The Trust has two components: The Trust for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and The Trust for the Psychiatrically Disabled.

A trust is a specified amount of money or other assets held for the benefit of an individual and administered by a trustee. The Virginia Beach Community Trust is a Special Needs Trust managed by a Board of Trustees composed of five volunteers from the community.

The VBCT has been operational since March of 1982. It was conceived as a way of dealing with the complex problems surrounding the future planning for individuals with mental disabilities. By setting up a Special Needs Trust, money from a family’s estate (or from third parties such as friends of the individual, friends of the family or charitable community groups) can be used to enhance the life of a disabled individual without jeopardizing entitlement benefits (Social Security, Medicaid and food stamps). There are currently about 30 active trusts and an additional 110 inactive (unfunded so far) trusts. The unfunded trusts will be funded at a designated time or by settlor’s will or trust when the settlor passes.

Family members or third parties (“settlors”) complete a joinder agreement with the appropriate Community Trust (at no cost) and can depend upon the trustees to oversee the beneficiary’s trust according to plans made prior to the settlor’s death. The Trust money is managed conservatively by a professional Trust Company who charges a reduced fee to the individual trust accounts. VBCT trustees oversee the professional Trust Company’s investments. Family/caregiver/caseworker requests for funds from the trust are screened to ensure they don’t jeopardize entitlement benefits and also don’t jeopardize the long-term needs of the beneficiary (usually no more than 5% annually). Some things that beneficiaries obtain through their trusts include trips (with caregiver), dental services, food, clothes, phones, furniture, etc. Funds are distributed in such a way (typically not directly to the beneficiary) to ensure the beneficiary’s entitlements remain intact.

The trustees are sensitive to each beneficiary’s needs through management and administration of trust accounts. Through advocacy for the beneficiary, and the professional, caring management by the Board of Trustees, the Virginia Beach Community Trust makes it possible for families to experience greater peace of mind concerning their loved one’s future.

The VBCT works collaboratively with Trust Coordinators in the Virginia Beach Department of Human Services.