Jacklyn Cheely and PARK365 are Growing Together

This summer, Jacklyn Cheely arrived at PARK365 with a group of EAB colleagues. They were planning to tackle a one-day beautification project – a great fit for Jacklyn’s green thumb. But what she didn’t know is that she would be returning again … and again … and again! Jacklyn fell in love with the park environment that day. She’s happily volunteered as a gardening assistant for Adult Day Support and Youth Services ever since. 

“Learning is always more fun when you put it into practice,” she says. “Having the opportunity to teach participants about gardening through hands-on activities in such a beautiful space is quite a pleasure. It's been so exciting to watch participants see the literal fruits of their labor and find joy in the garden that they helped grow and fill with life.”

Jacklyn’s gardening talents began at home, where she has welcomed a variety of plants and animals. “I've transformed my personal garden space from an empty yard with no life to a thriving and bustling habitat,” she explains. “This year, we have seen quite an increase in wildlife. Animals that I would have never seen in the empty yard are now all over – hummingbirds, friendly yellow garden spiders, ladybugs, dragonflies, fireflies, bumblebees, and, of course, butterflies!”

She is excited about the future of the SOAR365 gardens: “It's my goal to encourage a similar habitat here, and luckily, I'm not starting from scratch! The garden and the park already have some excellent plant life. I'm looking forward to adding to the existing habitat and fostering a space that is welcoming to all life.”

Shout Out to our Summer Volunteer Groups!

We’re so grateful for all of the local volunteer groups that joined us this this summer! Since June, we have welcomed the Chester Civitan Club, Public Consulting Group (PCG), EAB, Catholic Heart Work Camp, