Overview
What is Valley Forge Educational Services?
Valley Forge Educational Services (VFES) is a nonprofit organization situated on a scenic, 28-acre campus in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Dedicated to providing a continuum of educational, recreational, and employment-related services for individuals with disabilities, VFES takes a collaborative and holistic approach to each person's unique abilities and needs. The organization serves individuals aged 4-21 with various disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, speech-language deficits, intellectual disabilities, and social-emotional, executive functioning, and behavioral difficulties. VFES's mission is to prepare children and adults with special needs to realize their potential as contributing members of the community. VFES offers two signature programs: The Vanguard School and Adult & Recreation Services (ARS). The Vanguard School, established in 1959, is the first Pennsylvania-licensed approved private school. It serves approximately 240 students, ages 4-22, who require a high degree of individualized instruction and clinical support and intervention. The Vanguard School provides education to students from over 50 school districts and charter schools throughout Pennsylvania. In addition to on-campus skills training, the organization offers community-based vocational training. VFES also hosts various community events, such as its Annual Adult Services and Transition Resource Fair, Special Kids Camp Expo, and Community Day, which provide vital resource information to families and members of the community with adults and transition-age youth with disabilities.
Official website here: www.vfes.net
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 97% (Four-Star out of Four Star rating)
Valley Forge Educational Services (VFES) has received a high rating of 97% from Charity Navigator, indicating strong accountability and financial health. The organization boasts an impressive 100% rating for its independent board members and comprehensive policies for oversight, which suggests a transparent and well-managed organization. With a program expense ratio of 83.32%, it is evident that a significant portion of its resources is allocated directly to its educational programs, aligning with its mission to provide specialized educational solutions.
However, user reviews present a more nuanced picture, highlighting some operational challenges within the organization. A review from a professional in the field raised concerns regarding compliance with regulations and the administrative support for staff and students. It emphasized issues with leadership accessibility and the need for better guidance for inexperienced staff, questioning the overall effectiveness of the educational services provided.
In contrast, a donor review praised VFES for its expertise and long-standing history in special education, recognizing its contributions to families and professionals in the field. This dichotomy in feedback reflects both the organization's strengths in service provision and the areas where it may need to enhance its leadership and operational effectiveness to better serve its community.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator and Great Nonprofits.
Is Valley Forge Educational Services legitimate?
Valley Forge Educational Services is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Valley Forge Educational Services submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:
Executive Compensation: $523,070
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $12,572,967
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.vfes.net
What is the mission statement of Valley Forge Educational Services?
Valley Forge Educational Services is dedicated to providing a range of educational, summer, and employment-related programs for children and adults with disabilities. Their approach is collaborative and holistic, recognizing the unique abilities and needs of each individual. The organization aims to help students and participants build self-worth, discover their talents, achieve their goals, and plan for their futures. Valley Forge Educational Services remains committed to preparing individuals with special needs to realize their potential as contributing members of their community.
Official website here: www.vfes.net
Who is the CEO of Valley Forge Educational Services?
Dr Grace Fornicola is the Principal Officer of Valley Forge Educational Services.
Official website here: www.vfes.net
What is the revenue of Valley Forge Educational Services?
Valley Forge Educational Services's revenue in 2023 was $21,257,864.
Official website here: www.vfes.net
Who are the executives of Valley Forge Educational Services and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Valley Forge Educational Services during 2023 was $38,631. There are 339 employees and 128 volunteers at Valley Forge Educational Services.
Here are 21 key members and their salaries:
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- Compensation: $111,521
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- Other: $19,304
Official website here: www.vfes.net
Where can I find the form 990 for Valley Forge Educational Services?
Valley Forge Educational Services's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2023 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.vfes.net
Learn more at the official website: www.vfes.net
Mission Statement of Valley Forge Educational Services
Valley Forge Educational Services, or VFES, is a private approved school dedicated to providing educational, summer, and employment-related programs for children and adults with disabilities. The organization takes a collaborative and holistic approach to each student, recognizing their unique abilities and catering to their specific needs. VFES aims to help individuals develop a strong sense of self-worth, discover their talents, and work towards achieving their goals and planning for their futures. By offering a continuum of programs, VFES is committed to preparing students and participants with special needs to realize their potential as contributing members of their community.
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Impact
October, 2024
Valley Forge Educational Services (VFES) profoundly impacts individuals with disabilities and their families by facilitating educational, recreational, and employment-related opportunities tailored to their unique needs. Situated on a scenic 28-acre campus in Malvern, PA, VFES offers a continuum of services that equips children and adults with the skills necessary to thrive as contributing members of the community.
At the heart of VFES's impact is The Vanguard School, a pioneer in Pennsylvania education for students with special needs. Serving around 240 students aged 4-22, the school provides individualized instruction and clinical support, addressing a spectrum of challenges from autism spectrum disorders to social-emotional difficulties. Through dedicated teams that embrace a holistic approach, students receive personalized education designed to enhance their self-worth and capabilities.
VFES also places emphasis on community integration and resource sharing, exemplified by events such as the Annual Adult Services and Transition Resource Fair and the Special Kids Camp Expo. These gatherings bring families together with various service organizations, fostering connections and offering vital information about educational and recreational programs. The organization further demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity during its Community Day, which provides sensory-friendly activities for individuals with special needs and their families.
The Vanguard Transition Center enhances VFES's impact by preparing older students for the workforce through training programs focused on employability skills. Partnerships with local colleges and the introduction of restorative practices in schools highlight VFES's dedication to improving educational environments for everyone involved.
Overall, VFES stands as a beacon of support and resourcefulness, guiding individuals with disabilities toward realizing their potential and offering families the tools to navigate their journeys.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Valley Forge Educational Services. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.
Financials
This financial information is from Propublica.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2023.
- Investment Income: $350,816
- Program Service Revenue: $19,922,256
- Gross Receipts: $21,400,593
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $35,771,729
- Total Liabilities: $4,668,388
- Net Assets: $31,103,341
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
TUITION
Revenue
$17,969,690
SUMMER SCHOOL
Revenue
$1,342,639
SUMMER ACTIVITIES FEES
Revenue
$361,615
EMPLOYMENT TRAINING PROGRAM
Revenue
$248,312
Organization Details
Founding Year
1959
Phone
(610) 296-6725Principal Officer
Dr Grace Fornicola
Main Address
1777 NORTH VALLEY ROAD, MALVERN, PA, 19355
Website
www.vfes.netNTEE Category
Code: B280 - Education
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