Rashad builds skills, friendships, and independence at Adult Day Support
Rashad doesnโt ease into a roomโhe lights it up.
At Adult Day Support, his arrival is usually marked by a grin, a joke, and a greeting for anyone nearby. Alongside his friend Drew, heโs taken on a special role at the Saunders Coffee Cafรฉ, welcoming people as they come in with a menu and a big smile.
For Rashad, being here means more than just having something to do. Itโs about connection.
After spending seven years at the SOAR365 Staples Mill location, Rashad moved away for a time. When he returned to the program about a year ago, it didnโt take long for him to settle back in. โHe looks forward to it,โ his mother shares. โIf he misses a day, itโs a big deal. I try to take him as much as possible.โ
That eagerness comes from what Adult Day Support offers him every day: the chance to be around friends, to engage, and to experience a sense of independence outside the home.
SOAR365โs Adult Day Support program focuses on building real-life skillsโgardening, cooking meals, cleaning, or shopping on a budgetโwhile creating opportunities for social interaction.
All too often, adults with disabilities are underestimated. But we know theyโre capable of so much moreโfrom planning fun events like prom and Friendsgiving to volunteering with the Richmond SPCA, the ARC of Hanover Thrift Store, and Meals on Wheels.
Participants are often on the go, exploring museums, parks, movie theaters, restaurants, local stores, and the YMCA. These experiences build a deep sense of community, as well as confidence and communication skills.
Rashad loves to talkโabout sports, movies, or whateverโs on his mind. He brings humor into nearly every conversation. Basketball is a particular passion. Heโs even had the chance to shoot hoops outdoors at PARK365, an experience that brings back memories of high school, when he participated in adapted basketball games with support from his team.
If something catches his interest, Rashad is willing to give it a try, whether itโs bowling, going out into the community, or simply striking up a conversation with someone new.
His mother sees the impact clearly. โItโs good for him to go interact with other people,โ she says. โTheyโre nice to him. He likes that.โ
At Adult Day Support, those interactions add up – to confidence, to routine, and to a sense of belonging. For Rashad, itโs a place where heโs not just included, heโs known. And for everyone lucky enough to be greeted by him, itโs a place that feels a little brighter because heโs there.
Interested in learning more about SOAR365’s Adult Day Support program? Read more stories like Rashad’s or contact us today!
