Support Services of Virginia

02/18/2026

Wednesday Warrior - Realizing Success

Alondra Duenas joined SSVA in October of 2025 as the Administrative Assistant for the Virginia Beach office. When you call or stop by, Alondra is often the first friendly face and voice you encounter—providing a warm welcome, and making sure everyone has connected with the proper person.

Alondra's family owns a tailoring and shoe-cleaning business in the Hampton Roads area, and she carries over the same mindset of providing assistance wherever help is needed at SSVA each and every day.

In addition to working full-time, Alondra is a dedicated student at ODU and is actively self-learning the ins and outs of social media—bringing fresh perspective, organization, and a willingness to grow into everything she does. Family-oriented at heart, Alondra values collaboration, communication, and the opinions of those around her.

Since joining SSVA, Alondra has become a vital part of helping ensure our office runs smoothly behind the scenes. Her positive attitude, and reliability does not go unnoticed. You inspire us!

02/16/2026

Monday Motivation -

"With the platform I have comes the responsibility to fight for equality and representation.” — Elana Meyers Taylor

Elana Meyers Taylor is a five‑time Olympian and, as of 2026, the most decorated Black Winter Olympian in history. Beyond her athletic achievements, she is also a mother of two sons—both deaf, and one with Down syndrome—and has used her platform to advocate for a more inclusive world where every person is seen, valued, and given the opportunity to thrive.

At Support Services of Virginia, this responsibility is central to our mission. Realizing success by helping others realize theirs means standing up for equity, honoring individual strengths, and removing barriers so everyone can live a full and meaningful life.

As we step into this new week we honor all of you who turn visibility into action and responsibility into lasting change. 💙💛

02/11/2026

Wednesday Warrior - Realizing Success

This week we are proud to recognize Shawanda Whitehead, a dedicated leader and teammate in our Danville region.

Shawanda began her journey with SSVA in 2016, and over the years she has continued to grow, learn, and step forward wherever she is needed. Today, Shawanda brings that same commitment and heart to her work as Regional Head of Services in Danville, where she is known for her strong work ethic, eagerness to learn, and deep dedication to supporting her team.

Shawanda consistently shows up with a willingness to problem‑solve, ask questions, and build her skills—all while ensuring that staff feel supported and the people we serve receive the quality care they deserve. Her leadership is grounded in collaboration, perseverance, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.

Thank you, Shawanda, for your hard work, your commitment to growth, and the care you show your team every day. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and we are grateful to have you as part of Team SSVA! 💙

02/11/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/181Nkm3fir/

This week's Bill of the Week features House Bill 468! This bill would help create a model transition IEP to help students with disabilities and their families better prepare for life after high school.

To view or download a PDF of our Bill of the Week, visit our website: https://vbpd.virginia.gov/policy/bill-of-the-week/

02/09/2026

Monday Motivation -
This February, we honor the leaders, dreamers, and everyday heroes who shape our history and our future. As we begin a new week, let’s carry the wisdom of Michelle Obama with us:
“History has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.”
At SSVA, courage shows up every day—in the way we advocate, the way we serve, and the way we lift one another up. Let’s step into this week committed to being sparks of courage, carriers of hope, and builders of community.
Happy Monday, Team! 💙💛💙💙

02/06/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Aeywy9W2k/

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

02/04/2026

Wednesday Warriors - Realizing Success
Celebrating the 2025 QIDP Certification Training Graduates!

Today, we honor a remarkable group of leaders who have spent the past year strengthening their skills, deepening their commitment, and embracing the meaningful work of supporting people in living their best lives.

This is our third QIDP Graduation Class, and it reflects SSVA’s ongoing commitment to the professional development of our team members. We really do realize success by helping others realize theirs — and this graduating group embodies that mission fully.

Our 2025 QIDP Certification Training graduates showed resilience, curiosity, dedication, and a true commitment to person‑centered practices. They leaned into learning, supported one another, and demonstrated what it means to lead with courage and compassion. Your growth strengthens our teams, our programs, and the lives of those we serve. SSVA is proud of each of you.

