Building a Brighter Future—Together

Too often, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face a limited world — with few options for where to live, how to work, and ways to build a meaningful life. In Virginia, the challenges are especially acute. Despite a deep need, there are far too few opportunities that honor the unique abilities, dreams, and dignity of people with disabilities.

At Vanguard Landing, we’re changing that.

This project began in 2010, when a group of passionate parents, families, and community members came together around a single question: What happens to our loved ones when we’re no longer here to care for them? Their answer was bold and full of heart — to create a place where individuals with IDD could live vibrant, independent, and fulfilling lives with as much or as little support as they need.

A Mission Born from Love and Persistence

It took three years to find the perfect piece of land. In 2014, we celebrated securing our beautiful parcel in Virginia Beach — the first of many milestones. From 2014 to 2016, we met with hundreds of families, refined our design, launched fundraisers and friend-raisers, and began building the foundation of a supportive community that would one day become home to many.

Then came unexpected hurdles — including devastating hurricanes and evolving city stormwater regulations that paused all development in the area. Still, we persevered. From 2017 to 2020, we built our board, engaged with families, raised critical funds, and waited patiently for a green light.

That light came in August 2020 when the new guidelines were adopted. Our engineering team revised the site plan, and we deepened our relationship with Virginia Housing to secure the funding needed for this $30–40 million development — a mix of donor support and construction financing.

A New Kind of Community

Vanguard Landing is Virginia’s first comprehensive Intentional Community designed to meet the needs of adults with mild to moderate IDD. Our model is innovative but proven — thriving in over 120 other communities across the U.S. We are proud to be part of the Together for Choice network, collaborating with like-minded organizations to amplify choice, dignity, and opportunity for all.

At Vanguard Landing, we believe one size does not fit all and what’s currently offered in VA doesn’t fit the needs of all. Every person deserves the chance to:

• Live independently or with support, in a variety of housing options
• Work in meaningful jobs that foster growth and pride
• Play and socialize in spaces that encourage connection and joy

We’ll have both on-site and off-site opportunities to develop life skills, pursue continuing education, enjoy fitness and the arts, and become active members of the greater community.

What’s Coming

We are currently under construction with Phase One, which will include:

• Five-bedroom cottages and one-bedroom townhomes
• A central Gathering Point for connection and activities
• The launch of our VanGarden and farm market
• A mix of residents with and without disabilities, living and thriving together
• We’re fundraising to add the Enterprise Building and Sportsplex design and construction before the end of Phase 1 completion.

We plan to welcome up to 123 full-time residents and 50 day program participants. 100’s of families from all over the United States have shown interest and are working hard to get their family member on our Accepted List — a testament to the deep demand for this kind of community in our region.

Our campus will also include innovative on-site Enterprises such as:

• VanGarden and Farmstand
• The Gathering Point
  -Laundry Center
  -Mail Room
  -Seaside Cafe 
• Lindsey Grace’s Farmhouse Restaurant
• Enterprise Building
  -Acorn & Oak Gift Shop
  -VanDough’s Bakery
• Sportsplex and Wellness Center

And through partnerships with local businesses, residents will have even more off-site job opportunities to explore.