City Recognizes Those Who Serve Virginia Beach Residents with Disabilities

Each year the Virginia Beach Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities (MCPD) recognizes those individuals, businesses and organizations that are committed to enriching the lives of Virginia Beach residents with disabilities to ensure full integration in the community. 

On March 19, the committee members were joined by Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond, City council member for District 4, to present the awards to four individuals, one service organization and one business. Mayor Bobby Dyer was unable to attend in person but provided a video message of congratulations and appreciation to the winners.

Awards Winners

Hope House Foundation, Service Organization 
Hope House Foundation is a leader in supporting adults with developmental disabilities, so that they can live independently in their homes and apartments, based on their needs. The organization promotes independence and supports meaningful participation in work and community life. During the past year, among those supported in Hampton Roads, Hope House served 27 Virginia Beach residents, helping them maintain their own homes, access employment opportunities, and engage more fully in the community. 

Elizabeth “Lily” Tyree-Herrmann, Individual 
Elizabeth “Lily” Tyree-Herrmann, a special education teacher at Holland Elementary School, founded an inclusive Best Buddies Club that pairs general education students with students in special education, fostering friendships, advocacy and a stronger sense of belonging within the school. About 10 kids in the club enjoy fun activities, as well as science-based lessons, and she has begun to see them develop friendships outside of the program as well.  

“Getting to see them interact has been fantastic,” she said. “Our kiddos can sometimes get pushed to the side, and we want everyone to know them and love them as much as we do.” 

She also continued tutoring students with disabilities after a formal contract ended, ensuring that critical support did not lapse. 

Jen and Juice, Business 
During the past year, Jen and Juice, a local provider of organic foods and beverages, partnered with service providers to offer hands-on work experience for individuals with developmental disabilities. Volunteers gained practical job skills in food preparation, cleaning and customer service in a welcoming and supportive environment. By creating access to meaningful workplace experiences, Jen and Juice demonstrated how local businesses can play a vital role in inclusive employment. 

Bailey Hartley, Individual 
Bailey Hartley, a captain with Virginia Beach Emergency Medical Services, developed and implemented COLT Kits, which provide sensory tools and communication support for neurodivergent and autistic individuals during emergency responses. These kits have helped reduce stress, improve communication, and support safer and more respectful care during high-pressure situations.

Christine Ross, Individual 
Christine Ross is the founder of the first special needs baseball team, Champions Baseball, at Great Neck. This effort grew into a broader movement, Aid Another, for inclusive recreation and community participation in Virginia Beach. During the past year, she continued leading inclusive sports, camps and social programs while mentoring youth volunteers and building community partnerships.  

Michelle Prendergast, Individual 
During the past year, Michelle Prendergast’s leadership supported expanded programming, increased participation, and reduced waiting lists for individuals with disabilities seeking meaningful opportunities after aging out of school-based services. Her work helped individuals build friendships, develop independence, and remain connected to their community. 

Next Year’s Awards 

The committee seeks nominations for its 2026 annual awards that will be presented during the March 2027 ceremony. Nominations must be submitted by Nov. 30 online at VirginiaBeach.gov/MCPD.  

Individuals who do not have access to the internet can use a computer at any Virginia Beach Public Library. Computers at the Bayside and Central libraries have assistive devices to make them internet-accessible for persons with impaired vision. A print version of the nomination form also is available at any Virginia Beach Public Library or downloadable from the website.  

The completed form can be emailed to the Virginia Beach Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator at adacoordinator@vbgov.com or printed and mailed to the Office of the Mayor, Municipal Center, Building 1, 2401 Courthouse Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. 

Submissions will be acknowledged and additional information gathered, if needed. For more information, please call Raymond Mattes, ADA coordinator, at 757-385-8444.  

• MCPD