This story originally appeared in the 2025 SOAR365 Annual Report. Click here to view a digital version of the report.
At SOAR365, our Adult Day Support participants get a chance to explore their community, develop life skills, try new activities, and make new friends. Every day is an adventure, and that keeps them coming back year after year.
The program also helps caregivers to maintain steady employment and economic stability. Caregivers can attend to daily responsibilities with peace of mind, knowing their loved one is safe and engaged.
Over the past decade, our program has grown – right alongside our participants. Back in 2015, we had 117 people in our program. This year, we had 173 participants join us – a 48% increase! It shows just how vital these services are to families in our community.
Today, we offer Adult Day Support at three convenient locations throughout the Richmond area.
“SOAR365’s Adult Day Support program helps adults with disabilities develop important life skills. This in turn enhances Sheltering Arms’ continuum of care and our commitment to the community. We are happy and inspired to be a partner in this work.” – Barbara H. Dunn, PhD, RN | Sheltering Arms Community Partnerships Committee Chair
Meet Patrick
“Happy Monday!” says Patrick with a wave. Patrick is an Adult Day Support participant at our Saunders location, and he can often be found greeting employees and visitors at the front door. It’s a responsibility he takes seriously. He especially loves to help out his long-time friend and DSP, Diane Bledsoe.
“Patrick has a great personality,” says Diane. “He really loves to help out everyone here. He views it as his job, and he loves coming to SOAR365.”
If Patrick seems very at home, it’s because he is – he’s been attending Adult Day Support at Saunders for over 20 years.
“He just loves SOAR365,” says his mother, Virginia. “Several years ago, we actually had to tell him it was closed so we could take him on vacation!” she recalls with a laugh.
Patrick especially likes volunteering with Meals on Wheels and going out to explore museums, stores, restaurants, parks and more in our community. “At home he’s really into football, and he likes wrestling, bowling, putt-putt,” says Virginia. He loves to attend VCU athletic events with his friends at SOAR365.
The social interaction has helped Patrick grow. “Since coming to SOAR365, his speech has improved,” says Virginia. “Patrick’s talking in longer sentences now. We can even have a conversation on occasion.”
Over the past two decades, Patrick has found more than just a program at SOAR365—he’s found purpose, friendship, and a place where his helpful spirit shines.
To learn more about SOAR365’s Adult Day Support program, click here. And to keep up to date on all things SOAR365, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.