Posted on September 18, 2023 by Eggleston Marketing

2020 findings report that of 18 million American citizens, about 7% have served as active military, naval, or air service personnel. Among that percentage, Hampton Roads has one of the largest military populations— with hundreds of servicemen and women transitioning back into civilian life every month. Donating to Virginia veterans can help guide them through the turbulent challenges faced during this change and ensure they receive proper care and support for years after their service.

Eggleston Warrior Bridge engages the employment and success of Veterans with disabilities in Hampton Roads. By connecting them to their desired career path, we support veterans’ efforts to become employed, self-sustained, and productive members of our community. But where do you come in? Let’s break down how you can amplify the cause.

How To Donate To Veterans

When connected with the right organization, donating can be simple. The general process is as follows:

Do your research. Find charities that match your ideals to address veterans’ struggles and commit to one you want to support.
Confirm reputability. Investigate the charity’s achievements, programs, members, and resources to determine their trustworthiness.
Consider your options. Identify if you would like to donate money to the organization or time and skills as a volunteer (or both).
Make your donation. Whatever the amount, pledge your gift to make an impact!
Monitor your contributions. Whether money or property, keep a record of your charitable donations for taxes.

How Your Veterans Donation Helps

Donating to veterans is an excellent way to give back to those who protect our country. Your donation not only helps Virginia veterans but provides family support as well. Pledging as little as a dollar can be the difference they need to access care, comfort, therapy, and medical treatment in facilities around the world.

Veterans experience many life-changing scenarios during their duration in the military, which can affect their physical and mental health and their families. Many veterans return from service with a physical or intellectual disability, mental illness, or lack of assets that can lower their standard of living. By donating, you reduce their isolation and elevate their knowledge, skills, and hope.

Challenges Your Donation Tackles

By understanding some of the challenges Virginia veterans can face, we can work to build a better future. Here are just some of the problems that your donation can tackle:

1. Unemployment

Many disabled veterans have immense trouble finding work once they return home. If they have joined the armed forces straight out of high school, they also lack the education to compete with other applicants. Though veteran unemployment rates have decreased this year, it is still at 2.5% as of 2023 reports, with veterans with a disability as high as 5.6%.

2. Homelessness

Among the U.S. homeless population, a staggering 13% are veterans. Many who suffer from mental illnesses like PTSD are at high risk of alcohol and drug addiction, which can contribute to homelessness. In other scenarios, disabled and unemployed veterans can struggle to keep up with their mortgages and other finances, eventually losing their homes.

3. Physical injuries/disabilities

The dangers of war can leave many veterans injured or disabled. Living with a debilitating injury or physical disability can be difficult to maintain—from increasing medical bills, lack of support, decreased productivity, unemployment, and more. In 2021, 1.9 million U.S. veterans reported a service-induced disability of 70% or higher. The influx of physical disabilities has caused the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to be unable to keep up the number of applications—backed up for months or even years. This leaves many veterans stranded without the proper help.

4. Poor mental health

Sadly, suicide and depression rates are still high for veterans. This is due to the social stigma of seeking medical treatment, causing PTSD and other mental illnesses to remain undetected until adequately diagnosed. If you or someone you know may be struggling with their mental and emotional health, know this: seeking help is the strongest action you can take for yourself and your loved ones. Connect with the Veterans Crisis Hotline for support.

5. Lack of education

As previously mentioned, veterans who join the armed forces after high school lack the college education needed to enter the job market. Some veterans may also feel that heightening their education may be financially daunting. Your donation can help them make that initial step.

How Eggleston Can Help

Eggleston has assisted adults with disabilities for over 65 years, connecting them to vital resources, services, and employment. We launched the Warrior Bridge program to provide Virginia veterans with the resources to take advantage of their benefits. With a person-centered approach, Warrior Bridge helps veterans integrate back into society with self-sufficient ways to secure immediate employment.

At Eggleston, we understand the profound sacrifice veterans make for the sake of our country’s safety. That’s why we’ve decided to contribute many business resources to defending veterans’ right to a fulfilling life. Explore our Veterans Spotlight and Veteran Resource Center to see why we take pride in the employees who work with us after service. Ready to make a change? Donate today.

Posted on August 31, 2023 by Eggleston Marketing

Please use this list as a guide for our September 4, 2023 hours in observance of Labor 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!

Posted on August 11, 2023 by Eggleston Marketing

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Together we can make a difference.

