About Us
When you first realize your child is struggling with a developmental disability, your heart sinks…and your next thought is, “Will I be able to provide what he needs for the rest of his life?” VITAL Services was founded in 1996 to help parents and health care providers solve some of the most common challenges faced in caring for a developmentally disabled person as he or she ages: life skills training, quality living arrangements and work opportunities. Our mission is to do what you can’t do yourself…with as much care and concern as possible for both the disabled person and the caregiver.
Parents new to the world of developmental disabilities have an initial need for knowledge about the child’s disability and all of the service alternatives. VITAL Services begins its partnership with parents by helping them negotiate the maze of services available, including state and federal rights, regulations and providers. This Web site includes fundamental information that will help you get started.
Once the foundation of knowledge is set and services are selected, VITAL Services steps into its role as provider of both vocational and residential services. We operate two vocational training facilities, where individuals will learn how to do a job by doing it. The people we teach are supported in their work by job coaching…and they receive instruction in community-based living skills at our residential facilities.
The quality work of VITAL Services—an official 501(c)(3) non-profit entity—is assured through the direction of both a board of directors and an advisory committee. We are certified by the state of Nebraska and regulated by the Nebraska Health and Human Services Systems.
Acceptance Policy
VITAL Services accepts any developmentally disabled person into our program, provided we have the facilities and medical expertise needed. Occasionally, we lack specialized services. We otherwise welcome any individual who needs our care. If state funding is not available, we accept private pay arrangements.
Employees
VITAL Services is managed by an administrator or executive director (Joe Asher), and programs are facilitated by a number of residential and vocational coordinators, managers and employees. We accept applications for employment at 2605 Fairfield in Lincoln.
VITAL Services is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a health plan, a 403(b) retirement plan, paid holidays, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and paid time off.
Memberships
VITAL Services is a member of the Association of Community Professionals (ACP), American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR), Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC), Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska Association of Service Providers (NASP), NE Safety Council and other organizations.
On-Going Training
To assure that our consumers are served by individuals who possess the highest quality skills, we provide regular training, including CPR, first aid, physical intervention, blood-borne pathogens, medication administration, seizure awareness, manager training, transportation and more.
2605 Fairfield Building
Our employees, consumers and colleagues enjoy the benefits of working in a 10,000 square foot building that was dedicated in June of 2005, with the mayor of Lincoln in attendance. This building is home to our corporate offices, as well as a clean, well-lit work area for our vocational services program. The facility offers 11 wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, a loading dock, many windows and skylights, and beautiful landscaping.
Future Plans
As we continue to offer a solid program of vocational and residential services, we also have a vision of operating a number of self-sustaining community businesses that would provide employment for those we serve. If you or your company are interested in exploring the possibility of a joint business venture in this area, please call us to discuss the possibilities!
Transportation
One of the most critical services we provide is transportation to and from the VITAL Services residential houses and training centers. For this purpose, we operate a number of company vehicles, including cars, vans and two trucks.
