Mission & History

Mission Statement

Vesta provides individuals with psychiatric needs and/or homelessness with quality housing, and rehabilitation and clinical services through a client-centered, outcome-oriented approach using evidence-based best practices.

Philosophy

The mission and guiding principle of Vesta, Inc is to make each client and their personal development a priority. All individuals, regardless of their illness or housing status, are entitled to a quality of life which includes stable housing, employment, and community involvement. Vesta recognizes there are barriers and limitations in the form of stigma, funding, and availability of programs to meet the goals of those we serve and is dedicated to overcoming those obstacles.

Our most important resource in overcoming these obstacles and achieving the goals of those we serve is the Organization’s employees. Vesta, Inc’s staff is committed to the personal growth of those whom we serve as well as the growth of Vesta, Inc staff members. In working towards this commitment, we recognize that high quality service to those we serve can only be accomplished through the work of trained, dedicated, and satisfied employees. In this regard, the commitments upon which our mission is based include the following:

To treat with respect, each employee, customer, and client of and visitor to the Organization;
To establish clarity and accountability in each staff position, supporting the growth of the staff member through education and continual learning;
To provide an efficient and friendly environment;
To encourage ongoing communications between clients, staff, management, and leadership;
To provide a process for the resolution of disputes and grievances;
To empower clients to achieve self-determination and enhance their lives within the community;
To promote the advocacy of consumer rights, needs, and the reduction of stigma within the community.

Vision Statement

To empower people to achieve self-determination.
To enhance and enrich their lives in the community.
To be proactive in working with individuals, families, and organizations.
To promote understanding and inclusion for all.

Meaning of our Vision

Vesta's “Mission” is rooted in its individualized philosophy. We seek to empower people to achieve self-determination and to enhance and enrich their lives in the community. To achieve this we do not belabor challenges but instead strive to be uniquely proactive in our work with individuals, families, and organizations. Further we measure success on the ability to promote understanding and inclusion for all.

What does Vesta mean?

The name Vesta is taken from a Greek word that means "hearth" or "communal fire". It was chosen because it implies a sense of family and community; a place where adults with chronic mental illness can find a new community and a new life.

History of the Organization

Vesta was founded December 15, 1981 by Ashutosh Vyas and Francis Frishberg. Mr. Vyas, an Indian immigrant, received his degree in social work from Howard University. Mrs. Frishberg received her Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from the University of Maryland, and conducted her clinical internship under the supervision of Mr. Vyas.

Mr. Vyas and Mrs. Frishberg noticed that there was a great need for psychosocial rehabilitation both nationwide and specifically in the state of Maryland. As a result, they formed Vesta, Inc. and opened Psychiatric Rehabilitation Programs in both Suitland, and College Park, Maryland. Vesta has since grown to serve over 1,500 consumers state-wide. Now, over twenty-five years after its inception, Vesta has received county and statewide accolades for excellence in consumer care.

Providing Mental Health Services Since 1982