Success Stories

Giving the Gift of Friendships and Fun

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

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?

Former NFL Player Visits Adult Day Support on Career Day

Former NFL Player Visits Adult Day Support on Career Day

Participants of SOAR365’s Adult Day Support program at Staples Mill had the opportunity to hear from a special guest on the morning of July 23 as part of a recently launched Career Day initiative: Zuriel Smith, a former player in the National Football League (NFL). 

A Richmond native and graduate of both Atlee High School and Hampton University, Zuriel was drafted in the 6th round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. 

Giving Back to Pay It Forward

Giving Back to Pay It Forward

Dr. Joe and April Niamtu donate generously to SOAR365, where their sons received pediatric therapy. When parents first learn their child has a disability, it can be a disorienting experience. “You don’t know what to do. You’re lost,” says Dr. Joe Niamtu. He and his wife, April, are parents to two sons with cerebral palsy: Joey and Evan.   When...

Global Recruitment Gives Camp Baker an International Flair 

Global Recruitment Gives Camp Baker an International Flair 

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.

Capable Campaign: Dylan Feels At Home

Capable Campaign: Dylan Feels At Home

The Next Move Program launched the Capable Portrait Campaign in 2017 with the mission to showcase diverse perspectives on life in our community, provide adult role models for our youth and demonstrate the power of inclusion. Every year, models are nominated and selected to be featured at a portrait exhibition and their powerful stories are proudly shared with the community on social media.

Finding the Right Fit for Asia

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.

Meet James

Meet James

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.

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