Photo: Gaylords of sorted bulk dry goods assembled by the volunteer team

On Wednesday, 08/02/2023, representatives from Eggleston, Robert Williams, Jeff Hoel, and Paul Atkinson, Jr., volunteered with Operation Blessing. This volunteerism involved meal kit preparation for distribution in disaster relief operations. The trio from Eggleston worked alongside five other volunteers to unpackage and sort bulk dry goods.

Jeff saw this as an opportunity to share his passion for Eggleston’s mission with the Operation Blessing staff and the other volunteers, remarking, “Even though we were helping them, they were learning about us.” Robert shared this sentiment, saying, “I got to meet some new friends. Everyone was friendly. I told them all that I was a brand ambassador for Eggleston.”

Volunteering is not only a way for Eggleston to engage with our neighbors but also demonstrate our capabilities. Robert spoke to this idea, stating, “I like to volunteer to show that I can do any kind of work in the community.” I can vouch for the impressive effort. The team efficiently dispatched with the duties and, after a tour of the warehouse, ended the engagement ahead of schedule.

As Jeff summarized it, “Everyone needs a helping hand from time to time.” We believe that Eggleston’s values are best demonstrated through action. Inclusive stewardship, such as volunteerism, is a demonstration of the shared organizational values. Stewardship is best demonstrated by the collaborative effort to care for the people, places, and things closest to home, in this region, and in the global community. This is Eggleston at our best. Thank you to Jeff, Robert, and Paul for demonstrating what right looks like.

Photo (left to right): Jeff, Paul & Robert

Posted on July 28, 2023 by Eggleston Marketing

Meet Tes!

Teslyn “Tes” Savage came to Eggleston as an intern in September of 2019. She was finishing an associate degree and planning to continue Human Resources and logistics work she began during her 14-year service the U.S. Army. However, once she started working with the members of Beacon House, she realized her career path was about to take a major turn. Tes explains she had always been passionate about helping people and thought Human Resources was a great way to serve others. But on day two of her internship, she realized her true calling was social work.

Tes was hired in November 2019 as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) providing community coaching and community engagement services to members of Beacon House. When Beacon House temporarily closed in March 2020 due to COVID-19 impact, Tes transferred to Anna House. She shared how she is always looking for learning opportunities and supporting individuals in a residential setting provided her a great opportunity to learn new skills and ways to support individuals with disabilities. Tes returned to Beacon House when it reopened later that year, but then she was equipped to apply her new skills with the members.

Knowing that Social Work was her true calling, Tes took some time to go back to school to begin working on her degree in Social Work. Since her return to Beacon House in September 2021, she has served as the Maintenance Unit Coordinator, the Communications Unit Coordinator, and the Beacon House Program Administrator & Employment Specialist where she was instrumental in updating the structure and policies to make duties more accessible for members and staff. Recently, Tes was promoted to the Beacon House Program Manager and is excited to see members continue to excel and for the Clubhouse to grow. “I love seeing people lead lives that are fulfilling and of their choosing, not what others want. I want this to be a safe space where members can be seen, heard, and feel important because they are,” said Tes.

When Tes isn’t working at Beacon House, she loves dancing and having fun with her son Brian, her dog, and her family and friends.

Posted on June 28, 2023 by Eggleston Marketing

Congratulations to Trasean Singletary – Special Olympian

The Special Olympics World Games bring together people with and without disabilities from all over the world to unite around a common goal of sports and comradery. This year, the Special Olympic World Games were held in Berlin, Germany from June 17^th – 25^th. This event hosted more than 7,000 Special Olympic athletes and Unified partners from approximately 190 countries to compete in 26 sports.

Eggleston is proud to announce our very own, Trasean Singletary, represented the United States in several track events. Trasean competed in three events: the 4×400 meter relay, the 5000 meters where he won BRONZE with a time of 21:31.68, and the 3000 meters where he won GOLD with a time of 12:18.10.

Before he left for Germany, Trasean talked about his love for running. He said he started running as a teenager as a way to burn calories and stay fit and healthy for his friends and family. Trasean shared how his mom’s support and encouragement “to never give up” have been a big motivator for him. He trains seven days a week and runs everywhere including to and from work at Eggleston, which is a 4.7-mile trip each way. When asked what it is about running that you love Trasean said “You have to keep moving forward, put the past and negative stuff behind you. Running helps me keep moving forward.”

In addition to being an amazing runner, Trasean has also been a valued member of our Norfolk Laundry staff for more than 10 years. He brings the same level of hard work and determination to his job as he does to his running, and it shows. “Trasean is a great worker. He is hard-working, reliable, productive, and knowledgeable on all of the different jobs within the laundry.” shared Bob Anders, Norfolk Production Manager.

