We’re so proud of our volunteers!
“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...
Meet RN Christian Ellis!
SOAR365 Summer Camp Medical VolunteerNever underestimate the power of helping hands. That’s according to Daniel Blair, a Registered Nurse in Day and Respite Services, in describing Christian Ellis, RN, and her contributions at Camp Baker this past summer. “It is always a huge help having extra medical hands,” he said. Christian provided 40 hours of nursing...
Meet Crystina Covington!
SOAR365 Fall Case Management InternBrightpoint Community College student Crystina Covington grew up just down the road from SOAR365’s Camp Baker facility. So when the time came to decide on a location for her Human Services Internship, she didn’t have to think twice. “I have been aware of the services offered by SOAR365 for a majority of my life and I have...
Meet HPEX Student Bonnie Smith!
SOAR365 Fall Respite & Day Services InternVCU senior Bonnie Smith is in the final stages of her undergraduate degree, pursuing a health sciences major and psychology minor. As a Richmond native, Bonnie has long been active in the local community, giving her time to a variety of organizations including CARITAS, Habitat for Humanity, Wounded Warriors,...
Meet Caitlin McBride!
SOAR365 Adult Programs Gardening AssistantIf you were to ask Caitlin McBride how she first found out about volunteer opportunities with SOAR365, she might tell you that a little birdie showed her the way. To be exact, she was intrigued by our multi-colored crane logo as she drove by one day, and "when I researched the logo and read about SOAR365, I thought...
Meet Mary Pasco!
SOAR365 Adult Programs Support VolunteerFor many years, Mary Pasco has supported SOAR365 as a donor and advocate. As she considered options for deepening her relationship with the organization even further, volunteering seemed like the logical next step. "I took a tour of the Saunders facility in May and decided I'd like to assist in any way possible. I'm...
Meet Kelsey Madden!
SOAR365 Children and Youth Programs Support VolunteerMeet Kelsey Madden, a senior at Mills E. Godwin High School. Kelsey's career ambitions began in elementary school when she encountered students with disabilities her own age. "They are some of the most important people in my life right now." Her passion led her to engage with a variety of organizations...
Meet Taylor Thomas-Harris!
SOAR365 Case Management InternIf you are a regular CBS6 viewer, you probably saw a story at the end of October featuring our newest Case Management Intern, Taylor Thomas-Harris! Taylor, who graduated in May of this year from Virginia State University with a Bachelor of Social Work degree, wanted to add a professional internship experience to her resume and...
Meet Kaeli Jarvis!
SOAR365 Children and Youth Support VolunteerFor SOAR365, successful volunteer engagement begins with passion – passion for the important work we do in the community and passion for serving in ways that support our program participants in their efforts to reach their goals and live their best lives. For Children and Youth Program Support volunteer Kaeli...
Meet Sydney Weisfeld!
SOAR365 Children and Youth Support VolunteerAs a first-year student at VCU majoring in pre-radiation science, Sydney Weisfeld's days are filled with challenging science and math classes including biology, anatomy, physiology, and algebra. So she was initially attracted to the positive and fun environment she saw on the SOAR365 website. "In high-school, I...
Meet Liz Scher!
SOAR365 Adult Program Support VolunteerFor some people, volunteering with SOAR365 is just a no-brainer. Liz Scher is one of those people. As a recently retired Special Education teacher with the Richmond Public School System, Liz continues to be "guided by the idea that all people should have the fullest life possible. SOAR365 endeavors to give people with...
