Scotty Finds His Passion for Baking at SOAR365

When Scotty first tried baking muffins at SOAR365’s Staples Mill location, he got more than a tasty treat – he found a new passion. Mixing ingredients, following recipes, and sharing baked goods with his friends gave him a sense of pride.

Building Futures With Employment Services, One Pizza at a Time

We love when learning can be fun…and delicious! SOAR365 Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and Supported Employment participants recently enjoyed a special pizza-making class, thanks to our friends at Performance Foodservice (PFS). But this visit was more than a tasty lunch. It was a hands-on experience designed to build real-world skills and confidence for future jobs.

SOAR365’s Leroy Stanford Named National Finalist for SourceAmerica Advocacy Award

SOAR365 is proud to announce that Leroy Stanford, Supervisor of the Visitor Center at Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR), has been named one of three national finalists for the Tom Miller Advocacy Award as part of the 2025 SourceAmerica Achievement Awards.

“They Really Care About Our Family”: How Early Intervention Helped Anna Thrive

When Sloan was pregnant, routine testing showed that her daughter, Anna, had a chromosomal disorder. She was understandably worried. “It can be really scary to have such a severe diagnosis for your child.”

That uncertainty turned to hope when Sloan connected with SOAR365’s Pediatric Therapy program and realized just how helpful SOAR365’s therapists were with little Anna.

NDEAM 2025 Shines a Spotlight on Disability Employment at SOAR365

Each year, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a chance to recognize the talents and contributions of people with disabilities in the workplace. It’s also a time to learn how inclusive employment benefits everyone — employees, employers, and entire communities. At SOAR365, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on hardworking, creative, motivated workers who are making a difference every day.

A Lifeline for Families. A Launchpad for Independence.

SOAR365’s Respite and Summer Camp programs transform lives – both for caregivers and their loved ones with disabilities.

Come Along with CaiaJade, a Little Girl Who’s Going Places

Every day, more children like CaiaJade are being diagnosed with developmental disabilities in Virginia. That number is expected to grow from 20,202 in 2018 to over 40,000 by 2030, based on historical annual growth rates. The sooner children receive services, the better the outcomes.

Turning Paper into Diapers: SOAR365’s Recycling Program Makes It Happen at DSCR

By combining environmentalism and disability employment, SOAR365 is helping change materials and mindsets, showing that everyone has the power to make a lasting impact.

Timothy Finds Purpose and Community at RVA Goats and Honey

For Timothy Glasgow, working at RVA Goats and Honey quickly proved to be an experience that provides independence, confidence and a sense of community. With the help of SOAR365’s Supported Employment program, he has found a role that aligns his love for animals and hands-on work, even if it requires him to get his hands dirty from time to time.