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Our DSPs work hard to meet each participant’s goals. Daily activities focus on life skills, like reading, cooking, cleaning, shopping and more.
“We are here for the individuals and getting to know them,” says Gloria Womack, DSP. And Gloria has known some of our participants longer than anyone—they met her decades ago as a special education teacher at Maymont Elementary!
![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.
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.
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.
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.
One of Antonio’s favorite places to be is in the kitchen. His face lights up talking about food. “I like to cook shrimp, fried rice, chicken alfredo, steak,” he says. Who taught him to cook? “I taught myself to cook!” he says proudly, with a laugh.
He does give some credit to the cooking skills he learned after school in SOAR365’s Youth Services. Program participants use the kitchen for lessons in making everything from kimchi to cakes.
Nobody was sure what to expect when Trey Hope returned to Adult Day Support in 2022, after suffering abuse and neglect during the pandemic. “When the van driver opened the door, and I saw him grinning from ear to ear, that just warmed my heart,” says Supervisor, Josh Rubino. Trey has cerebral palsy and autism. On weekdays, you can find him...
At about 4:30 p.m. each weekday, the halls of SOAR365 come alive with the sound of music. Saxophone music, that is. And the musician is Trey, a tall, lean, dark-haired 18-year-old student who comes to SOAR365 after his school day at Godwin High School in Henrico County. “Early on, he had a knack for music. Seems like any instrument he picks up, he can...
Heather Dyson is vivacious and friendly, and that is instantly clear to anyone who meets her. “Heather has always been happy – it’s as if she doesn’t know anything about being mean,” remarks her aunt, Brenda. Born with cerebral palsy, Heather uses a wheelchair, but she doesn’t let that stop her from bouncing up and down with excitement and glee when...
DANCING WITH EVERYONE AT STAPLES MILLWhen you walk into the Adult Day Support program at SOAR@Staples Mill, you’ll likely find 25-year-old Shakur Spells, known as Dre, dancing. And not just moving a little bit, but dancing really well. Laura Yackel, a SOAR365 case manager Mill confirms, “He knows how to dance! Dre is always cheering everyone up, either...
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