Eggleston talks about

What’s New for 2024 and the Importance of Brain Injury Services

on the WNIS “Ask the Experts” show.

 

On February 3, 2024 Eggleston’s new CEO, Harrison Misewicz was joined by several guest on WNIS 790’s “Ask the Experts” show with Damien Hall.  Geraldine Eady, Eggleston VP of Marketing and Development, started out by officially welcoming Harrison as the new CEO of Eggleston.  Harrison and Geraldine then go on to share a brief history of how and why Eggleston was started and what’s new for Eggleston in 2024.  Click on the recording below to hear more about Eggleston and our plans for 2024.

 

March is Brain Injury Awareness month so we wanted to spend some time talking about What is a Brain Injury as well as the services Eggleston’s Brain Injury program provides.  Hear more about this important subject from Teslyn “Tes” Savage, Brain Injury Manager and Jamie Peed, Brain Injury Case Manager.  And since there is unfortunately more people in need than there are resources, we also invited Letitia Council, founder of The Nasia Foundation to join the discussion and share how her organization is helping individuals 17 and under who have an acquired brain injury.  To hear their discussion listen to the segments below.

For more information about Eggleston’s Brain Injury Services and how you can get involved visit https://www.egglestonservices.org/brain-injury-services/

For more information about The Nasia Foundation and their services visit https://www.thenasiafoundation.org/

Please use these lists as a guide for our January 15, 2024 hours in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. For questions or additional information please call our front desk team at 757-858-8011 or email them at Info@egglestonservices.org

Thank You!

The Eggleston Board of Directors and staff are excited to welcome our new

Chief Executive Officer, Harrison Misewicz

When former CEO, Paul Atkinson, Sr. informed the Eggleston board of directors of his desire to retire, the board began an international search for the next CEO.  After doing their due diligence, they found the best candidate was already in the Eggleston ranks. A native of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area for most of his life, Harrison relocated to the Hampton Roads area in 2022 after being named COO of Eggleston.

Harrison is a graduate of the University of Minnesota where he obtained his BA in Communication Studies with a minor in Political Science, and he is a graduate of Mitchell Hamline School of Law where he obtained his JD.  Since graduating law school, Harrison has dedicated his life to the service of individuals with significant disabilities.  Harrison has worked for both a Central Nonprofit Agency in AbilityOne and a large Nonprofit Agency that is affiliated with that network.  Harrison brings his expertise and networking skills to Eggleston and is committed to expanding on the excellent reputation that Eggleston has built over the last 68+ years.  In addition to his passion for serving those with significant disabilities, Harrison has also supported the homeless and those with substance abuse disorders by serving through the Continuum of Care and volunteering at various group homes.

Atkinson, Sr. recently shared, “The board has taken the time and chosen my successor, Harrison Misewicz. Harrison has been on board for a couple years, and I’m sure that he will take the organization in a great direction, building on what we’ve achieved over the past few years. I’m confident that Eggleston’s leadership team is ready for this challenge and that Eggleston will continue to grow, change, and maintain its relevance and impact on the community.”

Harrison has spent the last few years learning about all aspects of Eggleston. “I would never ask an employee of mine to do a job I’m not willing to do.  So, I show up in our laundry, I show up in our group homes and day supports, and I regularly attend the auctions just so I can get out there and really experience everything Eggleston.”, said Harrison during a WNIS Ask the Expert show.

When asked why Eggleston, Harrison shared that after high school he worked briefly in the Information Technology industry and realized he didn’t want a relationship with a computer. He wanted relationships with actual humans. After completing his undergraduate and law degree, he then realized he didn’t want to be a lawyer but instead wanted to give his life to service.  This passion sparked his interest for a career in non-profits.  His experience and networking have allowed him to not only connect with Eggleston staff and those we serve, but also with other like-organizations, government officials, and business leaders to see how we as a community can improve Hampton Roads and the region for individuals with disabilities.

“Harrison has proven his dedication to championing the causes of the people we serve day in and day out. He has great vision and passion for all things Eggleston and the Board welcomes him as he starts this new chapter!”, stated Jen Anders, Eggleston Board of Directors Chair.

