Richmond, Virginia
A Healthy Partnership
SOAR365 and Walgreens team up to create jobs in Hanover
Hitting Milestones
Sammy grows thanks to Pediatric Therapy
Volunteers Provide Medical Expertise
Local students get hands-on experience 2
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Driven to Succeed KOVAR and Virginia DRPT provide accessible vans for Employment Services
Walgreens and SOAR365 team up to create jobs for people with disabilities at their Hanover microfulfillment center
Ask Myles if he likes working at Walgreens, and his response is enthusiastic: “Well, yeah! I do!” It’s his very first job. “I am proud!” he says, beaming.
In 2023, SOAR365’s Employment Services team reached out to Walgreens to begin discussing a potential partnership. Today, we have three Supported Employment participants working in their state-of-the-art micro-fulfillment center in Hanover County.
Andrew was the first to be hired ten months ago. He receives medicine bags on a conveyor belt and places them on a robot for scanning. The bags are then sent off to be packed into totes and shipped to pharmacies. It’s an important role that grants Andrew an income and more independence. “It’s fulfilling,” he says.
Adrienne Snead is their SOAR365 Supported Employment Specialist (or “job coach”). Our job coaches identify each participant’s skills and interests and help them try out different work environments. Adrienne thought of Andrew for this job because “I knew Andrew had worked in an industrial field.” Job coaches then assist with the application process, and provide on-the-job support, as needed.
Nikole, HR Senior Generalist at Walgreens, says she’s seen Andrew, Deandre and Myles “being able to thrive in the [job] setting and grow in their respective areas.” She’s also noticed tremendous growth in their interpersonal skills.
For all three participants, the work is rewarding. “My favorite part of the job is having a calm and focused mind,”
The unemployment rate is twice as high for people with disabilities in the U.S.*
In 2022, just 45.7% of adults with disabilities (ages 1864) living in the community in Virginia were employed, compared to 80.3% of adults without disabilities in the same age group.†
* U.S. Department of Labor
† Center for Research on Disability, Annual Disability Statistics Compendium
says Myles. Deandre, another Walgreens employee, says that for him, it’s “the people and some of the work I do.” Deandre has had a job before, but he feels this one is a better fit.
Both Myles and Deandre say their families are excited for them. They also give credit to Adrienne for helping them find the job and succeed in it. “She’s cool,” says Deandre. “She helps a lot,” says Myles, “We appreciate it, too!”
“They’re all doing a wonderful job. They’re quick learners,” says Adrienne. “If they have any issues, they are able to get accommodations as needed. They have a lot of natural supports here, and I’m here to be able to support them as well and make sure everything is running smoothly,” she adds. “Everyone at Walgreens loves all of them.”
Deandre appreciates the chance to show what he can do.
A story of hope and growth thanks to SOAR365’s pediatric therapists
Sometimes the scariest thing in life is the unknown. For Lea and her husband, Monty, this became their reality when they adopted Sammy four years ago.
“Sammy was the first infant we had ever cared for, and around three months in, we noticed that he wasn’t using the right side of his body the same way as his left side,” Lea explains.
Given Sammy’s prenatal drug exposure, his development needed careful monitoring. After consulting with various doctors, some suggested it would improve with time, while others recommended physical therapy. That’s when SOAR365’s Pediatric Therapy program entered their lives.
“We just didn’t know what to expect,” Lea recalls. “We had so many questions about Sammy’s development, the challenges he would face, and how we could best help him. The therapists at SOAR365 always made us feel like we could ask any question, and they were always honest about what they knew and what they didn’t know, which was refreshing.”
Eventually, Sammy was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a condition that impacts movement, balance, and posture. SOAR365’s team of pediatric physical, occupational, and speech therapists worked with Sammy to develop a comprehensive plan tailored to his needs.
Sammy’s progress has been facilitated by key therapeutic accommodations and supports. Lea recalls, “He started using a gait
trainer around his first birthday. Watching him progress from needing attachments to maneuvering it independently has been incredible.”
