More than 750 upwards to 1300 people with disabilities -- or diversabilities -- a year is VARC's success rate as it turns 50 years old.



VARC President/Chief Executive Officer Liz Filter says there is much to celebrate including the impact they have not only on individuals lives but on the caregivers and often the employers who benefit from the skills VARC teaches individuals.

The organization began in a church basement in Viroqua 50 years ago with six individuals. In the past 15 years, growth has been significant with seven locations throughout the state with the latest being Racine and Burlington.

VARC has packaging and assembly manufacturing facilities that employ individuals with disabilities. They also help individuals find jobs in the community including going on-site to help with training. Those individuals then have higher tenure and strong work ethic.

Filter spoke of also creating jobs by starting a childcare center and a coffee shop.

She credits the recent growth to policies that are more friendly to people with disabilities. There are now more pathways for people with disabilities to work. The result are positive impacts on the families and the community.

More than 750 upwards to 1300 people with disabilities -- or diversabilities -- a year is VARC's success rate as it turns 50 years old.
 
VARC President/Chief Executive Officer Liz Filter says there is much to celebrate including the impact they have not only on individuals lives but on the caregivers and often the employers who benefit from the skills VARC teaches individuals.
The organization began in a church basement in Viroqua 50 years ago with six individuals. In the past 15 years, growth has been significant with seven locations throughout the state with the latest being Racine and Burlington.
VARC has packaging and assembly manufacturing facilities that employ individuals with disabilities. They also help individuals find jobs in the community including going on-site to help with training. Those individuals then have higher tenure and strong work ethic.
Filter spoke of also creating jobs by starting a childcare center and a coffee shop.
She credits the recent growth to policies that are more friendly to people with disabilities. There are now more pathways for people with disabilities to work. The result are positive impacts on the families and the community.
 
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WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM - La Crosse  Talk Interviews

WIZM’s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin.
Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at wizmnews.com and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities. Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.

WIZM&rsquo;s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin. Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at <a href="https://www.wizmnews.com/">wizmnews.com</a> and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities.&nbsp;Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.