SOAR365 NEWZ FALL 2026

NEWZ Richmond, Virginia

@ SOAR365

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E V E RY AG E ~ E V E RY I N D I V I D U A L ~ E V E RY S O L U T I O N P O S S I B L E

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Play Without Limits

A Carnival for All

Gaining Confidence

Dedicated Cabin Leader

How PARK365 helped a family feel at home

Camper Eric brings inclusive fun to Summer Camp

Adult Day Support teaches independent living skills

Tovar travels from Mexico to Camp Baker each year to volunteer

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CarMax’s Commitment Shines at SOAR365: Volunteers and funding combine to create life-fulfilling opportunities for people with disabilities.

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PARK365

Where Play Becomes Possibility PARK365 helps children of all abilities build friendships, confidence, and joy When Neil and Ellie moved to Richmond fifteen years ago, they were new parents with five-month-old twins and almost no local connections. Coming from Los Angeles and New York, Richmond felt like a much smaller city—but one that would soon become home in ways they never expected.

Their twins, Aiden and Grace, are now in high school. Both are on the autism spectrum, and both, their parents say, grew up alongside PARK365. The family first discovered the playground when friends invited them to meet there on a crisp fall day.

“We didn’t even know how to navigate around Richmond at that point,” Neil remembers. “But we showed up, and the moment we walked in, our kids just took off. Every kid who goes there for the first time does that.”

They had visited traditional playgrounds before, but PARK365 felt different from the start.

“It was the first time we went to a place that was made with purpose,” Ellie says. “Everything was clearly thought through.

And because Aiden was comfortable, I was comfortable. There was no anxiety.”

Over time, the family noticed how intentionally the space supported all children.

“It was the first experience of true integration,” Ellie says.

“Aiden would go on the big circle swing, and other kids would push him, then everyone would hop on together. Nobody had to point it out. It was just happening.”

Neil adds, “There is kindness built into that playground. A knowingness. It felt like it was saying, ‘We get you.’”

Even crowded birthday parties became manageable for Aiden. “He would walk right through the crowd and back again,” Neil says. “We didn’t even think about it. That was huge for us.”

Those early experiences shaped more than play—they shaped confidence, friendships and how the twins moved through the world.

“To new parents of children with disabilities, I always say keep going out into the world,” Ellie says. “Places like PARK365 show you that all are welcome.”

For Neil and Ellie’s family, PARK365 will always be more than a playground. “It was magical,” Neil says. “A happy place built with love. And we’re still thankful for that.”

As SOAR365 explores upcoming improvements to PARK365, our focus is on ensuring the space remains safe, accessible and welcoming for years to come.

SOAR365 Honored in Richmond Magazine’s 2026 Best of RVA Survey Our inclusive playground, PARK365, was voted Best Community Playground, while SOAR365 was awarded third place in the Best Nonprofit Leader (Volunteer or Organization) category. Additionally, the Ladybug Fund Winetasting & Silent Auction was recognized as the second place Best Charity Fundraising Event or Gala. We were awarded third place in the Best Volunteer Activity for Families and Groups category.

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SUMMER CAMP

ABOVE: Eric smiles proudly next to the balloon popping game his grandfather built.

RIGHT: Campers enjoyed the carnival games, snacks and prizes.

Eric’s Journey From Camper to Creator Eric has been a camper at SOAR365’s Summer Camp for years.

But this summer, he returned with a new role—as the creator of a special carnival night for everyone to enjoy.

“I came up with this idea because I wanted to bring fun and enthusiasm for everyone,” Eric said.

What started as one idea grew into months of planning.

Beginning in February, Eric gathered friends and volunteers for weekly meetings. They organized candy bar and yard sales to fund games, prizes and refreshments.

Along the way, Eric made sure every activity was safe and accessible for all campers.

“There are a lot of things that people don’t think about when it comes to sports and inclusion,” he said. “I have a younger brother who is nonverbal and is in a wheelchair. One of the reasons why I did this was the big need for inclusion.”

Another person inspired the project from the very beginning—Eric’s grandfather. “He was very involved in this project. He actually built the balloon board,” says Eric.

Eric’s grandfather passed away before the carnival, but Eric carried his vision forward.

When carnival night finally arrived this summer, months of planning came to life. Campers laughed as they played games, won prizes, enjoyed popcorn and shared an evening created just for them.

Although Eric was proud to see his idea become reality, he never viewed the event as a personal achievement.

“At the end of the day, this is my idea, but it’s not about me,” says Eric. “It’s about the people I can support.”

For hundreds of children and adults with disabilities, SOAR365’s Summer Camp provides just that—support. It’s a place to build confidence, explore the outdoors, make friends, and enjoy fun activities, all in a welcoming and safe environment. And while campers are enjoying time away, it gives their families much-needed respite.

Eric’s advice for anyone who wants to make a difference is simple: “Sometimes in life, if you want things to happen, you have to push for change. If you see something that needs to be done, just do it.”

