VARC Celebrates 50 Years of Divers-abilities

More than 750 upwards to 1300 people with disabilities — or diversabilities — a year is VARC’s success rate as it turns 50 years old.

VARC President/Chief Executive Officer Liz Filter says there is much to celebrate including the impact they have not only on individuals lives but on the caregivers and often the employers who benefit from the skills VARC teaches individuals.

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The organization began in a church basement in Viroqua 50 years ago with six individuals. In the past 15 years, growth has been significant with seven locations throughout the state with the latest being Racine and Burlington.

VARC has packaging and assembly manufacturing facilities that employ individuals with disabilities. They also help individuals find jobs in the community including going on-site to help with training. Those individuals then have higher tenure and strong work ethic.

Filter spoke of also creating jobs by starting a childcare center and a coffee shop.

She credits the recent growth to policies that are more friendly to people with disabilities. There are now more pathways for people with disabilities to work. The result are positive impacts on the families and the community.