Congratulations Trasean on your success at the Special Olympic World Games and thank you for being a shining example of Excellence in Action!

To learn more about Trasean, check out his story on Wavy News 10.

WELCOME HOME!

Posted on June 28, 2023 by Eggleston Marketing

Please use this list as a guide for our July 4, 2023 hours in observance of Independence 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!

Posted on May 24, 2023 by Eggleston Marketing

Recently, Hampton Roads said goodbye to a great and generous philanthropist of the community, Harvey Lee Lindsay, Jr. Many people knew him as the former president of Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate or for his involvement with the Harvey Lindsay School of Real Estate at Old Dominion University. However as shared in his obituary, “he dedicated his life to doing good, lasting work in the community”.

Harvey spent most of his life serving on numerous boards, committees, and fundraising for local organizations and non-profits. Today, Eggleston would like to pay tribute to Harvey for the instrumental gift he gave to our organization which helped turn the tide for our organization’s future.

When Eggleston was started in 1955 by a group of concerned parents who were trying to find work opportunities for their adult children with disabilities, it did not operate as the traditional not-for-profit you see today; meaning Eggleston’s primary revenue sources were from the business services they ran and no public community donations. As the services continued to expand to include non-employment services such as residential, day programs, and programs for traumatic brain injury survivors it became clear that Eggleston would need to diversify their revenue sources to continue to serve the growing demand. So, Eggleston’s Board of Directors and senior leadership decided to expand their development efforts. Harvey Lindsay, Jr. was the first person to give a private major monetary gift to the organization. In fact, when he was approached by our CEO and board members about the gift, Harvey told them they weren’t asking for enough and gave Eggleston three times the amount they asked for.

Harvey’s gift set the precedence for approaching other potential donors in the future. Earlier this year, Eggleston completed its first ever capital campaign raising over $2.7 million dollars to help support their brain injury services programs and to start work on a future residential project. This capital campaign was led by Harvey’s son, Billy King, who is currently Eggleston’s Foundation Chair.

Through his time, talent and resources Harvey Lindsay, Jr. has touched many people and organizations in an effort to make this community he loved a better place for us all. We at Eggleston will be forever grateful to Harvey and his family for the legacy they are helping build for adults with disabilities.

Posted on May 24, 2023 by Eggleston Marketing

Please use this list as a guide for our May 29, 2023 hours in observance of Memorial 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!

Posted on April 14, 2023 by Eggleston Marketing

The brain is the most complex organ in the human body. Each person can react differently when an injury impacts it, significantly affecting their quality of life. But a brain injury does not have to be managed alone—Eggleston offers a full continuum of person-centered services to help people living with a traumatic or non-traumatic brain injury work towards achieving their goals.

Our services specialize in various media to help individuals find brain injury resources to own their independence and integrate back into society. In addition, we offer them a safe space for developing their skills and finding productive and meaningful ways to regain control of their lives. In this guide, we will break down brain injuries, the functions of brain injury services, and the potential benefits they propose.

What is a Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) results from a sudden bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body or an object penetrating the brain. All painful bangs to the head do not cause a TBI. A TBI can cause short-term and/or long-term issues with normal brain function, such as cognition, behavior, or physical limitations. More severe TBI cases can sometimes lead to permanent immobility or death.

A brain injury can also be non-traumatic. This kind of brain injury is caused by a lack of oxygen (anoxia), exposure to toxins, pressure from a tumor, stroke, infections, and more.

Types of Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries may be primary or secondary, meaning some cases can be immediate while others may appear over time. While primary brain injuries are discovered following the incident, secondary brain injuries gradually show within days, weeks, or months. Secondary brain injuries may also result from the treatment used after the initial head trauma.

Along with whether a brain injury is primary or secondary, two types of TBI are classified based on the kind of injury.

Penetrating TBI (or open TBI):

This is caused when an object pierces the skull and brain tissue, like a bullet, bone fragment, sharp weapon, or shrapnel. Penetrating TBI damages are usually localized to one area of the brain.

Non-penetrating TBI (or closed head injury; blunt TBI):

This happens when something with powerful force shifts the brain within the skull. Some relevant incidents include a fall, blunt force to the head, or motor vehicle accidents.

Brain Injury Services and Their Functions

Brain injury services help people with an injury gain all that life can offer with a comprehensive, personalized approach. People’s needs vary depending on their brain injury severity and personal goals. At Eggleston, we offer brain injury services to the community to focus on strengths and abilities, not disabilities.

