New Home Turns Nonprofit Into Superpower
ServiceSource is settling into its brand spanking new Disability Resource Center in Oakton. The giant space means it can help out other nonprofits, while continuing to expand its mission.
ServiceSource’s new Disability Resource Center is 66k SF, three stories, and houses about 100 employees helping people with disabilities find jobs, training, housing and other support services. It opened this first-of-its-kind center last December to offer services in one place and to the public. The building is big enough for ServiceSource to offer at least 10 offices and 4k SF of space at below market rents to small nonprofits that have a common mission or want to be in that part of Fairfax County. Some have already moved in, including the Virginia Wounded Warrior program and the David Lawson Foundation. (ServiceSource is hosting an open house and resource fair on Friday to show the public all it and other nonprofits offer the community.)
ServiceSource, the result of a merger of five nonprofits over the last 12 years, bought the space in response to a trend toward smaller specialty service centers embedded in the community, says president/CEO Janet Samuelson, purchasing lunch at the organization’s cafe, which is staffed by people with disabilities. With an annual budget of $130M, the organization purchased the building last year from the Peterson Cos, which worked with the nonprofit on price. ServiceSource also used a tax-exempt bond through Fairfax County for the purchase; it additionally raised $5M through a capital campaign to make the space accessible to its clients before moving in last December.
A ServiceSource employee arranging the jewelry display at the Blossom Daily Cafe Gift Shop, which sells products made by people with disabilities. Janet says ServiceSource is now raising money for a smart living suite that will show people with disabilities how they can live and ultimately age in their own homes. The space will include a living, office, bathroom, dining and kitchen area with accommodations, products and technology for people with disabilities. The group is requesting funding from Fairfax County and working with other potential sources and tech providers. If approved, the program could start early next year.