Please join us in congratulating Harrison as we EMBRACE THE FUTURE!

Please use these lists as a guide for our December 22 and 25, 2023 hours in observance of the Winter Holiday and January 1, 2024 in observance of the New Year holiday. For questions or additional information please call our front desk team at 757-858-8011 or email them at Info@egglestonservices.org

Thank You!

A Visit from Santa Claus

This year, the holiday season kicked off with an extraordinary surprise at J. Clyde Morris (JCM) Day Program. Santa Claus himself made an early appearance, spreading joy and laughter among our team and individuals. It was a truly magical experience that filled our hearts with warmth and holiday spirit. Let’s take a closer look at the delightful visit that brought smiles to everyone’s faces. 

As Santa Claus entered our premises, there was an instant sense of excitement in the air. Our individuals, who had been on Santa’s Nice List throughout the year, couldn’t contain their joy. They all could not wait to take pictures with him. Everyone immortalized these heartwarming moments by capturing snapshots of Santa interacting with our team and individuals. From cheerful group photos to one-on-one heartfelt conversations, joyful laughter, and indulging in Holiday treats each picture tells a tale of happiness and wonder. 

In Conclusion, Santa’s early visit this year was a truly magical experience for everyone at JCM DAY PROGRAM. The event left a lasting impression on our team and individuals. It reminded us of the importance of spreading joy, kindness, and making meaningful connections during this special time of year. 

As we continue to cherish the memories of Santa’s visit, let’s carry the spirit of generosity and compassion throughout the holiday season and beyond. May this festive time be filled with love, warmth, and happiness for all. 

 JCM wishes you a joyous and memorable holiday season! 

Happy 7oth Birthday Paul!!

Today, we celebrated the 70th Birthday of our fearless leader and CEO, Paul J. Atkinson, Sr.  Being the humble man he is Paul told us not to do anything for his birthday.  But we couldn’t let this amazing milestone go unrecognized. So, we had to get a little sneaky and make it a surprise.  Below, you will find a galley of photos from the celebration along with slides from a celebratory slideshow.  Please join us in wishing Paul the Happiest of Birthdays and cheers to many more!

Thank you to his family, friends, co-workers, and the Eggleston Board of Directors for helping us make this celebration a success.  In lieu of gifts, you can make a donation to the Paul J. Atkinson Legacy Fund by clicking here.

Happy Birthday Paul!

 

Please use this list as a guide for our November 23 and 24, 2023 hours in observance of the Thanksgiving  Holiday.
For questions or additional information please call our front desk team at 757-858-8011 or email them at Info@egglestonservices.org

Thank You!

Eggleston

Press Contact: Kristen Ricks, Director of Marketing

757-858-8011 | ricks.kristen@egglestonservices.org


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | November 16th, 2023 | Norfolk, Virginia

Announcing Our CEO Transition

After 35 years at the helm, our CEO Paul J. Atkinson, Sr. will retire on December 31, 2023. Throughout his years of steadfast leadership, Paul has been a true servant leader and guided Eggleston through several evolutions. While the departure of Paul will be felt by all who interacted with Eggleston over his 35 years, he has outlined a strategic transition that will allow his successor, President and Chief Operating Officer Harrison Misewicz, to confidently step into the role of CEO.

Paul has been on a path to make a positive impact on the world since his college days. While studying at Virginia Commonwealth University, he worked at the Richmond Cerebral Palsy Center as a special education teacher’s aide to financially support himself through school. When he joined Eggleston as the Executive Director in 1991, he inherited an annual revenue budget of less than $500,000 while serving 125 people with disabilities. Today, Eggleston provides services for over 1,700 individuals with an annual revenue budget of over $30 million of which 70% is allocated to wages and benefits to Eggleston employees with a priority of hiring individuals with disabilities.

Eggleston Board Chair, Jennifer Anders, sums up Paul’s relationship with Eggleston perfectly: “for 35 years, the name Paul Atkinson has been synonymous with the mission and vision of Eggleston. We are forever indebted to his tireless effort to help those with differing abilities get the services they need and provide them with meaningful employment.”

