When President Trump commissioned the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford, the first new U.S. aircraft carrier designed in 40 years July 22, another job site was added for member nonprofits.
VersAbility Resources, a SourceAmerica member nonprofit based in Hampton, Virginia, but serving people with disabilities across the globe, plays a critical role in force readiness for air craft carriers like the U.S.S. Ford. The agency is the prime contractor for a nationwide contract provisioning the naval fleet. The ship isn’t just the latest, most-advanced carrier in the fleet, it’s also a job site for 56 people with disabilities in Norfolk, Virginia.
Previously, sailors loaded supplies onto ships after they returned to home port or just before they got under way, said Sarah Bowman, director of Marketing and Development for VersAbility Resources. It was an arduous task for men and women eager to reunite with their families or spend quality time before leaving, according to feedback to the Navy’s office of Morale, Welfare and Recreation, so the Navy decided to outsource.
“This program provides quality, ongoing jobs for people with disabilities. We are providing a mission-essential service that is critical for force readiness,” she said.
VersAbility Resources is the contract prime that handles ship provisioning in Virginia and Hawaii. Other SourceAmerica member nonprofits operating as subcontractors include CW Resources in Groton, Connecticut; Challenge Enterprises in Mayport, Florida; NW Center in Seattle; PRIDE Industries in San Diego; and Pacific Ability Resources Inc. in Guam.
“We are always looking at new opportunities to create jobs,” Bowman said. “I don’t think you can get more unique than working on a ship and providing these mission-critical services. Our employees on this contract are fully integrated into the military team. It’s a unique job that offers strong wages and benefits.”
It’s also a difficult job, according to Bowman, one that requires physical strength to endure long days in a wide range of weather conditions and rigorous background checks to meet the Navy’s security requirements.
“Sometimes they start as early as 5 a.m. and get off as late as midnight,” she said. “These employees do a great job working in inclement weather in these situations. They might pass up to 5,000 cases, each weighing 50 pounds. It can take up to 12 hours in tight spaces, up and down stairs.”
But those challenges appeal to Corey Stout, a VersAbility Resources employee.
“I like the fact that the job is hard,” he said. “They understand that the job is difficult and they accommodate you very well. I love working alongside the sailors because of what they do for us. I can’t imagine myself doing anything differently. It’s like you’re a sailor for day.”
Stout suffered a brain injury, which he said made it difficult to find work.
“It’s kind of like a big family,” he said. “If you were working at Walmart, you wouldn’t be integrated like you are here. This is probably the most unique job in North America. I can’t even put it into words.”
For David Cooper, whose father served in the Navy, the job is about more than just a good paycheck.
“I feel like I’m supporting America,” he said. “I enjoy working with the Navy so much because it makes me feel like a good citizen for this country because the Navy supports us.”
The employees also benefit from supports that help them succeed on the job, said Zachary Caine.
“My boss, he helps me out when I need it,” Caine said. “I had challenges that I didn’t quite get. He was there to help me out. This is the first boss I’ve ever had who helps me out like that.”