News

Find out what we've been up to! Awards, spotlights, media and more.
Specialized Support Leads to Success: Meet Jack

Specialized Support Leads to Success: Meet Jack

Jack’s diagnosis is rare. So rare, that only ten cases of Warsaw Breakage Syndrome have been reported worldwide!

Luckily, Jack’s SOAR365 physical therapist is pretty rare, too. Sam Cipolla specializes in helping medically complex kids. “Jack is actually the one who made me realize that’s what I enjoyed,” says Sam.

Jacklyn Cheely & PARK365 Are Growing Together

Jacklyn Cheely & PARK365 Are Growing Together

This summer, Jacklyn Cheely arrived at PARK365 with a group of EAB colleagues. They were planning to tackle a one-day beautification project – a great fit for Jacklyn’s green thumb. But what she didn’t know is that she would be returning again … and again … and again!  Jacklyn fell in love with the park environment that day. She’s happily volunteered as a gardening assistant for Adult Day Support and Youth Services ever since.  

VCU Volleyball & Synergy Technical Team Up With SOAR365

VCU Volleyball & Synergy Technical Team Up With SOAR365

Smiling faces. Enthusiastic cheering. And post-game hugs! Adult Day Support participants and staff had a great time watching the VCU Volleyball team play at the Siegel Center in September. “It was especially thrilling to see the players and coaching staff interact with our participants after the game,” says Vandal Truong, Director of Adult Day Support and Youth Services.

Hakeem and Raheem’s Family Finds Joy in Respite Program

Hakeem and Raheem’s Family Finds Joy in Respite Program

When your work and bills are piling up. When you’re worried about the safety of those in your care. When you have more chores to finish and errands to run than there is time in the day. 

That’s when the SOAR365 Respite program is there for you, just like it has been for the family of Hakeem and Raheem, brothers with intellectual disabilities, over the last two years.

Giving the Gift of Friendships and Fun

Giving the Gift of Friendships and Fun

Samuel communicates differently. If you ask a question, he might answer by reciting memorized scenes from movies. Instead of having a conversation, he and his mom, Cynthia, take turns singing Do Re Mi. Both Samuel and his brother, Harper, have autism. Harper doesn’t communicate verbally, but he’s good at making himself understood.

Back to School Tips for Families with Children with Disabilities

Back to School Tips for Families with Children with Disabilities

Back-to-school season has many of us spending time looking for the right lunch box and backpack, or the right sneakers for the classroom and the playground. If your child has a developmental disability, this time of year may require special attention. Here are some tips to make this transition easier. 

Case Management Ensures Quality Care: Meet Laura

Case Management Ensures Quality Care: Meet Laura

When case manager Laura Yackel began chairing SOAR365’s Wellness Committee, she knew just who should join—our participants! She quickly found enthusiastic recruits, like Java.

Today, the committee is close to its goal of including program participants from every SOAR365 location.

Dean Browell Helps Push SOAR365’s NGC Forward

Dean Browell Helps Push SOAR365’s NGC Forward

Dean Browell has played a central role in making SOAR365’s Next Generation Council what it is today. The 5th annual Leadership Workshop, to be held this September, marks a special milestone.

Supported Employment Lands Troy His Dream Job

Supported Employment Lands Troy His Dream Job

Troy Carter is hard-pressed to choose a favorite: Obi-Wan Kenobi or Yoda? Rock or hip-hop? Marvel or DC? Photography or videography?

Luckily, on the last count, he doesn’t have to choose. His new job at VCU’s Rehabilitation Research and Training Center allows him to apply his talents to both. How did Troy find such a great fit?

PARK365 Voted Best Community Playground

PARK365 Voted Best Community Playground

For the second year in a row, PARK365 has been voted Best Community Playground in Richmond Magazine’s Best & Worst Survey!

PARK365 has also previously been named a top playground in Central Virginia by Virginia Living Magazine. These awards exemplify SOAR365’s commitment to the community, our program participants and their families. 

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