🎓 2025 QIDP Graduates
Autora Armbrister – Hampton Roads
Camille Pitts – Hampton Roads
Cynthia Nunnally – Danville
Dawn Farmer – Lynchburg
LaShana Wesley – Lynchburg
Maria Hensley – Hampton Roads
Nikki Parrish‑Carter – Eastern Shore
Rae Roberts – Danville

Keep leading, keep learning, and keep realizing success by helping others realize theirs. 💙💛

02/02/2026

Monday Motivation -

As we begin Black History Month, we honor the leaders, thinkers, creators, and communities whose strength and brilliance have shaped our nation. Their legacy reminds us that progress is built by everyday people choosing courage, compassion, and action.

Today’s inspiration comes from a powerful reminder by former President Barack Obama: “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”

This month—and every month—may we recognize our own power to spark change, uplift others, and carry forward the work of justice, equity, and inclusion.
✨ We learn from the past.
✨ We lead in the present.
✨ We build a future grounded in dignity and possibility for all.

Let’s step into this week with purpose.
We are the ones. 💙🖤💛❤️💚

01/28/2026

Wednesday Warrior - Realizing Success

This week, we are excited to recognize Keanna Nance as our Wednesday Warrior! She has been a valued member of the Support Services of VA team since August of last year, serving as a Direct Support Professional. From the very beginning, she has consistently demonstrated patience, dedication, and a genuine passion for supporting the individuals we serve. Her calm and caring approach helps create a positive environment where individuals feel supported, respected, and encouraged to grow.

She excels at skill-building and takes pride in helping individuals develop confidence and independence. She is proactive, dependable, and quick to step in—immediately offering support to individuals or teammates whenever a need arises. Her advocacy and teamwork truly make a difference every day.

Outside of work, she is very family-oriented and deeply values time with her husband, children, and close family, including her sisters. That strong sense of family shines through in the compassion, patience, and care she brings into her role. We are grateful to have her as part of the Support Services of VA family and are proud to recognize her as our Wednesday Warrior! 💛💙💛💙

01/26/2026

Monday Motivation -

January can feel long. The days are colder, the energy can dip—but the work of helping never stops.

At SSVA, the helpers show up anyway:
💛They bring patience when things are hard.
💙They offer encouragement when progress feels slow.
💛They stay steady, even when the season feels heavy.

To our DSPs, QIDPs, and entire SSVA team—your consistency, compassion, and commitment matter more than you may realize.

💙 Realizing Success by Helping Others Realize Theirs. 💛

Let’s finish January proud of the impact we’ve already made and grounded in why we do this work.

01/21/2026

Wednesday Warrior – Realizing Success

This week, we are proud to recognize Dallas King as our Wednesday Warrior! She joined Support Services of VA in August of last year as a Direct Support Professional and has quickly made a meaningful impact on both the individuals we serve and the team around her. Before coming to us, she successfully owned her own pastry and dessert business—bringing creativity, dedication, and a strong work ethic into everything she does.

In her role as a DSP, she truly shines. She is attentive, engaging, and always focused on making activities fun and meaningful for the individuals she supports. She consistently interacts with them, advocates for their needs, and ensures they feel valued, included, and respected. Her positive attitude and genuine care make her a joy to work with, and it’s clear she builds strong connections wherever she goes.

Outside of work, she is very family-oriented and values time with her husband and children—something that reflects in the compassion and warmth she brings to her role. We are incredibly grateful to have her as part of the Support Services of VA family. Thank you for all that you do and for being an outstanding Wednesday Warrior! 💙💛

01/19/2026

Monday Motivation | Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

More than ever, let’s turn remembrance into action. As Dr. King taught us, everybody can be great—because everybody can serve.

This week let’s:

💙Serve locally, personally, and now. Start each shift with: “How can I help?”—with the people we support, families, sponsors, and one another.
💛Create access in small ways. Add alt‑text to a photo, offer plain‑language summaries, check doorway and pathway clearances, or adjust formatting for readability.
💙Include intentionally. Invite quieter voices into the conversation, co‑create choices, and honor self‑determination in plans and day‑to‑day supports.
💛Lift a teammate. Send a specific thank‑you to a DSP, sponsor, or coordinator who went the extra mile; name the behavior you’re celebrating.
💙Share one progress story. Celebrate the steps, not just the finish line—what worked, who it helped, and how we can repeat it.

When each of us chooses to serve, we help build a positive and peaceful world—one interaction, one accommodation, one act of kindness at a time. 💙💛