SOAR365 Adult Programs Gardening Assistant
If you were to ask Caitlin McBride how she first found out about volunteer opportunities with SOAR365, she might tell you that a little birdie showed her the way. To be exact, she was intrigued by our multi-colored crane logo as she drove by one day, and “when I researched the logo and read about SOAR365, I thought it sounded like a great place.”

As an elementary teacher by profession and a gardener by choice, Caitlin was naturally drawn to the Gardening Assistant opportunity, which allows her to facilitate simple gardening activities each week with the adult program participants. “My favorite part so far has been seeing the participants’ excitement about getting outside and planting. Getting to share my love of gardening and being in nature is very rewarding. It’s also been a great experience working with adults with disabilities, which is new for me.”

Although lots of new changes are on the horizon for Caitlin (she recently moved from the Fairfax area and is also exploring career opportunities outside the teaching field), the little birdie seemed to come along at just the right moment. “There are so many opportunities to help the community and serve others at SOAR365 that I think anyone interested in volunteering could find a good fit for them. It’s great being in a place that works to bring joy and fulfillment to people.”