Originally appearing in the November 2024 edition of Richmond Magazine, this article takes an in-depth look at the need for nonprofit organizations and the volunteers who help them achieve their goals across Richmond and beyond.
Our Volunteers
Categories
RMC Nursing and Adult Day Support Build a “Win-Win” Partnership
The success of SOAR365’s Adult Day Support is sustained by a skilled staff, engaged volunteers, and participants who join in a wide variety of activities and special events. Beginning this year, a new group has made an important contribution to the Adult Day Support success story.
Dominion Energy Returns to Camp Baker With Passion!
For the fourth consecutive year, a team of more than 20 volunteers from Dominion Energy joined us at Camp Baker to work on outdoor tasks after a busy Summer Camp season.
The Dominion team worked on mulching; painting the Retreat residence hall; clearing out small trees, branches and shrubbery; and creating more space in the trail system to improve access to the fishing hole in the woods.
Kim Lynch Shares Nursing Expertise at Camp Baker
After a 33-year career as a Registered Nurse (RN), SOAR365 volunteer Kim Lynch brought her valuable skills to Camp Baker this summer. There, she served a group of campers who benefited from her expertise and attention to detail gained through decades of working with patients and their families.
When Kim saw counselors greeting incoming campers, she said they made “an instant connection.”
Jacklyn Cheely & PARK365 Are Growing Together
This summer, Jacklyn Cheely arrived at PARK365 with a group of EAB colleagues. They were planning to tackle a one-day beautification project – a great fit for Jacklyn’s green thumb. But what she didn’t know is that she would be returning again … and again … and again! Jacklyn fell in love with the park environment that day. She’s happily volunteered as a gardening assistant for Adult Day Support and Youth Services ever since.
VCU Volleyball & Synergy Technical Team Up With SOAR365
Smiling faces. Enthusiastic cheering. And post-game hugs! Adult Day Support participants and staff had a great time watching the VCU Volleyball team play at the Siegel Center in September. “It was especially thrilling to see the players and coaching staff interact with our participants after the game,” says Vandal Truong, Director of Adult Day Support and Youth Services.
Dean Browell Helps Push SOAR365’s NGC Forward
Dean Browell has played a central role in making SOAR365’s Next Generation Council what it is today. The 5th annual Leadership Workshop, to be held this September, marks a special milestone.
Val Pace: Contributing to Ladybug Success!
The annual Ladybug Fund Winetasting & Silent Auction is SOAR365’s largest fundraising event, and its success depends largely on volunteers like Val Pace, a member of the Silent Auction committee. Val was introduced to SOAR365 about 15 years ago by Kim Watson, SOAR365’s former VP of Community Engagement.
Dustin Artz Brings the SOAR365 Experience Alive on Video!
The creative force behind SOAR365’s new volunteer appreciation video, Dustin Artz, learned about our organization after he responded to a post on CFengage, which connects volunteers with meaningful service and leadership opportunities to create positive change in our community.
Kathleen Rawls Develops STEAM Learning Cart for Youth Services
High school junior Kathleen Rawls believes in a STEAM curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and its value in helping students develop life skills including problem-solving and creativity. She achieved the rank of Eagle Scout after working with SOAR365 Youth Services and developing a STEAM Learning cart for program participants in middle school and high school.