WHO WE ARE
OUR STORY
Supported Employment of Virginia, Inc. (SEV), is a non-facility organization founded in October of 1985 in response to the lack of available employment options in the Richmond area for individuals with disabilities. SEV was the first private, non-facility company in the nation to provide supported, competitive employment and off-site integrated enclave services.
Since its inception, SEV has provided supported employment services training to organizations around the nation and the world from as far away as Ireland, Australia, and Japan. SEV developed some of the first supported employment marketing brochures disseminated across the country.
SEV is a Richmond-based company serving more city residents in supported employment services than any other vendor. While increasing service capacity, Supported Employment of Virginia has focused on continually improving the quality of SEV’s employment services programs.
Supported Employment of Virginia currently operates fourteen enclave sites in the city of Richmond. These community-based sites are located within hotels, manufacturing companies, and retail stores, providing employment services for over 100 individuals.
OUR MISSION
It is the mission of Supported Employment of Virginia (SEV) to provide people with disabilities in Richmond and the surrounding area with high quality employment services in integrated community-based work settings. Working in partnership with supported employees and using productive and meaningful work, it is our mission to help these employees to achieve and maintain value in the roles they have chosen in our community.
OUR VISION
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities should receive services and supports to live and work in community settings of their choosing and experience lives characterized by happiness, dignity, health, and the highest degree of social responsibility and productivity of which they are capable.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
It is the philosophy of Supported Employment of Virginia that the quality of life of all citizens is enhanced by the full participation of persons of varying abilities within their communities. Supported Employment of Virginia is dedicated to providing the highest quality employment services by offering consumer-directed services utilizing highly trained and competent management and direct service staff.
SEV believes that persons with disabilities should be the guiding force in planning and choosing services and should receive the supports necessary to achieve meaningful work and social activities in community settings of choice. Further, it is the responsibility of SEV and other community partners to provide “whatever it takes” to make this happen.
OUR PRINCIPLES
- People with disabilities have the right to participate in community-based living and employment opportunities of their choosing.
- Individuals receiving employment assistance from SEV provide initial and ongoing direction in the provision of services, and they receive the support needed to provide this direction.
- Services and supports are appropriate and respectful of the individual and his or her support partners.
- The resources of the organization are directed in a manner that ensures quality services are offered and provided to supported employees and other stakeholders.
- SEV hires and maintains a highly trained and dedicated staff, with ongoing opportunities for enhance of staff knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- The organization operates in a fiscally responsible manner.
OUR VALUES
The employees of SEV believe that we will fulfill our vision and accomplish our mission by living these values daily:
Superior Services
We will ensure the satisfaction of consumers, community partners, and stakeholders by always striving to meet their needs.
Honesty and Fairness
We will treat every person who receives our services with dignity and respect, and we will be consistent in all we do.
Quality Consciousness
We will not compromise in our commitment to quality and our uncompromising attitude will be reflected in what we do, say, and write.
Cost Consciousness
We will provide cost-effective services and will vigorously pursue continuous improvement.
Teamwork
All stakeholders and team members are invited to the table to work together to achieve our vision and our mission, based on SEV’s philosophy and values.
Atmosphere
We will provide safe, clean environments for employees, consumers, community partners, and stakeholders.
Life Long Learning
Stakeholders and team members will receive support, guidance, opportunity, and resources that allow them to participate in training and enrichment activities.
Quality of Life
We shall promote “wholeness” for our stakeholders and team members.
We will treat every person who receives our services with dignity and respect, and we will be consistent in all we do.
All stakeholders and team members are invited to the table to work together to achieve our vision and our mission, based on SEV’s philosophy and values.
ACCREDITATION
We are CARF Accredited.