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ADULT DAY SUPPORT

Building Independence, One Skill at a Time In SOAR365’s new, independent living skills spaces, everyday activities become powerful opportunities for learning, confidence-building, and independence.

The spaces created at the Staples Mill and Camp Baker Adult Day Support locations were intentionally designed to feel like home. Complete with beds, kitchens, dining areas, laundry spaces, and comfortable living rooms, these environments allow program participants to practice real-life skills in familiar settings.

Participants take the lead in choosing activities such as cooking, baking, making beds, setting tables, doing laundry, hosting peers, and practicing social skills. By planning and completing these tasks themselves, they gain valuable experience that directly translates to everyday life.

“At SOAR365, we know that independence grows through hands-on experience,” said Tricia Puryear, Senior Vice President of Human Services. “The independent living skills spaces provide participants with opportunities to practice meaningful daily activities in a supportive setting, helping them build confidence, strengthen decision-making skills, and prepare for greater independence in their homes and communities.”

The benefits extend well beyond learning household tasks.

Following recipes, organizing materials, and completing multi-step activities help strengthen memory, problem-solving, executive functioning, and task completion skills.

For participant Java Berrow, making a bed has become a daily source of pride: “I make my bed daily. It’s a good feeling to get in a bed that’s made up. I rest well in a made-up bed.”

For Jacob Stroy, learning a new skill reinforced an equally important lesson. “This is my first time being shown how to make a bed. Michelle explained it well to me. It’s okay to ask for help when I’m unable to make my bed.”

Java and Jacob learn how to make a bed in SOAR365’s new independent living skills spaces.

The independent living skills spaces also promote safety awareness, teamwork, and social connection. Participants work together, share experiences, and celebrate accomplishments while developing skills that can support volunteer opportunities, employment, and more independent living.

Every meal prepared, every bed made, and every table set represents something bigger: growing confidence, meaningful independence, and the joy that comes from learning through doing.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU GOES OUT TO THE HENDRICK FAMILY AND ALTRIA FOR MAKING THESE SPACES POSSIBLE.

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VOLUNTEERING

From Volunteer to Cabin Leader: Tovar’s Journey at SOAR365’s Summer Camp When Tovar first arrived at SOAR365’s Summer Camp in 2023, it was meant to be a simple summer job experience. But what started as one summer turned into something much deeper. Tovar has come back again and again, and this summer, he served as the cabin leader of the Fire Cabin. He couldn’t wait to meet this year’s campers.

“Coming back to Camp Baker feels like coming back to my second home,” says Tovar. “Here I feel safe, fulfilled by the work that I do and surrounded by friends.”

In 2025, Tovar spent the summer at Camp Baker volunteering. While his visa didn’t allow him to get paid, that didn’t stop Tovar from dedicating his summer to working with his favorite people, in his favorite place.

What draws Tovar back year after year is pure heart. Growing up in Mexico City, he witnessed firsthand how people with disabilities were often left behind, and it sparked something deep inside him.

Working with campers who have varying abilities feels spiritual to him, a calling that comes straight from his core values. His own mother instilled in him the importance of compassion and good behavior, lessons that guide every interaction he has at camp.

One of Tovar’s greatest gifts is his ability to connect with campers through music. As a DJ and music producer back home, he understands the power of a good song to bring people together.

“The talent show is my favorite activity at camp, because I can connect with many of the campers through

their favorite songs,” says Tovar, who especially likes to play the 90s classics. “I can see the campers light up when they recognize a song they love.”

This summer, Tovar carried new responsibilities as a cabin leader. While he admitted the bigger role made him a little nervous, he did an excellent job. He even dyed part of his hair red to match his Fire Cabin team color, a thoughtful touch that shows how invested he is in every detail.

Tovar’s journey from volunteer to respected cabin leader is proof that when you lead with your heart, magic happens. And for Tovar, that magic is exactly why he keeps coming back to SOAR365’s Summer Camp at Camp Baker.

Tovar assists a camper in playing one of Eric’s carnival games.

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DONOR SPOTLIGHT

A Lasting Partnership: CarMax Continues to Support SOAR365’s Mission For more than a decade, CarMax has been a valued supporter of SOAR365’s mission of creating life-fulfilling opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Since 2014, the CarMax Foundation has contributed more than $116,000 through a combination of program grants, capital support, and volunteer initiatives that help strengthen our programs and services.

Most recently, the CarMax Foundation awarded SOAR365 a $15,000 grant in 2025 to support the organization’s Supported Employment program. This funding helps individuals with disabilities build skills, find meaningful employment, and achieve greater independence.

CarMax’s support goes beyond financial contributions.

Since at least 2016, CarMax associates have volunteered with SOAR365, sharing their time, energy, and talents to help improve spaces and experiences for the people we serve.

