Dash & Scout strives to translate skills learned into real-life experiences that are meaningful for adults with intellectual disabilities and the communities in which they live. That's why we're sharing a little more about our newest peer mentor beyond the doors of Dave's Place!

JULIE

We're pleased to introduce our newest peer mentor, Julie, who will be starting soon!

This past month, she has been busy in her Hampton Roads community and beyond! 

•  As part of her job as a program assistant at The Ability Center of Virginia, she spoke about Down syndrome to elementary schoolers. 

•  She volunteered at the Virginia Beach Public Library where she has volunteered for 25 years.

•  She proudly competed in tennis in Richmond at the Special Olympics State Games. 

Great job strengthening our community while showcasing your unique talents, Julie! 

QUEST STARTS NEXT MONTH!

In July, we can't wait to host our first Quest Community Independent Living Camp! We'll be hosting eight women who will explore urban living for five days and four nights. Stay tuned for updates about this one-of-a-kind independent living experience.

QUEST OCTOBER - APPLY TODAY!

Interested in our October Quest Camp? We're still taking applications! Apply today!

2027 APPLICATION OPENS AUGUST 1ST!

Mark your calendars for the release of our 2027 Dave's Place and Quest Camp application! Check our socials, our website, and more to be the first to apply for our transformative independent living experiences!

GET INFORMED BY GABY

In her June Note, our inspiring Program Director, Gaby Osborne Brooks, answers one of our most frequently asked questions:

“After wrapping up our CPR, First Aid, and Emergency Preparedness Camp last week, I wanted to take a moment to talk about the different experiences we offer at Dash & Scout. One of the questions we hear most often is, 'Which program is right for me or my loved one?'

Our Goal

At Dash & Scout, we design every experience with the same goal in mind: to help…” CONTINUE READING HERE

SHOP & DONATE FOR OUR CAUSE! In June, be sure to shop and donate gently used items at the The Thrifty Quaker in Midlothian to benefit Dash & Scout! We are grateful to have been selected by The Quaker Midlothian Friends Meeting as a beneficiary alongside Shineforth, formerly UMFS, under the theme that “Everyone Deserves a Chance at Independence.” 

The Thrifty Quaker

13567 Midlothian Turnpike

Midlothian, VA 23113

Thanks for your support! The more you shop and donate, the more lives we’ll transform in our community!

As we grow, we're fortunate to have existing team members expand their roles! Lizzy Collinson, who joined us as a Dave's Place teacher last year, is now our new Program Assistant!

In May, Lizzy graduated from UVA with her Bachelor of Science in Education with a focus on Youth & Social Innovation. She is now pursuing a two year program at VCU for a Masters in Social Work with a Clinical Social Work Practice concentration.

Lizzy discovered her passion for helping the next generation unexpectedly while nannying for two boys, unaware at the time that they had Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Since then, she has extensive experience working with individuals with special needs, beginning in 2019 as a respite worker for an adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Her joy in helping others led her to volunteer as a buddy in her church’s ministry while also working as an in-home behavior technician, supporting adolescents and youth with significant behavioral challenges.

In her free time, she enjoys taking naps, spending quality time with her dog, going on spontaneous thrift store adventures, and listening to audiobooks while working on puzzles!

Meet Our Board Treasurer

This month, we're proud to introduce Ginny Graef, CPA, our Board Treasurer. We’re grateful for her contributions to Dash and Scout’s overwhelming success over the last two and half years.

GINNY’S “WHY” FOR SERVING ON THE D&S BOARD

I saw this as an opportunity to be of service and to learn more about the needs, challenges and strengths of individuals with varying intellectual disabilities. I am learning so much!

CAREER

I am a CPA at Keiter and lead the Private Client Services group which serves high net worth individuals and their families.

EDUCATION

I hold a BS in Commerce and a MS in Accounting, both from UVA.

HOBBIES



I enjoy being active outdoors, traveling, and spending time with family & friends.

Thanks again to KOVAR for their generous grant to help fund our first Quest community living camp this July! Last month, Gaby was honored to be presented with a plaque to recognize her development of this exciting, innovative, and unique program.