With SOAR365’s help, Sammy was also introduced to equipment like adjustable benches and special chairs to support his mobility development.
Through weekly sessions and ongoing communication with therapists, Sammy has made significant progress. “It’s just really beautiful to see our son hit new milestones in his life,” Lea says. “His ability to move independently has gotten so much better. He can communicate with us and tell us exactly what he needs.”
“He has been through more in his short life than many of us will ever experience in ours,” Lea adds. “We just want to be the catalysts for him to realize his hopes and dreams.”
SOAR365’s dedicated therapists have been a constant support, guiding Sammy and his family toward a brighter, more independent future.
SOAR365 is the largest provider of early intervention services in Central Virginia. In fact, we served 1,058 children in 2024, an increase of over 200 children.
Staff, volunteers and community partners come together to create Camp Baker’s impact each year
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 Summer Camp.
From the moment the staff gathers for training, they are preparing for more than just summer activities – they are ensuring peace of mind and quality care for every camper throughout the summer.
One of those campers is 68-year-old Jacob Stroy. Over a decade ago, Jacob shared a personal dream with our Summer Camp staff: to ride a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Jacob, who uses an electric wheelchair, never thought that dream could come true. But our staff, knowing how important it was, made him a promise: one day
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they would make sure Jacob could experience that thrill, no matter the challenge.
Last summer, thanks to a grant from the Chester Civitan Club and the Foundation for Children With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD), SOAR365 was able to purchase a wheelchair-accessible, all-terrain vehicle for Camp Baker. When Jacob saw the vehicle for the first time, his eyes lit up. With the support of caring staff and volunteers, he was able to take “awesome” trail rides through the woods, and he couldn’t contain his joy. “It’s not a motorcycle, but my dream came true!” he beamed.
This moment was one of many where campers see their dreams turn into possibilities. But behind the scenes, staff are working hard to ensure every camper’s safety and well-being. There are added considerations when running a summer camp for people with disabilities—and the costs are dramatically higher. Low camper-to-staff ratios are needed to provide personalized attention. Many campers also have complex medical needs, so professional nurses are needed on
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site to administer medications and provide care. The support of organizations like the Universal Leaf Foundation is critical to making sure every camper’s health needs are met.
“Universal is thrilled to have been able to support SOAR365 over the years and witness their development and growth,” says Shauna Mullen-Smith, Vice President of the Universal Leaf Foundation Board. “The demands on caregivers of individuals with disabilities can be overwhelming. SOAR365 is the primary organization that provides overnight respite care for adults in our community, and the Foundation endeavors to support them each year so that they can continue to provide this valuable service.”
At SOAR365, every act of kindness, every donation, and every volunteer hour helps create a space where campers can live their dreams.
SOAR365 partners with four academic institutions to provide hands-on learning opportunities
Medically skilled volunteers make an 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!
“Volunteering
Bon Secours’ nursing students started volunteering at SOAR365 in 2024, with 18 students completing 40 hours of service with Adult Day Support. The students participated in activities, crafts, and even lead their own health-centered learning activities, teaching participants about proper handwashing, white coat syndrome, and more.
“Throughout my time volunteering, I had the privilege of leading daily lessons and building meaningful friendships with participants. This experience not only enhanced my understanding of disability services but also provided me with invaluable life lessons,” said Mia Jones, Student at Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing.
Since 2020, South University’s Richmond Physician Assistant Program has sent 36 physician assistant students to SOAR365 each quarter to serve as skilled interns. The students work directly with our staff and Adult Day Support participants to provide fun, engaging care and support. To recognize their dedication, the program received the SOAR365 Volunteer Group of the Year award.
“Volunteering with individuals with disabilities allows our students to better understand how to serve patient populations as future healthcare providers,” explained Shannon Schellenberg, Program Director and Associate Professor. “This experience will help them become attuned to the needs of future patients.”
In 2021, Eastern Virginia Career College (EVCC) began sending three occupational therapy assistant students for their Level 1 rotation at Camp Baker. In the past, EVCC students have done hours of observation and eight-week rotations of hands-on experience, adding great support to the Adult Day Support program.
