Ward Enterprises Consulting Agency moved to Chesapeake in March, but the business has been working with Medicaid providers and people with disabilities for two years.
CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Brittany Ward Jarrells was managing programs and strategy for a care-centered business when her career took an unexpected turn and she decided to start her own business.
“One of them authorized me to be terminated on May 2, 2022,” Ward-Jarrells said, calling this moment a potential breaking point.
Instead, she decided to take action that led to her trading her passion for a paycheck.
”[I] “I left my house and went to buy a $350 laptop, and I said, ‘God, if I can help someone, the money will definitely come,'” Ward Jarrells said. ‘Because I’m working for one company.’ You can make it for as many people as you like. ”
Ward Jarrells started building his new business that day.
In March, community stakeholders and members gathered in Chesapeake for a grand opening ceremony and welcomed Ward Enterprises Consulting Agency, Inc. to the city.
“Word Enterprise is a consulting company.[ing] It’s a company that helps other Medicaid providers,” Ward Jarrells said. “I love helping people. I love thinking about ways to connect. I love helping the staff.”
She said the agency provides workforce training and organizing services to any business that needs it, but she specializes in supporting Medicaid providers.
“I found my niche. I found my place in the world,” Ward Jarrells said.
Her purpose became clear after years of working with people covered by Medicaid. Ward Jarrells said her family has opened their home to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for many years.
Inspired by her experience, Ward-Jarrells launched iSmart Residential Services as a division of Ward Enterprises. This service connects people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with families and homes who provide them with services and support.
Ward Jarrells said iSmart accepts community living exemptions and is licensed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services.
“We put individuals in other people’s homes. We have individuals in my home,” Ward Jarrells said. “Sponsored housing” [services were] Founded to provide person-centered care. ”
Ward Jarrells said her job is about more than business, it’s all about service to providers and people.
“Ward Enterprises was named after my grandfather, Dr. IL Ward Sr.,” Ward Jarrells said. “He was for the people. I also want to be for the people…to defend the civil rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
Ward Enterprises Consulting Agency, Inc. is located in The Crossings at Deep Creek Shopping Center, 2605 Moses Grandy Trail, Suite D, Chesapeake, VA 23323.
The agency is looking for people to provide housing and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. If you would like to learn more about becoming a sponsored housing provider, please call us at 757-800-3609.
You can follow Ward Enterprises on Facebook and TikTok.
