Hospital Volunteers of Venice contributes to Loveland Village’s employment program

The Loveland Village, a nonprofit that provides educational, vocational and residential programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, recently received a $7,500 grant from the Hospital Volunteers of Venice, a nonprofit organization associated with Venice Regional Medical Center.

The generous grant was presented on Feb. 23 and will benefit Loveland Village's EmployAbilities program. The program helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities seek, secure and maintain employment with local businesses. Supported employment specialists currently serve 36 employees and partner with dozens of local businesses that have committed to inclusive workplaces. The program continues to grow as more individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities seek competitive employment in the community.

“Loveland Village is a wonderful organization, and it is a pleasure to support such a worthy nonprofit and the EmployAbilities Program,” said Dennis Kalgren, president of the Hospital Volunteers of Venice. “We look forward to future opportunities to help Loveland Village and its students."

With nearly 500 dedicated members, the Hospital Volunteers of Venice (HVV) supports the advancement of the entire health system. The nonprofit accomplishes this goal by assisting the professional staff in providing comfort care to patients and their families, raising funds and granting scholarships for continuing medical education.

"We are very grateful for the grant from the Hospital Volunteers of Venice,” said Daniela Koci, president and CEO of Loveland Village. “This funding will support the continuing growth of the EmployAbilities program as we strengthen collaborations with local businesses to develop even more inclusive workforces in our region."

About Loveland Village

Established in 1962, the Loveland Village strives to help adults with developmental disabilities live their lives to the fullest. The nonprofit was founded by a group of parents who sought to provide a productive and safe place for adults with developmental disabilities. Loveland Village provides educational programs and vocational training for individuals with developmental disabilities. For more information, visit www.LovelandCenter.org or call 941-493-0016.