Sometimes the scariest things in life are the unknown. For Lea Whitehurst-Gibson and her husband, Monty, this became their reality when they adopted Samaj four years ago.
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![Discussing Disability Podcast – April 2025 [AUDIO]](https://soar365.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Logan-Podcast-Cover-Image.png)
Discussing Disability Podcast – April 2025 [AUDIO]
For our April 2025 episode, we talked with Logan Kleene – a participant in SOAR365’s Adult Day Support program at Staples Mill – and his mother, Lynda Kleene! The Kleene family began its relationship with SOAR365 about a year ago and were happy to share their insight into what it’s like to find support for a loved one with a disability.
No Stopping Ezra: How One Toddler Found His Stride
Pediatric Therapy helps Ezra explore his community on a new prosthesis, spreading smiles and awareness At her 20-week ultrasound, Jessie received unexpected news: her son, Ezra, had proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD). PFFD is a rare birth defect where the upper part of the femur is missing or not fully formed. While Ezra’s knee, calf, ankle, and foot...
Early Intervention Leads to Success
Little Nevaeh is a fighter. Born at just 27 weeks, she had brain injuries that led to cerebral palsy (CP). After three months in the NICU, Nevaeh was finally able to come home to her mom, Martricia. SOAR365 has been by their side ever since.
What has SOAR365 helped Nevaeh learn to do? “Everything,” says Martricia.
Adult Day Support Participants Love Volunteering With Meals on Wheels
Adult Day Support participants are often on the go! They enjoy trips to museums, movie theaters, restaurants and stores—learning important life skills along the way. But one of their favorite activities is volunteering. They love to deliver meals with Feed More’s Meals on Wheels program. "Volunteering with Meals on Wheels helps our participants develop...
Specialized Support Leads to Success: Meet Jack
Jack’s diagnosis is rare. So rare, that only ten cases of Warsaw Breakage Syndrome have been reported worldwide!
Luckily, Jack’s SOAR365 physical therapist is pretty rare, too. Sam Cipolla specializes in helping medically complex kids. “Jack is actually the one who made me realize that’s what I enjoyed,” says Sam.
Giving the Gift of Friendships and Fun
Samuel communicates differently. If you ask a question, he might answer by reciting memorized scenes from movies. Instead of having a conversation, he and his mom, Cynthia, take turns singing Do Re Mi. Both Samuel and his brother, Harper, have autism. Harper doesn’t communicate verbally, but he’s good at making himself understood.
Supported Employment Lands Troy His Dream Job
Troy Carter is hard-pressed to choose a favorite: Obi-Wan Kenobi or Yoda? Rock or hip-hop? Marvel or DC? Photography or videography?
Luckily, on the last count, he doesn’t have to choose. His new job at VCU’s Rehabilitation Research and Training Center allows him to apply his talents to both. How did Troy find such a great fit?
Capable Campaign: Jeremih Puts His Determination on Display
The Next Move Program’s Capable Portrait Campaign is back for an eighth year! The exhibit opening will be held on June 20 at The Virginia Home.
Jeremih is the second of three models from SOAR365 who are being featured in this year’s campaign.
Finding the Right Fit for Asia
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to helping people succeed. Each person you meet in life has it within themselves to thrive when put in the right situation, no matter their abilities.
That sentiment holds true for Asia, a participant in SOAR365’s Supported Employment program, who recently went through a situational assessment to help find her place to thrive.