Founded by families, for families.
In 1954, parents of children with disabilities didn’t have many options for support. Institutionalization was common. But a few brave, local families had the courage to dream of more for their loved ones, founding what would become SOAR365.
1957
SOAR365 operates a preschool in Friends Church and opens a two-week day camp at Camp Baker.
1969
Funds are raised for a new SOAR365 building on Moss Side Avenue. SOAR365 now operates three preschools and sponsors a Boy Scout troop, a Sunday School class, and a recreational program for teens.
1976
SOAR365 hires an educational coordinator to help parents secure proper public school placement and assure their children’s education needs are being met. An Early Childhood Stimulation Program is also opened, offering what will later become known as Early Intervention services.
1985
SOAR365 opens a new facility on Westwood Avenue, housing the Civitan Workshop, Infant Intervention Services, and Kids on the Block, a puppet troupe that educates school children and the community about the needs of people with disabilities.
1998
Individuals being discharged from state institutions are enrolled in SOAR365’s Adult Day Support program.
2000
SOAR365 creates the Children & Youth Program to provide after-school, summer break and school holiday care to children with disabilities.
2001
Ladybug Fund Winetasting and Silent Auction is created to support programs for children with disabilities.
2003
A 62-bed, barrier-free, state of the art retreat is opened at Camp Baker in 2003. The new dormitory expands capacity for Respite, Summer Camp, Children & Youth Program and Adult Day Support services.
2010
SOAR365 moves into a newly-constructed, state-of-the-art and barrier-free headquarters on Saunders Avenue.
2015
PARK365 opens, offering a playground for “all ages and all abilities.” It is the first inclusive, accessible park in Central Virginia.
2018
SOAR365 opens a new facility on Staples Mill Road, after the sudden closing of A Grace Place. With $1 million in commitments
raised in four days, SOAR365 reopened the facility in just five.
2019
The M.H. “Bud” Reinhart Center opens at Camp Baker. With a gymnasium, kitchen and classrooms, it expands year-round recreation and program training space.
