About VARC
Community-focused Programming
The organization purpose and mission of VARC is to develop and provide meaningful employment, skill-building, and community inclusion services for individuals with varying abilities and other life barriers.
People
“Enough cannot be said about our employees at VARC, Inc. The staff is knowledgeable, committed, and proud of the work we do. From our management and supervisory team, and throughout our entire workforce, VARC employees strive to provide excellence in service."
-Elizabeth Filter, President/CEO
Quality Care
As the industry leader and first choice provider of disability services, we offer a wide range of programming designed to support individuals with disabilities in achieving their fullest potential and enhancing their quality of life. Our services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients, empowering them to live independently, engage in their communities, and pursue personal goals.
Our Legacy
Vernon Area Rehabilitation Center (VARC) was founded in the mid-1970s in Viroqua, Wisconsin initially serving 6 clients. Services were aimed at providing employment for people with disabilities along with residential and day services.
We create a culture where people with and without disabilities can thrive an are proud to come to work. We want our employees and service participants to feel they are well taken care of, have great opportunity for growth, and are working with an outstanding company.
We accomplish that through investing in enterprise, people, and community. Investment in enterprise allows VARC to provide meaningful and quality job opportunities to those we serve, and positively impacts the local community and economy.
Investment in workforce development enables those we serve and our employees to grow through education and training while having a fulling work-related and life experience.
Investing in community builds a foundation for our long-term success. It is important for our people to be involved in the industries in which we participate and community in which we do business to leave both better than we found them.
Our History
Vernon Area Rehabilitation Center, Inc. (VARC) was founded in the mid-1970s in Viroqua, Wisconsin, initially serving 6 clients.
Services were aimed at providing employment for individuals with disabilities, along with additional residential and day services.
Vernon Area Rehabilitation Center, Inc. (VARC) was founded in the mid-1970s in Viroqua, Wisconsin, initially serving 6 clients.
Timeline
1970
Founded in the mid- 1970s in Viroqua, Wisconsin, initially serving 6 clients.
Services were aimed at providing employment for individuals with disabilities, along with additional residential and day services.
1990
Built Corporate Headquarters, Viroqua, Wisconsin
1992
80 clients
1995
Expansion of corporate office, Viroqua, Wisconsin
1996
Added Transportation Services
1998
Opened in Sauk County
1999
Hosted 1st Annual Golf Invitation
2005
Opened in Richland County
2010
Opened in Juneau County
2016
Added Supported Employment Services
2017
Added Child and Youth Services (La Crosse County)
2018
Open Child and Youth Facility, La Crosse, Wisconsin
2019
Opened Production Facility in La Crosse County; Grew to 620 Clients
2020
Opened a Drive In Movie Experience: Moonlight Cinema, Viroqua, Wisconsin
2020
Opened in Monroe County
2020
Opened Good Bean Café, Recovery Informed Services, La Crosse, Wisconsin
2021
Opened Cheese Corner Deli, Group Supported Employment Site, Viroqua, Wisconsin
2022
Hosted the first VARC Gala
2023
Opened Preschool Childcare Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin
2024
850 Clients