We’re so proud of our volunteers!
The Need for Nonprofits
Originally appearing in the November 2024 edition of Richmond Magazine, this article takes an in-depth look at the need for nonprofit organizations and the volunteers who help them achieve their goals across Richmond and beyond.
RMC Nursing and Adult Day Support Build a “Win-Win” Partnership
The success of SOAR365’s Adult Day Support is sustained by a skilled staff, engaged volunteers, and participants who join in a wide variety of activities and special events. Beginning this year, a new group has made an important contribution to the Adult Day Support success story.
Dominion Energy Returns to Camp Baker With Passion!
For the fourth consecutive year, a team of more than 20 volunteers from Dominion Energy joined us at Camp Baker to work on outdoor tasks after a busy Summer Camp season.
The Dominion team worked on mulching; painting the Retreat residence hall; clearing out small trees, branches and shrubbery; and creating more space in the trail system to improve access to the fishing hole in the woods.
Kim Lynch Shares Nursing Expertise at Camp Baker
After a 33-year career as a Registered Nurse (RN), SOAR365 volunteer Kim Lynch brought her valuable skills to Camp Baker this summer. There, she served a group of campers who benefited from her expertise and attention to detail gained through decades of working with patients and their families.
When Kim saw counselors greeting incoming campers, she said they made “an instant connection.”
Jacklyn Cheely & PARK365 Are Growing Together
This summer, Jacklyn Cheely arrived at PARK365 with a group of EAB colleagues. They were planning to tackle a one-day beautification project – a great fit for Jacklyn’s green thumb. But what she didn’t know is that she would be returning again … and again … and again! Jacklyn fell in love with the park environment that day. She’s happily volunteered as a gardening assistant for Adult Day Support and Youth Services ever since.
VCU Volleyball & Synergy Technical Team Up With SOAR365
Smiling faces. Enthusiastic cheering. And post-game hugs! Adult Day Support participants and staff had a great time watching the VCU Volleyball team play at the Siegel Center in September. “It was especially thrilling to see the players and coaching staff interact with our participants after the game,” says Vandal Truong, Director of Adult Day Support and Youth Services.
Dean Browell Helps Push SOAR365’s NGC Forward
Dean Browell has played a central role in making SOAR365’s Next Generation Council what it is today. The 5th annual Leadership Workshop, to be held this September, marks a special milestone.
Val Pace: Contributing to Ladybug Success!
The annual Ladybug Fund Winetasting & Silent Auction is SOAR365’s largest fundraising event, and its success depends largely on volunteers like Val Pace, a member of the Silent Auction committee. Val was introduced to SOAR365 about 15 years ago by Kim Watson, SOAR365’s former VP of Community Engagement.
Dustin Artz Brings the SOAR365 Experience Alive on Video!
The creative force behind SOAR365’s new volunteer appreciation video, Dustin Artz, learned about our organization after he responded to a post on CFengage, which connects volunteers with meaningful service and leadership opportunities to create positive change in our community.
Kathleen Rawls Develops STEAM Learning Cart for Youth Services
High school junior Kathleen Rawls believes in a STEAM curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and its value in helping students develop life skills including problem-solving and creativity. She achieved the rank of Eagle Scout after working with SOAR365 Youth Services and developing a STEAM Learning cart for program participants in middle school and high school.
Building the SOAR365 Photo Archive for Future Generations
Volunteer James Dudley has been working on archiving SOAR365’s history by preserving photography. His ongoing efforts to scan and digitize photos of events and activities dating back to the 1960s will also help SOAR365 commemorate important milestones in our history. “I am scanning photos for SOAR365 because they want to digitize them on their network so...
Getting to Know NGC Member Olivia Wood
How did you hear about SOAR365’s Next Generation Council (NGC)? Through volunteering with SOAR365, I organically meet several members of NGC. Along the way, I learned that all of these kind and generous folks were involved in planning the events. I was intrigued to learn more about NGC! What made you decide to become an NGC member? The caliber of the...
The LEGO Group Gifts Time and Generosity to SOAR365
Fifteen team members from the LEGO Group joined us over the holidays for a fun-filled morning at Camp Baker! Participants made gingerbread houses, decorated ornaments, and took pictures with Santa. Volunteers from the LEGO Group did a great job assisting with craft activities. They even danced with participants and served them breakfast. We loved having...
Next Generation Council: Getting to Know Thomas Leach
Thomas wants people to know that he loves SOAR365. As a member of the Next Generation Council (NGC), he participates in NGC’s efforts to support SOAR365 through leadership development, service projects, engagement, and fundraising. Thomas was born with Cerebral Palsy, a disability that affects a person’s movement, posture, and speech at different levels....
Meet Lauren Zuk and Megan Pesci: Pediatric Therapy Interns
Lauren Zuk Helps Children and Parents Build on Strengths, Celebrate Success! California native Lauren Zuk has lived in Richmond for almost 15 years, beginning as a student at the University of Richmond where her studies were centered on education and English. When Lauren began her career as a secondary English teacher, she believed that would be her...
South University Students Gain Understanding Through Engagement
Students enrolled in South University’s Richmond Physician Assistant Program look forward to becoming providers of high-quality, cost-efficient health care, making a positive impact practicing the art and science of medicine, and collaborating with physicians. On their journey toward graduation, students have opportunities to engage with, and support, the...
SOAR365’s Next Generation Council is recruiting new members, and we want you to join!
The NGC works to support SOAR365’s mission of providing life-fulfilling opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Our members come from diverse backgrounds, and we all have our own reasons for joining the NGC. Mine is because I love the mission of the organization, and I wanted to help make an impact in the community where I live and work. Through...
Meet Josias Collier: SOAR365 Intern and UR Spider
Josias Collier is a sophomore biology major at the University of Richmond, where he is working on a pre-medical school track. He volunteers at SOAR365 through U of R's Bonner Scholars Program, which supports civic engagement by placing students in local organizations that focus on issues that each student feels most passionate about. “For me, it was...
Ashley Christian Joins SOAR365 as Volunteer Engagement Coordinator
Before joining SOAR365, Ashley Christian cultivated a diverse background that will help her serve our organization as the incoming Volunteer Engagement Coordinator. She began her career in the corporate world, gaining valuable operations experience at a banking institution. Ashley later joined a small B2B company, where she gained a unique perspective on...
Dean Browell: A Leader in Supporting NGC and the SOAR365 Mission #2
As the Chief Behavioral Officer for Feedback, a Richmond-based consumer research firm, Dean Browell is fascinated with how people make decisions. He clearly recalls why he decided to become a volunteer with SOAR365 and the Next Generation Council (NGC). “I was originally inspired to get involved with SOAR365 watching the journey of a family close to me...