Case Management

One of the programs offered to people with brain injuries is Case Management. This service focuses on minimizing institutionalization and maximizing the client’s potential to utilize resources for remaining in the community. Examples of these resources include insurance, transportation, home care, housing, medical care, and employment, among others. The Case Manager will also collaborate with other organizations to maximize assistance for clients and their families effectively. They will additionally cater to each individual’s unique service plan and goals with guidance, education, and focused insight.

Case Management empowers individuals with brain injuries by identifying the steps needed to achieve a fulfilling lifestyle with community resources and other helpful services or providers. If you live with a brain injury, you can choose the location you wish to meet with your Case Managers—such as a restaurant, library, or the comfort of your home.

Beacon House

Eggleston provides a clubhouse for people with an acquired brain injury (ABI): Beacon House. Here, there are no “patients” but dedicated members who collectively work together to achieve their goals. It is a program designed for individuals to capitalize on their strengths. Members can benefit from this program by rebuilding social relationships, for friendship, family, employment, and self-advocacy. This restorative environment makes recovery possible by giving members the individual support they need.

Support Groups

Research shows that social skills can develop after a TBI, elevating the need for better social environments among people with brain injuries. Whether managing your brain injury alone or with a family caregiver, it’s important to socialize with other people to drive productivity and happiness. Eggleston offers support groups for people with brain injuries to amplify their voices and support groups for caregivers, family, and friends.

Eggleston: Shaping a Better Future

For over 67 years, Eggleston has engaged in education, training, and employment for adults with disabilities. Our mission is to create a safe place for individuals with disabilities to promote a healthier, happier, and more productive life.

To see eligibility for our brain injury services in Virginia, visit our website or contact us today.

Posted on March 10, 2023 by Eggleston Marketing

Chesapeake Bay Academy and Eggleston

“Bridging the Gap for All.”

Chesapeake Bay Academy is a local independent school here in Hampton Roads, that provides education to children with specific learning disabilities, developmental delays, speech and language impairments, autism, and other health impairments. Chesapeake Bay Academy offers kindergarten through 12th-grade, with most students graduating and heading off to college.

Jared Setnar, the Director of the Upper School, says it is important to make plans and have discussions with the students as they progress. He explained that two-thirds of students will go to college after their senior year; however, there are a few that still are not ready for college, or the college environment would be too stressful for them. Those students typically graduate and then find a hobby or a job. Jared wanted to create a bridge for those students, so they are more successful after school. Jared worked with Eggleston to create a program that allowed senior students to volunteer and learn job skills. Benjamin Adams is the first student in this pilot program.

In September of 2022, Benjamin, a 17-year-old senior, started interning a few days a week at Eggleston. He interns on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a few hours in the morning before heading to school for the rest of his day. Benjamin has been a very hard working intern, and his attention to detail and accuracy have made him a huge help during his time at Eggleston. His supervisor, Toshiko, says, “He is shy but very respectful”. Benjamin enjoys working alone and is very successful when given specific directions and then allowed to find his own way of completing the tasks such as organizing documents and prepping them for shredding. Toshiko expressed they plan to have Benjamin learn to scan documents and try some of the other jobs that Eggleston offers, such as the garden center and laundry services to see how he enjoys them.

Benjamin’s mother, Jennifer, stated. “This has been a fantastic experience for him, and he loves going to his internship! Eggleston has been his first real job experience; he has volunteered serval times with FACT camp over the years but never worked in an office-type setting.” Jennifer helped Benjamin with his resume and talked through his interview process with him, but she was very proud of him for going into the interview with Tasha Jones, Eggleston’s Vice President of Rehabilitation Services, and getting through it all by himself. Benjamin told his mom, the reason he loves going to work is that everyone is so nice to him.

The success that Benjamin has had while at Eggleston has provided him with a future plan for after school. When talking with Jared, he explains how much Benjamin loved Chesapeake Bay Academy, his time there, and he didn’t have any idea of what he wanted to do when he graduates this June. This opportunity has opened his eyes and has also opened the eyes of the staff at Chesapeake Bay Academy and Eggleston. Jared stated, “Eggleston is being a real bridge to the setting here, helping him to move on from Chesapeake Bay Academy”. This experience has allowed Benjamin to explore his capabilities and gain the self-confidence to go into the workforce this summer after graduation.

We look forward to seeing Benjamin become successful after graduation and watching him grow. We are excited to continue this partnership with Chesapeake Bay Academy and continue to make Hampton Roads a more accessible community for everyone.