate contributions.

WE ARE CREATING FUTURES ONE PERSON AT A TIME.

8

BOARD OF DIRECTORSO F F I C E R S

B. Frank DoeChairmanFinancial Planner

Peggie FurloughVice-ChairmanParent/Business Operator

Ken HansenSecretaryChief, Investment Goods Industrial Branch, U.S. Census Bureau

Joe ApaTreasurerBroker/Financial Planner

April Pinch-KeelerPresident

D I R E C TO R S

Ray MinerAssociate Director, OSEPU.S. Department of Education

Karen RobersonRealtor/Parent

Gay ShaneSecurity Consultant

Richard DezioAttorney

Carol CiofaloOb/Gyn Physician

Gary BojesPrincipal Management Consultant, SAIC

C O R P O R ATE OFFICERS

April Pinch-KeelerPresident

7405 Boston BoulevardSpringfield, Virginia 22153(703) 569-3900(703) 569-3932 Fax(703) 569-3320 TTYwww.mvle.org

3855 Centerview Drive, Suite 100Chantilly, Virginia 20151(703) 796-9602(703) 796-9615 Fax

Mount Vernon-Lee Enterprises, Inc.

#8257

Mount Vernon-Lee Enterprises, Inc.Today's Quality Tomorrow's Future

Mount Vernon-Lee Enterprises, Inc.7405 Boston Bouleva rd • Sp r i n gfield, Virginia 22153

(703) 569-3900 • (703) 569-3932 Fax(703) 569-3320 TTY • www.mvle.org

C R E A T I N G F U T U R E S O N E P E R S O N A T A T I M E

ANNUAL REPORTFisca l Ye a r

July 1 , 2003 - June 30, 2004