After VARC's successful integration of Careers Industries this past July, clients, families, and employees of VARC's Racine and Burlington Divisions reflect on their positive transition into VARC, and the daily impact these changes are making.
VARC's integration with Careers Industries out of Racine, Wisconsin this past July resulted in the birth of VARC Burlington and VARC Racine divisions. Though change is nothing new to this disability nonprofit, VARC's quarter 3 for 2024 consisted of an unusual amount of rapid transition and adjustments as leadership harmonized operations at Racine and Burlington with the running of the rest of VARC.
VARC has nearly half a century of experience guiding and empowering their clients towards autonomy, independence, and success, and the organization is determined to apply this same level of standards right at the start with Burlington and Racine divisions. Leadership is hands-on, listening to the situation on the ground, asking for feedback from staff, and offering solutions that enable their employees to focus on providing better care for VARC's clients with disabilities.
Investing in People and Futures
At VARC, we believe that empowering our staff through ongoing support and training leads to higher quality services, which, in turn, helps clients gain greater independence in their daily lives. "Since the transition from Careers to VARC, employment trainers are no longer tasked with completing rehabilitation-related documentation," says Lori DeVries, Production Supervisor at Racine Division. "This shift has allowed us to dedicate more time to developing the vocational and soft skills that are essential for clients to thrive in community employment."
“More than ever, the staff are prioritizing things that positively impact the clients we serve," says Stacy Quickstad, General Manager in Racine. "It isn’t about which program they work in or whose job it technically is—it is about providing the best experience every day. The changes that have come as a result of this collaboration have created many opportunities to learn and grow. VARC has provided the resources to assist us in the transition, and I’m confident that given some more time, we will grow our service opportunities for the clients we serve.”
Client Experience
When asking the Racine and Burlington clients how they felt about joining VARC, they talked about their shock at first (and some sadness to learn that Careers would be no more). "Change is hard, but it is also good," says Angie O., a VARC Prevocational Services client. Staff have since reported that clients have vocalized feeling happy, wonderful, and respected. "I love VARC," says Sean K., Prevocational Services client. "I want to stay here the rest of my life."
VARC has prioritized maintaining what the clients love about their experiences while improving the amenities offered. Racine and Burlington still look forward to "Employee of the Month" awards and are given more time to socialize with their friends with fewer restrictions. They are now being paid every other Friday, and enjoy being allowed to wear earbuds while they work. VARC demonstrates its commitment to client health and wellbeing by installing quality Culligan water filtration systems at the new divisions. Clients enjoy access to the newest VARC swag, with the ability to order whatever style of garment they desire to personalize.
We are incredibly proud of our staff for embracing the opportunities that come with growth and expansion. As Stacy Quickstad puts it, "With the right mindset, there’s nothing we can’t achieve with time and effort." Looking ahead, VARC is excited to continue integrating Racine and Burlington, allowing us to enhance our impact and do what we do best: empowering our clients to build the skills they need to achieve their goals and realize their dreams.
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