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

Vanguard Landing exists to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in building full lives rooted in dignity, belonging, and choice.

We believe every person has the right to choose where they live, how they receive supports, and how they engage in meaningful work and relationships.

Vanguard Landing is an intentional community made up of homes, thoughtfully developed to provide safe, supportive, and independence-focused living environments. Each cottage operates as its own home, with services guided by person-centered planning and individual preferences.

Beyond residential living, a variety of optional campus amenities, employment enterprises, and social opportunities are available for residents who choose to participate in alignment with their goals.

Through this model, Vanguard Landing aims to expand access to high-quality residential and employment opportunities while promoting inclusion and community integration throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

A New Kind of Community

Vanguard Landing is a thoughtfully planned community featuring residential homes designed to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in living full, self-directed lives.

Our model emphasizes person-centered planning, independence, and meaningful community integration. While innovative in Virginia, it reflects a housing approach that has been successfully implemented in communities across the country. We are proud to be part of the Together for Choice network, collaborating with like-minded organizations that advocate for expanded choice, dignity, and opportunity.

At Vanguard Landing, we believe one size does not fit all. Every individual deserves the opportunity to:

• Live independently or with supports tailored to their needs and preferences

• Pursue meaningful work aligned with their interests and goals

• Engage socially and recreationally in ways that foster connection and belonging

In addition to residential living, optional on-site and off-site opportunities are available for residents who choose to participate — including life skills development, continuing education, fitness, the arts, and broader community engagement — all guided by each person’s individual goals and support plan.

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
  -Van Laundromat
  -Mail Room
  -Seaside Cafe 
• Lindsey Grace’s Small Event Space
• 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.