Verland highlights compassionate caregiving and community support

Verland provides residential housing and vocational services for people with complex physical and intellectual challenges, and caregivers there describe close, reciprocal relationships with residents.

Christina Davis began a new role last year as a caregiver at Verland and describes strong, reciprocal bonds with the people she supports. Verland provides individualized care and ongoing support for people with complex physical and intellectual challenges. Its main campus in Sewickley offers residential housing and vocational training and employs about 500 direct support professionals. Leaders and board members say community backing and new living options are part of the organization's work. Key facts: - Christina Davis moved from long-term nursing aide work to a caregiving role at Verland and completed a two-week training before starting at a residential home in Aliquippa. - Resident Nichole Matijak, 36, lives in that home and enjoys social activities and time with her caregiver; she expresses affection that caregivers report as meaningful. - Verland reports a staff of roughly 500 direct support professionals and senior leaders, including executives who began their careers as caregivers. - The organization has expanded new homes and living options and introduced a life-sharing program that places adults with families in the local community. Summary: Verland emphasizes reciprocal relationships between staff and residents and describes efforts to support caregivers through pay, training and resources. Undetermined at this time.