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When you walk into the pool area at the Shady Grove YMCA, you might see Mark hard at work. He cleans the windows, checks the pool’s chemical levels, and makes sure the floor is safe and dry. But Mark is doing more than just his job – he’s also chasing a dream.
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.
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.
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.
A day in the life of a SOAR365 Supported Employment participant.
“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?
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