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.
Capable returns for its eighth year in 2024! This year, the team at The Next Move Program is recruiting a new group of models from the disability community who are making Virginia better through their advocacy, engagement and talents. Several top professional photographers are again donating their services to the campaign and capturing portraits of each model at The Virginia House.
All of this will culminate with an exhibit of the campaign opening at The Virginia Museum of History & Culture this summer. The Capable Exhibit will be open to the general public from mid-June until the end of the year.
They are holding the annual campaign celebration and exhibit preview to celebrate the models, photographers and the power of inclusion. It will be held on June 20, 2024, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the gardens at The Virginia Home.
Brandon Brenton is the first of three models from SOAR365 who are being featured in this year’s campaign. Read Brandon’s Q&A with Capable below.
“No matter the disability, there’s a way.”
Photographer: James Loving
How would you describe yourself in one sentence?
“I am very shy, but still an outgoing person.”
Are you in school or employed? How do you spend your time most days?
“I am employed with SOAR365. I spend most of my time with my family.”
What are other organizations you are connected to? (please share their handles so we can shout them out in the campaign post)
“SOAR365”
What do you want the community to know about your life in Virginia?
“I love my life and the people that are in it.”
When do you feel most capable?
“I feel most capable when I am getting a task done whether is a work task or life task.”
What do you want others to know about your disability?
“No matter the disability, there’s a way.”
What does your perfect day look like?
“Smiling, cooking, being happy with family, friends and co-workers.”
What challenges or barriers do you face daily?
“Being able to take on leadership with a disability.”
What are your goals for the future?
“Nice Car
More leadership at SOAR365
Continuous family time”
What else do you want to share about yourself?
“I have a wonderful daughter and wife.”