You have questions. We have answers!
Curious about volunteering at SOAR365? Find our volunteers’ frequently asked questions below.
Volunteer Opportunities
How much time do you have? For quick, one-day volunteering opportunities, sign-up for Episodic Volunteering. Check Current Opportunities to see what’s available now, or contact us. Want to stay a while? Check out our Ongoing Volunteering opportunities for longer commitments. For Program Support and Administrative Support volunteers, it’s easy as 1, 2, 3:
- First, attend an info session to learn more about SOAR365.
- Second, fill out an application (with references).
- Third, schedule a one-on-one interview. We can’t wait to meet you and see if SOAR365 is the right fit!
For more details, see How to Apply.
Lots of programs and services means lots of ways you can help! Whether you’re a photographer, gardener, OT student, or retired professional – everyone has skills that can support SOAR365. To learn more and see where we need help right now, check out Current Opportunities.
There’s nothing like coming together for a good cause. We welcome corporate teams, fraternities & sororities, service & civic clubs, congregations, scout troops, and more.
Episodic Volunteering offers great service opportunities for groups, or you can hold an in-kind donation drive. For more information on group volunteering ideas, contact us today!
Many Episodic Volunteering opportunities are family-friendly, for children over the age of 12. Parents must fill out any necessary forms and are required to accompany children ages 12-15 at all times.
Are you age 16 or older? Then you can volunteer independently! For Ongoing Volunteering roles, fill out your application as required, including three references (one academic, one extracurricular, and one service-related). Summer Camp positions require previous experience working with people with disabilities.
Absolutely! Each semester, we offer exciting opportunities to 5-10 interns and fieldwork students. No matter what degree or technical certification you’re pursuing, we can help you get the experience and academic credit you need. All while doing a world of good!
For a full list of internship and fieldwork opportunities, contact us at [email protected]
Since SOAR365 serves a population designated as “vulnerable” by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), we cannot accept court-ordered volunteers.
Volunteer Requirements
You choose your volunteering style and level of commitment. We’ll find the right opportunity. We know your time and talents are a gift, and we’re so happy you’re sharing them with us!
To learn more about one-time and ongoing opportunities, see Current Opportunities.
If you’re interested in Ongoing Volunteering, we’ll make sure we find the right fit for your skills AND your schedule during your interview.
Some do…and some don’t. Volunteers involved in Program Support and selected Administrative Support positions have to pass a background check, due to DBHDS licensing requirements. That’s because these volunteers interact more directly with participants. Volunteers age 16 or 17 may provide three references in lieu of a background check (one academic, one extracurricular, and one service-related).
Volunteers involved in Episodic Volunteering opportunities do not need to pass a background check. Just sign-up and join the fun!
We understand! Your comfort level is important to us, so be sure to let us know. There are so many great ways to serve SOAR365 and support our mission behind the scenes. You can help with marketing, fundraising, event planning, administrative tasks and more!
Get ready for all the smiles! Program Support volunteers describe their experience as educational, rewarding and the highlight of their week. You’ll know you’re having a direct impact through the friendships you make and the growth you see each day.
Before you decide, remember that Program Support volunteers MUST pass a criminal background check, complete human rights and policy training, and show proof of a recent TB test.
We serve individuals designated as “vulnerable” by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). While our participants are at SOAR365, it’s our job to make sure everyone who meets them treats them with warmth, kindness and respect. It’s important our volunteers have the proper training and instruction needed to protect our participants’ health, safety and wellbeing.
Great question! Policy training helps prepare Program Support volunteers to successfully work with individuals with disabilities. It covers a wide range of topics from SOAR365’s mission and values to specific ethical and legal requirements. You’ll also learn a lot about disability, including disability etiquette, person-first language, appropriate boundaries, what to do in an emergency, communication strategies and more.
Mandated reporters are required by law to report suspected harm in the form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation directed toward individuals designated as “vulnerable.”
If you volunteer in Program Support, you’ll complete Human Rights training that will help you recognize possible signs of harm so you can notify our staff. You’ll be taught confidential reporting protocols, and you won’t ever receive negative consequences for making a report.
Welcoming younger volunteers is a great way to encourage the dreamers and world-changers of tomorrow. Parental supervision helps support and focus their efforts, so they can have the biggest positive impact. It also helps keep program participants, volunteers and staff members safe, and allows us to maintain the programming staff ratio mandated by DBHDS.
Ready to begin your volunteer journey with SOAR365? Check out Current Opportunities. Want to learn more about our programs? Visit Find Support to see how we create life-fulfilling opportunities for individuals with disabilities. If you have questions, feel free to contact us.
