Categories
At SOAR365, volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission. Whether they’re planting flowers, guiding event guests, reading to children, or simply sharing a smile, their impact is immeasurable. That’s why we’re so excited to celebrate National Volunteer Appreciation Week, happening April 20–26, 2025!
Sometimes the scariest things in life are the unknown. For Lea Whitehurst-Gibson and her husband, Monty, this became their reality when they adopted Samaj four years ago.
![Discussing Disability Podcast – April 2025 [AUDIO]](https://soar365.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Logan-Podcast-Cover-Image.png)
For our April 2025 episode, we talked with Logan Kleene – a participant in SOAR365’s Adult Day Support program at Staples Mill – and his mother, Lynda Kleene! The Kleene family began its relationship with SOAR365 about a year ago and were happy to share their insight into what it’s like to find support for a loved one with a disability.
SOAR365 is partnering with the Virginia Department of Health Office of Family Health Services, Injury and Violence Prevention Program (VDH IVPP) and Blue Octopus Consulting on the Inclusive Play and Prevention Initiative Collaborative, a statewide project focused on preventing sexual abuse of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in social, sports, and recreation settings.
Medically skilled volunteers make an incredibly important contribution to our Adult Day Support program – and in return the students are learning and growing in their profession. It’s a win-win partnership! SOAR365 has been lucky to work with skilled volunteers from not one, but four local academic institutions.
One of the many barriers to employment is safe, reliable transportation. Thankfully, our Employment Services program can help! The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and KOVAR recently awarded funding to SOAR365 for four accessible, five-passenger vans with ramps.
SOAR365 is a member of SourceAmerica’s AbilityOne Program, a federal initiative that helps people with disabilities find jobs. This program doesn’t just create employment opportunities—it also benefits the U.S. military.
On Thursday, March 20, SOAR365 hosted its annual Awards Banquet to celebrate the individuals, teams, and community partners who went above and beyond in 2024. The award recipients are nominated by their peers, reflecting their dedication to SOAR365’s mission.
The Richmond Magazine Best & Worst survey is back for 2025 and SOAR365 needs your support! Cast your votes from now to 11:45 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025.
At SOAR365’s Summer Camp, the camper experience is everything. In 2024, over 400 children and adults with disabilities made their way to Camp Baker, where they would embark on an unforgettable journey. But none of this would be possible without the careful planning, dedication, and unwavering teamwork that goes into every part of the camp.
You'll be redirected to the website to search and apply for jobs with SOAR365.
Thanks for visiting!
☀️ Play, connect and belong this summer at PARK365! SOAR365’s Summer Series is back with three FREE, family-friendly events filled with inclusive fun for all ages. From adaptive sports and soccer activities to music, crafts, special guests, and hands-on LEGO® play, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Richmond’s award-winning all-abilities playground.
⚽ School’s Out with Richmond Kickers & Richmond Ivy SC
📅 May 29 | 3:30–6:30 p.m.
🎉 World Play Day with Sportable
📅 June 11 | 3:30–6:30 p.m.
🚸 ChildSavers at PARK365
📅 July 8 | 10 a.m.–Noon
