Clients with Profound Disabilities Thrive at Verland

Agency makes a significant difference in the lives of those with intellectual and physical disabilities, including autism

By Vanessa Orr

When people see a challenge within a community, they often don’t feel they have the knowledge or the power to come up with a solution. But there are those rare individuals who, when confronted by a need, decide to meet it head-on.

The founders of Verland are just such people. Originally established in 1978 as a residential agency for individuals with intellectual disabilities, the nonprofit organization was the brainchild of three compassionate, motivated women: Carol B. Mitchell, Theo Hanzel O’Neil and Nancy D. Chalfant. While others merely bemoaned the fact that there was nowhere in the community for 80 displaced individuals with profound disabilities to receive quality care, these women chose to combine their talents to create the multifaceted agency, Verland.

“Back in the 1970s, a number of facilities that were treating these individuals decided that they no longer wanted to deal with lower-functioning kids,” explained Virginia Hill, who signed the incorporation papers for the organization along with Bob Prince and Eleanore “Sweetie” Nevin. “When the time came to phase these places out, there was nowhere for our children to go. We didn’t want to put them in state institutions, like Western Center, where there were already huge waiting lists.”

Mitchell, who had been working at one such facility, knew that there had to be a better way to house and treat these individuals. She was inspired by her connection with David Tresch, a young boy living away from home who at the time was subject to self-abusive behavior. “Those of us who started Verland did so because we wanted to help someone we loved,” explained Mitchell, who is now the organization’s CEO. “I personally believe that all of us need help at times from someone else, and people with disabilities especially need this support. If their families can’t do it, there needs to be a place like Verland.”

Hanzel O’Neil and Chalfant also found inspiration from their children, Andrew Hanzel and Verlinda Chalfant. Though both were severely challenged, their bravery and love inspired their mothers to join with Mitchell to create a better place for ‘God’s most challenged people.’

“Verland might not have come into being if the three of us had not met one another,” said Hanzel O’Neil of the organization’s founding. When ground was broken in 1979, the women honored Verlinda, Andrew and David’s contributions by naming the organization after them.

In January 1981, Verland formally opened its doors. Located on 13 acres of wooded land in Sewickley, PA that was donated by Helen F. Grove, Verland continues to grow. Verland’s Sewickley main campus includes 10 large, family-centered homes, and there are also 42 other community homes, four adult training facilities and two Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) under Verland’s auspices.

“We provide 24/7 residential services, as well as physical, occupational, speech and hearing, equestrian, aquatic and music therapies, among others, ” said Mitchell. “We also provide all medical and nursing services that our clients need, including medical specialties on a consulting basis from dentistry to neurology.”

Verland currently serves 222 individuals ages 12 and up, including clients with autism. “When we first started we had more children, but our average age throughout Verland is now 55,” said Mitchell. “There are currently more services provided for children who have intellectual disabilities, so not as many people come to us at a young age.”

According to Hill, Verland provides stability and a dignified, loving place for people with challenging medical conditions who can’t be cared for at home. “Because of the wonderful care and supports they’ve received at Verland, many of the Verlanders have lived full, wonderful lives far longer than they were expected to,” she said.

“The people who work at Verland obviously care about their clients—they are concerned about their welfare and it shows,” added David Tresch’s brother, John. “I know that my brother receives outstanding care; I couldn’t hope to find anywhere better.” David is now 52, and still makes his home at Verland.

Mitchell agrees that it takes a special kind of person to work at Verland. “You have to be extremely compassionate and have a really warm heart to work with our clients,” she said. “But as Mother Teresa said: ‘It is an honor to be invited to help with God’s work on earth.’ And I really believe that we’re doing God’s work here.”

In order to continue in their mission, Verland relies on donations from the community and holds several annual fundraisers. Their new bold fundraising initiative, Gifts From The Heart: The Founders’ Legacy Campaign, is currently underway and seeks to raise $30 million; they’ve raised almost $10 million so far. Verland is holding a Las Vegas Night at the Sewickley Heights Golf Club on June 14th to celebrate their 30th year of success, to which the public is invited. Because of limited capacity, call Arlene Connors now at 412-741-2375, ext. 211 for tickets. On Monday, July 28th, Verland also will be holding its 26th golf outing at The Club at Nevillewood. Visit www.verland.org for details.

As for the future, Mitchell hopes to be blessed with stable staff and steady growth in order to help some of the thousands of people with intellectual disabilities still on waiting lists throughout Pennsylvania and the nation. “At the time we started, we never thought that the success we see today was possible,” said Hanzel O’Neil. “A lot of this is because of Carol; she never stops working and never stops pushing for Verland.”