That spirit of service is especially evident during CarMax Cares Month, the company’s annual volunteer initiative held each June. Associates across the country dedicate their time to causes that matter to them, and SOAR365 is proud to be among the organizations they choose to support.

“Our team of 20 had a fantastic day volunteering with SOAR365! We spent the day outdoors weeding and mulching to help beautify the park. Anne and her team shared how meaningful SOAR365’s mission is to the Richmond community, and we felt like we made a difference,” says Allison Cherneski. “It was a great reminder of how much impact a single day of service can have!”

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This year, CarMax selected three volunteer projects at SOAR365, bringing $3,000 in additional support along with their service. We welcomed volunteers from the Financial Services and Products, Fleet Safety and Compliance, and Supply Chain Strategy teams. Projects included beautification efforts at PARK365 and other improvements that help create welcoming, enjoyable spaces for participants and their families.

“CarMax has made an impact through years of showing up,” said John Walker, President and CEO of SOAR365. “From funding important programs to volunteering their time and talents, CarMax associates have become an important part of the SOAR365 support system. Their commitment over the years has helped create more opportunities for the individuals and families we serve.”

The partnership between CarMax and SOAR365 is a great example of how consistent support—whether through funding or volunteering—can make a lasting difference.

BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

Lonnie Redefines What’s Possible at Fort Lee A serious injury left Lonnie requiring a hip replacement. Before the injury, Lonnie had worked on his feet all day as a chef. But now, he had to start over. He needed work that fit both his skills and his new physical reality, and he needed a place willing to give him that chance.

That search led him to SOAR365. More than two decades later, he is still here— thriving in a new career that combines logistics and IT. Through SOAR365’s Business Solutions team and its partnership with SourceAmerica and the AbilityOne Program, Lonnie built more than a job. He built a career that continues to grow.

“Right away, SOAR365 gave me the opportunity to learn typing and computer skills,” he says. “From that day on, they’ve been behind me supporting what I do the whole entire time.”

The transition wasn’t easy. Moving from the kitchen to a desk job meant learning several new skills.

What began as warehouse-based work— moving furniture and supporting basic logistics—has grown into a highly skilled operation. Today, Lonnie helps track and manage computers, monitors, and other equipment across Fort Lee. He also helped

design systems that improved how that work is done.

“We automated their equipment system,” he says.

“We’ve come a very long way.”

Lonnie serves as a Lead Expediter at Fort Lee, where he leads a team of three individuals with disabilities and helps manage critical equipment operations across multiple buildings. As a leader, Lonnie focuses on helping his team build confidence and skills.

“I don’t grow without my team,” he says.

“If I’m moving forward, they’re going to move forward with me.”

He tailors his approach to each person’s strengths and challenges.

“If you can understand someone’s disability and show compassion, you can help them see something they might not even see in themselves,” he says.

Lonnie knows people with disabilities are often underestimated—but he has seen what happens when they’re given opportunity.

“Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you can’t do the job,” he says.

“If you give us a chance, we’ll come through.”

soar365.org O U R C O R E VA LU E S

EXCELLENCE INCLUSIVITY INTEGRITY PARTNERSHIP PASSION RESPECT & DIGNITY

Pediatric Therapy Adult Day Support Respite Summer Camp PARK 365 Employment Services Business Solutions

US UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

10%

people with disabilities

3.9%

people without disabilities

DID YOU KNOW? As of May 2026, the US unemployment rate for people with disabilities ages 16-64 was 10%. That’s more than twice the rate for people without disabilities in the same age group ( 3.9%).*

NEWZ@SOAR365 is published

by SOAR365 ©2026 SOAR365. All rights reserved.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Labor

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How SOAR365 Participants Gain Job Skills at ARC of Hanover Thrift Hands-on work experience builds confidence, independence, and job readiness.

ARC of Hanover Thrift is a busy store, full of clothes, toys, books, art, and all kinds of treasures. But for SOAR365 participants it offers an even greater gift. It’s a place to build confidence, practice job skills and experience the world of work.

Through a growing partnership between SOAR365 and ARC of Hanover Thrift, participants in Adult Day Support, Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), and Supported Employment take part in real-world tasks that support the store’s daily operations.

They hang clothes, stock shelves, organize donations, sort DVDs, and help prepare items for shoppers. Some also greet customers and support front-of-store operations. These experiences strengthen workplace and social skills while introducing different job roles.

“This work experience has allowed our Pre-ETS students to use skills they have learned, gain new experiences, build relationships, and earn a few dollars while doing it,” says SOAR365 PreETS Skills Trainer Maranda. “Over time, I have seen their confidence, self-advocacy, and motivation increase.”

ARC of Hanover Thrift leaders say the partnership benefits everyone involved. “Not just productivity-wise, but for morale too,” said Director of Program and Mission Diane Gallegos. “We see joy, smiles, and interactions between volunteers and individuals coming in.”

Both organizations hope to expand opportunities that help more people with disabilities build skills, confidence, and pathways to employment in the community.