WorkSource’s Vocational Learning Center at 3713 N Vermilion; a Vision that Goes Back to 2016

It began as a $3,000,000 promise back in 2016 from Julius W. Hegeler II.  Shortly after his passing in 2019, the work began; then it was slowed down in 2020 by the pandemic.  But on Wednesday, October 5th, at 3713 North Vermilion in Danville, the ribbon was finally cut for WorkSource’s new 38,000 square foot vocational learning center.

WorkSource President and Program Developer Todd Seabaugh says this will be a big step forward in their mission: a day service program for adults with developmental disabilities.

AUDIO: This is a vocational center for them to explore opportunities for pre-vocational work.  And that’s job skills, job placement, and just to learn the basics of daily living skills; to live independently.

Todd Seabaugh says a $3,000,000 donation for a small non-profit like WorkSource is really unheard of, and such a blessing.

(Left) Todd and Brandy Seabaugh talk about their plans for the WorkSource Vocational Learning Center.  (Right) Danville Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr thanks everyone who made the new learning center possible.

President of Operations Brandy Seabaugh says when you look back on WorkSource’s original location, which is right next door; things have gradually come a long way, with Julius W. Hegeler’s donation being the final big push.

AUDIO:  We actually did this all in two phases.  So his addition is phase two.  We were all over here, and then we built this; and we had an anonymous donor do this part of the building.  It’s a blessing to get everybody in one building now.

Danville mayor Rickey Williams, Jr joined in the ribbon cutting, along with State Rep Mike Marron.  Vermilion Advantage Executive Director Tim Dudley pointed out that the new WorkSource Vocational Learning Center sits where an old strip mall used to be; and it’s great to take that location and give it a new birth helping people.

Vermilion Advantage CEO Tim Dudley Speaks while Chamber Director Nicole Van Hyfte looks on.

AUDIO: It’s kind of what we strive for here in Danville and Vermilion County.  We want to take old blighted areas and turn them into great things.  And that’s exactly what they’ve done here.

Todd Seabaugh says their services at WorkSource extend as far away as Cissna Park in Iroquois County, where two residential homes for adults send 16 individuals to the center for training Monday through Friday.