How did you get involved with SOAR365, and why is it important to you?
I worked for SOAR365 from 2017-2019 as the Community Engagement Specialist. From day one, I immediately fell in love with the job, as it was clear that everyone was passionate about the organization’s mission. It was a daily highlight of mine to spend every lunch with our participants, working alongside the dedicated SOAR365 staff and spending some time after work playing H-O-R-S-E with the Youth Services group. While it was emotionally hard to leave SOAR365 in 2019, I find joy in staying engaged with the organization through advocacy and volunteering with NGC!
What’s your favorite thing or memory about NGC?
My favorite thing about the NGC is just seeing how it’s grown over the years. I was at the very first NGC meetings back in the day when it was just a handful of members. I have only recently reengaged with the NGC after taking a couple of years off, and I was extremely impressed with how much the NGC has expanded in just a relatively short amount of time! Recently, we had a Fall Festival where I was able to see all the new (to me) NGC members helping to make the event a success! Everyone was full-heartedly committed to making sure the event was top notch. It’s great to see that the sentiment has not wavered over the years.
Tell us more about yourself!
SOAR365 brought me to Richmond, where I have lived since 2019. I’m happily married to my best friend, Emily. I spend most of my time spoiling my pets, trying new cooking/baking recipes, begrudgingly going to the gym after work, and reading. I’m an avid fan of all D.C. sports (Go Commanders/Caps!). As well, I like to volunteer my time where I can – whether it’s at SOAR365 or Big Brothers Big Sisters.
The Next Generation Council is a group of young professionals supporting SOAR365’s mission of creating life-fulfilling opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The Council does this through volunteer efforts focused on SOAR365 service projects, leadership, engagement and fundraising.
To learn more about SOAR365’s Next Generation Council, visit soar365.org or contact Edilia Bendel at [email protected].