WHEREAS, MVLE, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating better futures for individuals with disabilities through employment and other support services, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021; and

WHEREAS, MVLE was founded in 1971 with the objective to provide individuals with disabilities and other barriers the opportunity to achieve independence through social activities, supported employment, and customized skills training; and

WHEREAS, through its array of services, MVLE gives individuals with disabilities the chance to become valued members in the workplace while preparing businesses and organizations to accommodate their needs in ways that stay true to their bottom line; and

WHEREAS, MVLE has achieved its goals over the years by developing strong and extensive partnerships with businesses and organizations in the community and by cultivating a reliable and capable workforce to serve them; and

WHEREAS, in 2018, MVLE joined the Fedcap Group, a global network of leading nonprofit agencies, to expand its capacity to care for and support disadvantaged individuals and their families; and

WHEREAS, MVLE is committed to excellence, maintaining accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and licensure with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; and

WHEREAS, MVLE has deepened its impact through collaboration with the Community Services Boards of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties and the Cities of Alexandria and Falls Church; and

WHEREAS, by empowering individuals to be active, engaged, and gainfully employed members of their communities, MVLE has helped make Northern Virginia more inclusive and welcoming for all; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That MVLE hereby be commended for its exemplary service to the community on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Retired Rear Admiral Michael Smith, Chairman of MVLE, as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for the organization's mission and its contributions to the Commonwealth.