Paul’s focus on promoting awareness for Eggleston and advocating for those with disabilities led him to several leadership roles on a national level. His national board service includes being the Chair of SourceAmerica for several years, former president of the National Council of Work Centers, former president of vaACCSES, as well as appointments by Governors to serve and lead State-level boards and Commissions. His character and work ethic are known in tandem with his immense capacity for empathy and kindness. When remarking on the importance of kindness, Paul shared “never underestimate your kind words on another person. You don’t know what your words will do to another person.”

As the chapter of Paul’s tenure with Eggleston ends, we are ecstatic to embrace the future and continue forging ahead with Harrison Misewicz leading the way. As President and COO of Eggleston since 2022, Harrison shares he is “grateful for the opportunity to serve.” Harrison is a native of Washington D.C. who relocated to Hampton Roads to assume the position of COO. His daily responsibilities included oversight of all programs, implementation of strategic development goals that are set by the Board, management of customer relationships, oversight of employee actions, and operational compliance with local, state, and national regulations. His call to serve others started early in life with obtaining his Eagle Scout designation at age 14. Harrison attended the University of Minnesota for his BA in Communication Studies with a Minor in Political Science, and he later obtained his JD from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law. Since graduating law school, he has dedicated his life to the service of individuals with significant disabilities. Harrison has worked for both a Central Nonprofit Agency in AbilityOne and a large Nonprofit Agency that is affiliated with that network.

Approaching the final month and a half of Paul’s time with Eggleston, we look back at his 35 years of service with fond memories and a profound appreciation for his leadership, wit, compassion, and intellect. We would also like to encourage Eggleston friends, supporters, volunteers, and the general public to be on the lookout for a “Meet Our Leadership Team” event later in January to hear from Harrison on the vision for the future of Eggleston. Stay connected by signing up for our newsletter at www.egglestonservices.org and following us on social media.

 

To hear more from Paul and Harrison on the transition and what is going on at Eggleston listen to our recent WNIS Ask The Expert show using the links below.

Please use this list as a guide for our November 10, 2023 hours in observance of Veterans Day.
For questions or additional information please call our front desk team at 757-858-8011 or email them at Info@egglestonservices.org
 
Thank You!

September 29, 2023 

 

Dear Eggleston Community, 

As I’m sure you’ve heard, on October 1st, if Congress has not come to a funding agreement, the federal government will shut down. Federal employees and contractors deemed “non-essential” will be unable to report to work until Congress can chart a path forward. Because much of the work we do at Eggleston operates under federal contracts, a shutdown would have major implications for our organization.  
 
While a government shutdown is an outcome nobody at Eggleston wants, our team has nonetheless been monitoring the situation closely and preparing for this unfortunate eventuality. Our executive team has been working diligently to minimize the impact on the individuals with disabilities we employ and to share with Congress what those impacts would be. Hopefully our efforts will help prevent a shutdown or, if one is inevitable, to make it as short and painless as possible. 

Eggleston is prepared for whatever October 1st might bring. If a shutdown occurs, there’s no way for us to prevent all disruption to our daily lives, but we are ready to deploy safeguards to make sure Eggleston’s employees will not face any new financial hardship for the foreseeable future. 

We also recognize that employment is not just about financial security – friendship, routine, and even self-respect and identity are important benefits all people can receive through their jobs. Changes at work can therefore affect emotional wellness and mental health. So our ask of you is simple: whether you work for Eggleston or care about someone who does, please look out for each other. Pick up the phone and stay in touch. See a movie, grab a bite, or visit the Garden Center. Do everything you can to stay mentally and physically active and to retain a sense of normalcy. Be present and be patient. 
 
These times are uncertain, but Eggleston’s commitment to the individuals with disabilities we serve is not. We will continue to advocate for our community both at home in Hampton Roads and in Washington as well. As ever, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. I’ve always said my favorite part of this job is getting to chat with all the wonderful people in this community, and that’s still true today. Eggleston is here for you. 
 
Sincerely, 

 

Harrison Misewicz  

President 

Eggleston