How SOAR365 and Performance Foodservice are helping people with disabilities prepare for meaningful work.
We love when learning can be fun…and delicious! SOAR365 Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and Supported Employment participants recently enjoyed a special pizza-making class, thanks to our friends at Performance Foodservice (PFS). But this visit was more than a tasty lunch. It was a hands-on experience designed to build real-world skills and confidence for future jobs.
People with disabilities face an unemployment rate that is more than twice that of their non-disabled peers (8.1% vs. 3.9% in 2024). Programs like those offered by SOAR365 Employment Services are essential to help both youth and adults prepare for, find and keep meaningful jobs. And community partners like PFS help us do just that.
Learning, Laughter, and Pizza Adventures
On this day, the class began with a fun surprise. Each participant received their very own apron to decorate! They quickly got to work, printing their names and creating custom artwork.
Next came a behind-the-scenes tour. Everyone put on bright yellow and orange safety vests and walked through the PFS refrigerated warehouse. There, they saw the machines and trucks that help supply local restaurants.
Participants also learned a bit about the history of pizza and got to meet the chef, PFS Culinary Specialist Anthony Caretta. Then it was time to wash up and get to work. Anthony showed the group how to mix, knead, and flatten the pizza dough for cooking. Participants then practiced rolling out their very own dough.
Finally, they made their own pizzas. Each person added sauce, cheese, and toppings to a fresh crust before watching Anthony place it in the oven. While they waited, participants also made their own healthy salads. It was a full look at how food is prepared in a commercial kitchen — from prep and assembly to cooking and serving.
“We had an absolute BLAST introducing the class from SOAR365 how simple, easy to assemble and FUN pizza-making can be!” says David Blaha, Director of Brands and Training, Performance Foodservice–Virginia.
After lunch, participants celebrated with their own PFS Kitchen Club certificate.
“This hands-on experience proved to be empowering for each individual that participated,” says Leo Castro, SOAR365 Pre-ETS Supervisor. “Each person left with confidence and a delicious pizza pie.”
How SOAR365 Builds Skills for Life and Work
Experiences like this are a key part of SOAR365’s Employment Services. Our Supported Employment program pairs adults with disabilities with their own employment specialist, or “job coach.” These job coaches guide each person step by step — from discovering strengths and interests to applying for jobs, preparing for interviews, and learning tasks on the job. Even after hiring, job coaches continue to support both the employee and employer. Once the individual feels confident and capable, the coach steps back and lets them shine.
SOAR365 also offers Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for students starting at age 14. This program partners with local schools to help young people with disabilities build life and job skills before graduation. Classroom learning and real-world experiences, like the class at PFS, help students increase their confidence and independence.
The need for both of these services continues to grow. Today, hundreds of students in the Richmond area are waiting for Pre-ETS support alone. SOAR365 is working to expand the program with the help of our donors and community partners.
“We hope this begins something special with our partnership and can give these young adults an opportunity to explore – with confidence – future employment in many of the amazing restaurants we support here in RVA and surrounding areas!” says David.
Because of the generosity of our supporters, moments like this turn into new skills, improved self-esteem, and real career paths — helping people with disabilities build brighter, more independent futures.
To learn more about SOAR365’s Employment Services, visit soar365.org or contact Chris Martin at (804) 381-5405 or [email protected].
