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.
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![Discussing Disability Podcast – April 2025 [AUDIO]](https://soar365.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Logan-Podcast-Cover-Image.png)
Discussing Disability Podcast – April 2025 [AUDIO]
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 Joins Statewide Initiative with Aim to Prevent Abuse of Virginia Youth with Disabilities
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.
Medical Volunteers Keep Adult Day Participants Happy & Safe
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.
Employment Services Participants Are Driven to Succeed
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 Employees Support the U.S. Military and Boost the Economy
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.
SOAR365 Hosts Annual Awards Banquet
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.
Vote for SOAR365 in 2025 Richmond Magazine Best & Worst Survey
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.
What It Takes to Turn Dreams Into Reality at Camp Baker
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.
No Stopping Ezra: How One Toddler Found His Stride
Pediatric Therapy helps Ezra explore his community on a new prosthesis, spreading smiles and awareness At her 20-week ultrasound, Jessie received unexpected news: her son, Ezra, had proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD). PFFD is a rare birth defect where the upper part of the femur is missing or not fully formed. While Ezra’s knee, calf, ankle, and foot...