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![Hear From Our Dedicated DSPs: Celebrating National DSP Recognition Week [VIDEO]](https://soar365.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SOAR365-DSP-Recognition-Week-Saunders-Staff.png)
September 8-14 is Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week! DSPs are the heart of SOAR365’s Youth Services, Adult Day Support and Respite programs because they’re responsible for the care of our program participants. Learn more about this rewarding career.
When case manager Laura Yackel began chairing SOAR365’s Wellness Committee, she knew just who should join—our participants! She quickly found enthusiastic recruits, like Java.
Today, the committee is close to its goal of including program participants from every SOAR365 location.
Did you know that SOAR365’s Summer Camp recruits counselors from all over the world?
“Summer Camp has become not only an American cultural exchange, but a cultural exchange of the entire world,” says Jessica Damm, a Summer Camp supervisor hailing from England.
If it wasn’t for one Boy Scout camp director, Chris Martin might have been a CPA.
“He wanted me to work with people with intellectual disabilities,” says Chris. One week later, Chris was hooked.
James started training for his job in Landscaping & Grounds Maintenance at an early age, thanks to his dad’s landscaping business. “I’ve been cutting grass since I was five,” he says proudly.
Even so, it can be hard for people with disabilities, like James, to find a supportive work environment.
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.
Brandon is the first of three models from SOAR365 who are being featured in this year’s campaign.
Weldon Hall is a man of many talents. His first experience working for SOAR365 was in facilities maintenance at Camp Baker. He enjoyed the job but left after two-and-a-half years to start his own business. “One guy in a truck doing home renovations and remodels,” he explains with a smile.
While the work let him use a wide range of skills, something was missing.
The Landscaping & Grounds Maintenance team at SOAR365 is known for working hard and doing great work. From mowing to trash removal to demolition, this award-winning group has made an impact throughout the Richmond area.
But sometimes, their stellar work takes place when no one is watching.
Learn more about two of our Business Solutions employees: Bill & Patrick.
Bill is autistic and works as a janitor with Business Solutions. “I get paid time off for the first time in my life, and I turn 65 in about nine days. I’ve been able to save money for the first time in my life.”
Learn more about two of our Supported Employment participants: Nathan & Sarah Nathan is currently working at Food Lion, where he has been learning new skills in inventory management, organization and customer service while on shift.
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The Virginia Living Magazine Best of Virginia Survey is back for 2026 and SOAR365 needs your support! The Ladybug Fun Winetasting and Silent Auction, PARK365 and Summer Camp at Camp Baker are all up for awards.
To cast your vote for SOAR365, follow these steps:
