SEPTEMBER 2026

CONTENTS:


  • Participants Corner: Sydney's Success Story
  • Get $25 OFF Your Next Dash & Scout Experience!
  • Independent Living Programs Central: August Dave's Place Pride, Liza's Insights, & Julie Joins Our Peer Mentors!
  • Featured Teachers: Welcome Emma & Jillian!
  • Save The Dates: Golf Tournament, Fall in the Community, Dash Bash 2 & Softball Tournament Benefit
  • Giving & Gratitude: Manchester Moose Lodge & More!



Participants Corner:

Sydney's Success Story!


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 Sydney this month!


SYDNEY


We are super excited to share an amazing independent living update on Sydney, one of our Dave’s Place participants from last year! Congrats, Sydney!


“Dave’s Place gave Sydney the opportunity to have her first independent overnight experience. More importantly, it gave us, her mom and dad, the confidence to know that she had the skills to navigate new situations and advocate for her needs.


The independent skills assessment helped us identify Sydney’s strengths, build the skills she needed, and prepare her for this next chapter. We would like to say a BIG thank you to Dash and Scout for being a part of the journey that got Sydney to where she is today.


Now, we get to watch her begin her new journey as a college student at George Mason University’s Mason LIFE program." - Sydney’s Mom




Get $25 Off Your Next

Dash & Scout Experience!


Be sure to check your email on Monday, September 28, 2026! We'll be sending out our long-term follow up participant survey that day!


If you've participated in any of our D&S experiences since we began in 2024 through September 2026, expect to receive a survey link in your Inbox! All participants who submit their responses by Monday, October 12, 2026, will receive $25 off their next Dash & Scout program experience!


Thanks in advance for providing valuable feedback that will help us continue to craft independent-living experiences that will open doors for adults with intellectual disabilities in our community!





Independent Living Programs Central


AUGUST DAVE'S PLACE PRIDE


We’re full of gratitude after another incredible weekend retreat at Dave’s Place! Our team enjoyed living and learning alongside each of our four fabulous participants. We’re so proud of each of them for expanding their independent living skills with confidence and stepping outside of their comfort zones.


Thanks to everyone who made it happen, especially our peer mentor, David, and our top-notch teachers, Jillian, Emma, Jim, and Gaby!


Check our socials soon to learn more about our August peer mentor and participants during their Dave’s Place experience!


Watch our August Dave's Place video here!


Learn more about Dave's Place and apply here!



LIZA'S INSIGHTS


This month, we’re kicking off a series of notes from our top-notch teachers!


This month, special education teacher and D&S teacher, Liza Rennie, shares her insights about independent living and how her time with our D&S participants has informed her work in the classroom.


Read Liza's note here.




JULIE JOINS OUR PEER MENTORS!


We’re excited to introduce Julie as our newest peer mentor!


She recently met with Gaby to help ensure participants’ individualized needs are delivered at our upcoming September Dave’s Place weekend. Gaby raved about her great contributions!


We can’t wait to watch her leadership skills blossom as she takes on this important role!


Learn more about our peer mentors here!




Featured Teachers:

Welcome Emma & Jillian!


We’re excited to introduce two more of our experienced, compassionate and supportive teachers! Emma and Jillian joined our team for our August Dave’s Place last month!


MEET EMMA


Hi! My name is Emma Roebuck and I am a current high school integrated services special education teacher. I’m a double graduate from Longwood University where I graduated with my undergraduate degree in 2023 and then received my Master’s in Special Education in 2024. I currently teach at Godwin High School in Henrico County and will be going into my 4th year there.


I have absolutely loved the transition aspect of teaching high school special education and when I heard of Dash and Scout, I instantly knew it was a team I wanted to be apart of. My passion is watching students succeed in the way they learn best while cultivating a supportive and safe environment.



In my free time I enjoy trying new recipes, spending time with my family, and exploring new places!



MEET JILLIAN


My name is Jillian Flickinger, and I am a high school special education teacher at Prince George County High School. I graduated from Longwood University, where I earned my undergraduate degree in 2022 and my Master’s degree in Special Education in 2023.


My passion is helping my students build confidence and independence as they prepare for life beyond high school. One of my favorite parts of teaching is seeing the “light bulb moment” when a student takes something I have modeled or taught and is able to complete it independently. Seeing how proud they are of themselves in those moments is incredibly rewarding and is one of the reasons I love what I do.



Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my two dogs and husband, reading, and baking.





Save the Dates!


*NEW EVENT*

1ST ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT!


You and your foursome are invited to join us for a Friday of FUNdraising at the Queensfield Golf Club in Manquin, VA, on October 30, 2026! Come out for a 10am shotgun start to play for a great cause!


Registration and flyer coming soon here.

FALL IN THE COMMUNITY


*NEW EVENTS ADDED* Come and visit us as we travel across the state again this fall! Our team would love to chat with you about how we can help your loved one dream big!


We’re super excited to be a part of these amazing community events that support our local disability community and are always lots of fun!

2nd ANNUAL

DASH BASH


Dash Bash is back! Mark your calendars now for another night to remember!


Dash Bash "2"

February 18, 2027

5:30-9:30 pm

Richmond East Moose Lodge


Stay tuned to learn more about our signature FUNdraiser that promises to be even better than before! Registration is coming later this year but we're already accepting silent auction donations!

40TH ANNUAL DOWN SYNDROME BENEFIT SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT


We are so humbled to be the beneficiaries of this long-standing tournament! The 40th year marks a huge milestone and with that, our beneficiaries are planning even more family-friendly fun just for you!


Mark your calendars in March and April 2027 to play, support, or volunteer! Stay tuned for more details, including registration later this year!


Giving & Gratitude

SPONSOR SHOUT OUT!


We’re so grateful to Manchester Moose Lodge #699 for their generous sponsorship!


Thanks for believing in our mission to serve adults with intellectual disabilities in the pursuit of an authentically meaningful life! Because of your support, our participants will be empowered to pursue greater independence and personal growth.


Sponsor us here!


SHOP FOR OUR PARTICIPANTS!


As you shop for school supplies, consider putting a few items in your cart to replenish Dash & Scout's supplies! Our fall Dave’s Place participants will benefit directly from your donations!


No matter your budget, your support matters! Thanks in advance for empowering our participants to live more independent lives!


Shop for us here!



REGISTER YOUR KROGER CARD WITH D&S!


Register your Kroger Rewards card to benefit Dash & Scout! Each time you shop, you’ll support our programs at no extra cost to you!


Simply log into your Kroger account, search for “Dash and Scout” and click “Enroll!”


Enroll your card here!


Thanks for your support! Happy Shopping!





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