Weidmuller Brings the Spirit to Our Weekly Summer Camp Talent Show!

Summer Camp season is coming to a close, but not without a few more legendary performances! Each week concludes with a SOAR365 Camp Baker tradition: the Talent Show! This is a highlight for campers, families and staff, as everyone jumps in to show off their talents. We also invite volunteers to join us each week to cheer on participants. Recently we welcomed a team from Weidmuller USA.

"Attending the SOAR365 talent show at Camp Baker for individuals with disabilities was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the unique abilities and perseverance of every participant,” said Randy Sadler, President & CEO, Weidmuller USA. “Talent shines in many forms, and a disability does not dim the bright light of creativity and spirit that was on full display. It reminded me of how truly blessed we all are, and I am personally humbled when I attend and participate in these volunteer events." 

Randy added: “Everyone was so happy; you could see and feel the nervous, positive energy on full display during the talent show. I appreciate Weidmuller’s WeCare team for their selflessness and dedication to assist not-for-profit organizations like SOAR365 in the Richmond area."  

Thank you so much for joining us, Team Weidmuller!

Celebrating National Intern Day!

July 25 is National Intern Day, an annual opportunity for employers to honor and thank their hardworking interns. At SOAR365, we are fortunate to have interns from a variety of schools, programs, and interests. Their time and talents strengthen our programs and advance our mission. Here, three of our interns describe what makes their role special.

“Working as part of the Supported Employment team has been great in allowing me to help the organization and contribute to SOAR365’s mission.” – Nikhil Amin, UVA Intern, Employment Services (top photo)

"My internship with the Volunteer Engagement team has allowed me to interact and learn about all the amazing people willing to help others! I've enjoyed chatting with new people and being able to help SOAR365 in my own way!" - Kelsey Judd, VCU Intern, Community Engagement (middle photo)

"I have become close with all of the participants, and it is very heartwarming to walk in and see that people are excited to see me! I am going to miss everyone when my internship is over and I’m very thankful for this experience." - Taylor Gunn, Bon Secours Nursing Intern, Adult Day Support (bottom photo)

Val Pace: Contributing to Ladybug Success!

The annual Ladybug Fund Winetasting & Silent Auction is SOAR365’s largest fundraising event, and its success depends largely on volunteers like Val Pace, a member of the Silent Auction committee. Val was introduced to SOAR365 about 15 years ago by Kim Watson, SOAR365’s former VP of Community Engagement. She was inspired to take action and serve after learning about our vital programs and mission.

“After I attended my first Ladybug event, I wanted to be more involved as a donor and volunteer,” Val recalled. “My husband and I became donors to help families and individuals with disabilities of all ages.”

Volunteering has provided Val with greater awareness of other needs in the community and led to valued friendships. “I've met many new friends through volunteering,” she said. “I enjoy seeing smiles on the faces of everyone I get to work with and celebrating small and big achievements. When you enjoy volunteering as I do for SOAR365, my friends want to get more involved – and I especially love that my adult children also volunteer.”

Join the SOAR365 team and support people with disabilities! For all job opportunities, visit our website. Current opportunities include:

Case Manager, Business Solutions

• Responsible for providing individualized service management for employees with disabilities in SOAR365's Business Solutions department. You will review disability documentation collected for potential hires in the Business Solutions department, securing any additional information needed to determine employees' needs and to meet regulatory compliance.

Direct Support Professional, Adult Day Support (Camp Baker)

• Responsible for assisting with coordination or staff and participant involvement in the day-to-day program activities. Your people skills will come in handy and will help you to maintain fantastic professional relationships with your fellow team members and those who we serve.

Visitor Center Clerk

• Provide exceptional customer support to members of the Armed Forces, family members, civilians, and contractors in providing various DoD identification card services.