VPI is transforming how it serves the community with the development of their new Community Programs Collective, a facility designed to meet the growing needs of individuals with disabilities and families in Outagamie and Winnebago Counties. This new, state-of-the-art space will significantly increase VPI’s capacity to provide life-changing services while fostering greater social and economic independence for those it serves.
At the heart of the Collective is a commitment to inclusion, opportunity, and growth—core values that have guided VPI’s mission for almost 70 years. The new facility will feature a variety of purpose-driven spaces designed to empower individuals at every stage of life, from young children to adults seeking greater independence and community connection.
One of the standout features of the Community Programs Collective is a dedicated classroom for VPI’s school-to-work transition and education programs. This space will provide students with disabilities and other barriers to employment with hands-on learning experiences and the practical skills needed to succeed in the workforce. By offering tailored training and real-world job readiness experiences, VPI is helping to close the employment gap for individuals with disabilities while giving students the confidence and tools to build fulfilling careers.
A new training kitchen will support VPI’s goal of helping individuals build life skills and greater independence. In this fully equipped, accessible kitchen, participants in VPI’s Adult Day Services program will learn how to independently prepare meals, learn healthy habits, and develop essential skills for everyday life.
In addition to serving adult participants, the training kitchen will also be a valuable resource for families in VPI’s Early Intervention Birth to 3 Program of Outagamie and Winnebago Counties. The space will host feeding groups where therapists can work with children and their caregivers to address feeding challenges, introduce new foods, and develop positive eating habits in a supportive, hands-on environment.
The Collective will also be the new home of VPI Adult Day Services. The new space is designed to create more opportunities for social connection, independence, and personal development. This larger, more thoughtfully designed area will offer flexible programming to meet the diverse needs of participants. From art and music to recreational and vocational activities, the expanded space will foster an environment where participants can explore their interests, strengthen relationships, and enhance their overall well-being.
A major addition to VPI’s Early Intervention Birth to 3 Program is the creation of a Family Support Center, a safe and welcoming space where families facing housing instability or other hardships can access the program. This center will offer a reliable place for families to meet with their Early Intervention support team, receive essential services, and connect with resources they might otherwise go without. By addressing these barriers early, VPI aims to strengthen families and improve long-term outcomes for children and caregivers alike.
The Community Programs Collective represents a significant step forward in VPI’s mission to remove barriers and create opportunities for individuals and families. By consolidating and enhancing services under one roof, VPI will improve operational efficiency, increase capacity, and provide a more seamless and supportive experience for participants. The new facility will also meet modern safety and accessibility standards, ensuring that every participant feels welcome and supported.
VPI’s investment in the Community Programs Collective is more than just a facility upgrade—it’s a commitment to building a more inclusive, supportive, and connected community. The Collective will empower individuals to reach their full potential, strengthen families, and create lasting change for generations to come.