“We strongly believe academic programs cannot fully educate future occupational therapy practitioners without the integration of classroom knowledge and practicing skills through experiences at SOAR365 and other facilities. The EVCC OTA faculty believes in the power of occupation and demonstration of professional behaviors by students to maximize their learning on fieldwork experiences,” says Kelly Pennock, Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for the School of Nursing of Allied Sciences.
Each week, nursing students from Randolph-Macon College visit SOAR365’s Saunders location to work directly with Adult Day Support participants. The students promote well-being with activities that improve movement, engage the mind, and encourage healthy eating habits.
Meredith McGuire, MSN, RN, CPNP is the Clinical Assistant Professor in the RMC Department of Nursing. She is excited about the benefits this new internship program creates for her students and Adult Day Support participants.
“The Randolph-Macon nursing program develops resilient nurse leaders prepared to practice innovatively in a dynamic healthcare environment,” she explained. “The nursing students at SOAR365 are juniors or seniors who apply clinical prevention approaches and health promotion activities to provide effective nursing care to adults with disabilities.”
SOAR365 receives four new, accessible vans thanks to the Virginia Department of Rail & Transportation and KOVAR
People with disabilities make excellent employees —if they’re given the chance.
One of the many barriers to employment is safe, reliable transportation. Thankfully, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) recently awarded grant funding to SOAR365 for four accessible, five-passenger vans with ramps.
We’re so grateful for DRPT, and for our good friends at KOVAR who made a gift of $20,000 to help fund the match. KOVAR has been a true partner to SOAR365 for over 20 years, awarding us grants totaling $240,000.
“KOVAR’s mission is to assist Virginians with intellectual disabilities,” explains Eddie Whitlock, President. “We’re pleased to partner with great organizations like SOAR365. Over the years, we’ve provided several grants to SOAR365, and we look forward to a continued partnership of service!”
Maffey of DRPT and Chris Martin, SOAR365 Director of Employment Services
The vans will be used by both students and adults with disabilities. SOAR365’s PreEmployment Transition Services program helps young people prepare for adulthood through career exploration and training. Meanwhile, Supported Employment helps adults identify their skills and interests, try different work environments, apply for jobs, and succeed in the right job for them. Both programs require a lot of ondemand travel to and from training sites and potential employers. Having transportation “allows people with disabilities to feel confident,” says Collin, a SOAR365 preETS participant. It also provides important support to caregivers. “Having the ability to be transported around places like Richmond or Mechanicsville greatly helps my family.”
“We are excited to award SOAR365 vehicles to support their Supported Employment program,” says Jess Maffey, DRPT Statewide Transit Program Manager. “We don’t have many grantees who provide job training for people with disabilities, but it’s an important service that helps fulfill our agency’s mission to improve the quality of life for all Virginians. We look forward to seeing the impact this program makes on the SOAR365 participants!”
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3600 Saunders Avenue
Richmond, VA 23227
(804) 358-1874
The Ladybug Fund Winetasting & Silent Auction, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, is our biggest fundraiser of the year. All proceeds support SOAR365 programs for children and youth with disabilities. You can help be a part of this important effort—even if you can’t make it to the event. Hop online and participate in our highly anticipated silent auction!
HERE IS A PEEK AT A FEW OF OUR EXCITING PACKAGES:
• MULTI-COURSE DINNER FOR 8: Enjoy a delicious meal with wine pairings, prepared by and hosted in the home of our own CEO (and foodie) John Walker.
• MONUMENTS, MEMORIALS AND MORE: Washington, D.C. is a place unlike any other. Take it all in with a two-night stay at AC Hotel DC Marriott, in the heart of magnificent shopping and world-class dining. Attend a Washington Wizards game and your weekend is complete!
• ROLLING ON THE RIVER: Invite your friends! On this outing for 20, you’ll drink, dine, and marvel at the beautiful Richmond skyline during a luxury cruise on the James.
Register for the auction to view all items and bid!