It’s been 65 years since a concerned group of parents joined their minds and hearts to find meaningful activities for their adult children with disabilities.
Since then, eight employees have grown to more than 550 and the list of services now includes residential, day-support programs, veterans’ programs and extensive supported employment programs.
The nonprofit started as Tidewater Vocational Center before it was renamed for Louise Eggleston, the local philanthropist and volunteer who donated the organization’s Norfolk building.
Eggleston is like a well-oiled machine. And, it is the dedicated employees and work culture which CEO Paul Atkinson Sr. said makes it a Top Workplace.
“Our mission is to provide employment, education and training to people with disabilities, but it’s certainly done that for me as well,” Atkinson said.
He said it is not an “us” and “them” situation, but everyone working together to empower people through employment.
The passion and purpose shared by employees at Eggleston is centered on helping others meet their goals and live a better life. And Atkinson knows that all quite well — he joined Eggleston 32 years ago.
When he came on board, the organization’s budget was approximately $300,000. Today it is $30 million.
“We try to meet a critical need and I think any time that people are working, and the end result is the betterment of the community and the betterment of other individuals, that’s a very noble and good way to spend your hours at work,” he said.
Setting the tone at the top, modeling the behavior, holding people accountable and over-communicating clear expectations are all ways that Atkinson said he assures the work environment flows smoothly at Eggleston.
“We spend time with all new employees through an orientation process,” Atkinson said.
And with the coronavirus still a concern, Atkinson said leaders make sure to stay in touch and help alleviate anxiety, especially with many of the organization’s employees designated as essential workers,
“I always knew it was one of the best places to work,” Atkinson said with a chuckle. “We finally got that public recognition of what I already knew.”
Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-222-5356, sandra.pennecke@insidebiz.com
special award
Paul Atkinson Sr., Eggleston’s chief executive officer, won the Top Workplaces special award for Leadership in the large companies category.
About the company
Address: 1161 Ingleside Road, Norfolk
Phone: 757-858-8011
Website: EgglestonServices.org
Top executives: CEO Paul J. Atkinson Sr.; Chief Financial Officer Ron Fritch; Chris Hoagland, vice president, federal contracts; Tasha Jones, vice president, waiver services; and Helene Russell, director of human resources
Employees: 552 total, 316 full-time, 236 part-time
Benefits include: Health, life and dental insurance; personal time off; 10.5 paid holidays; jury duty time; bereavement time; 401(k) with company match; tuition assistance; FMLA; and discounted YMCA membership
Fun factor: This year has been different due to COVID-19 but the nonprofit still conducted its spirit week. In the past, it participated in the Tides Family fun night and had a Polar Plunge team. Employees are celebrated by hosting the OK5K, having a Fourth of July family cookout, a holiday party, and the annual meeting/banquet.
Community service: The nature of the organization is to help individuals in the community. In addition to offering workplace training and employment opportunities, it also runs a brain injury services program and offers residential facilities and day support programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
