Volunteer efforts are critically important to SOAR365’s mission. In 2024, 1,135 volunteers donated 10,664 hours of service to SOAR365. That’s equivalent to $427,876! From individual volunteers to corporate or school groups, SOAR365 has opportunities for everyone. Volunteers can work side-by-side with our participants, help set up fundraising events or put their green thumb to use in beautifying PARK365 and Camp Baker. Our mission is to create life-fulfilling opportunities for individuals with disabilities – and we couldn’t do it without their support.
Don Jones Shares His Facilities Expertise at Camp Baker
After a career dedicated to managing construction and maintenance projects of all sizes, including a long career as COO at the YMCA of Greater Richmond, Don Jones might have been looking forward to kicking back and relaxing at the beach. As it turned out, he didn’t take much time off before bringing his professional experience to SOAR365. Don joined us as a contracted employee to complete a major project last year and today Don is still with SOAR365 as a volunteer working on maintenance projects at Camp Baker. In 2024, Don received the Volunteer of the Year award in recognition of his dedication and support of our mission – he volunteered over 440 hours in 2024!
“I absolutely love the mission of SOAR365 and the important work to support those in our community with disabilities,” says Don. “I had a long professional career working with non-profit camping programs, so that makes Camp Baker an ideal fit for volunteering during my time in retirement. I am incredibly impressed with the excellent programs and wonderful facilities at Camp Baker.”
Genworth Gifts Their Time and Creativity to SOAR365
In 2024, 83 Genworth volunteers collaborated with SOAR365 to create and donate 65 care packages to our Adult Day Support participants. Each box contained both fun and practical items, including fidget toys, snacks, hand sanitizer, stickers and more. This was a continuation of a long-term partnership with the organization, whose staff have completed over 340 hours of volunteer service with SOAR365 from 2018-2023. Among the projects that they supported were beautification of SOAR365 and PARK365 spaces, cheering on campers at the Summer Camp talent show and the Silver Bells project during the holiday season. In addition to volunteering, Genworth has also been a financial supporter of SOAR365 over the last ten years.
“Genworth is pleased to support SOAR365 and the way it serves and uplifts others. The organization prioritizes the well-being of its participants and their caregivers, and its impact is life changing and heartfelt,” said Lewanda Sims-Gallimore, Senior Director, Genworth Community Involvement. “When my colleagues and I volunteer with SOAR365, our day is brighter because of the smiles and genuine appreciation for our time. We leave wanting to do more… as we see firsthand that the collective impact of just a couple of hours and dollars matters to someone.”
Genworth has continuously shown their commitment to supporting the Richmond community and SOAR365’s mission. In appreciation of their partnership, in 2024 Genworth was recognized as the Volunteer Group of the Year by SOAR365.
Synergy Technical – Community Partner of the Year
Longtime supporter of SOAR365 and CEO of Synergy Technical, Rohana Meade, believes that the universe puts you in the right place at the right time. Living by this mantra connected Rohana’s professional path in disruptive technology and her personal involvement with underserved populations, such as the disability community. The team she leads today at Synergy Technical is mission driven – through giving and volunteering, they impact many nonprofit organizations in Virginia and are working toward giving $1 million per year to the causes they support. Rohana serves on the SOAR365 Board of Directors and has helped our organization forge a solid partnership with VCU Athletics.
“SOAR365’s mission and work is incredibly important for the disability community. Serving infants to seniors, SOAR365 provides critical programs to an underserved population. At Synergy Technical, we are strong believers in giving back purposefully so we will continue our valuable partnership with SOAR365 in the years ahead,” said Meade.
For her continued and impactful support of SOAR365, Rohana Meade and Synergy Technical were awarded the Community Partner of the Year award for 2024.
If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering with SOAR365, click here to learn more.