We’re so proud of our volunteers!
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...
“Thalhimer Gives” Partners with SOAR365 and Camp Baker
Thalhimer, the commercial real estate company, selected SOAR365 as its partner for the third quarter of 2023 through its Thalhimer Gives program, a company-wide initiative focused on community involvement and charitable giving. The first activity in this collaboration brought Thalhimer volunteers to Camp Baker for the weekly talent show. ...
Q & A with NGC Member Rebecca Moncayo
How did you hear about SOAR365’s Next Generation Council (NGC)? I heard about SOAR365 because my cousin would go to Camp Baker every summer. Not only did he absolutely love Camp Baker, but his parents were appreciative of the services offered by SOAR365! After volunteering at Camp for a few years, the volunteer coordinator told me about NGC. I...
Welcome Incoming Board Chair Meg Downs
Looking back at decades of volunteer activities, Meg Downs recalls a major gathering that she coordinated in Asheville, NC, when she was active with the University of North Carolina Medical School’s Family Support Network. The International Parent to Parent Conference brought together more than 500 families from around the world to connect, learn,...
EAB’s Energy and Culture of Teamwork on Display at PARK365
Jennifer Barnum helps lead a group of 30 account managers at EAB, the rapidly growing company that markets colleges and universities to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Her team guides students through the inquiry and application process via a multi-media approach that includes mailings, online communication, and social media...
Fahrenheit Advisors Mulch and Stain at PARK365!
Across its Business Advisory, Finance & Accounting, Human Capital, Sales Advisory, and Executive Search & Recruiting practices, Fahrenheit Advisors helps organizations address a range of challenges. As a business partner, Fahrenheit has established professional connections with SOAR365 through a variety of projects. Recently...
Matt Davis is Learning Fast and Looking Toward the Future
In his work as a benefits consultant with McGriff Insurance Services, Matt Davis is enthusiastic about helping his clients select the best policy to help them access the benefits they need. Similarly, he finds his volunteer work at SOAR365 rewarding because he sees how individuals with disabilities are connected with programs and services that help them...
Dr. Ming Han Cha Connects with the SOAR365 Community
It’s no secret that a doctor’s life can be demanding, hectic and stressful – particularly during the early stages of medical practice. But Dr. Ming Han Cha, a physician who is beginning his career as an Internal Medicine Specialist at Southside Regional Medical Center in Petersburg, has found time to volunteer at SOAR365 and says the experience is...
Pamela Travis and The Wounded Warriors Project
Pamela Travis is always on the lookout for volunteer opportunities that will engage veterans in Richmond’s Wounded Warrior Project. As one of the Peer Support Group Leaders for this group, she found an ideal match with SOAR365 and Camp Baker in Chesterfield County. “Wounded Warrior veterans have all experienced some degree of disability or injury...
Meet NGC Member Ian Young!
In his job as Program Assistant at The Autism Society of Central Virginia, and as a self-advocate for the organization, Ian Young is well aware of the challenges faced by individuals with developmental disabilities. As a member of our Next Generation Council (NGC) for young professionals, he is determined to make a difference in the lives of those...
Olivia Wood and the “Charitable Chicks”
SOAR365 volunteer activities are key to supporting hundreds of clients with disabilities and connecting the community with our human services mission. And one dedicated volunteer recently described an additional benefit of getting involved with SOAR365. “During the painting project on the Martin Luther King holiday, I worked with volunteers with...
