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“Pia produces her own music. She writes all of the lyrics. It’s astounding!” says her SOAR365 employment specialist (or “job coach”) Lizzie Graham. Job coaches like Lizzie know our participants often have undiscovered talents or interests. Sometimes these skills can be overlooked due to their disability.
“My college degree was nothing compared to this,” says David, proudly. He’s talking about winning SOAR365’s “Supported Employment Participant of the Year” award — a moment that made him feel proud, seen, and a little emotional. The award wasn’t just a surprise. It was proof of how far he’s come, thanks to his hard work, his family’s support, and help from SOAR365’s Employment Services team.
Ask Myles if he likes working at Walgreens, and his response is enthusiastic: “Well, yeah! I do!” It’s his very first job. “I am proud!” he says, beaming.
One of the many barriers to employment is safe, reliable transportation. Thankfully, our Employment Services program can help! The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and KOVAR recently awarded funding to SOAR365 for four accessible, five-passenger vans with ramps.
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?
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.
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.
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.
DeCarlos Savage never dreamed he’d be an intern on the floor of the Virginia General Assembly. Seeing legislators debate political issues in real life was surreal. It was nothing like watching on TV.
“I was in a state of shock during this whole thing,” says DeCarlos. “I was like, ‘Wow!’”
When Iffad first came to SOAR365 Supported Employment in December, he wouldn’t say a word. He would only communicate through his father. And he wouldn’t even make eye contact. Things didn’t look promising.
Luckily, Iffad was paired with Leeanne Jones, one of our knowledgeable and encouraging employment specialists.
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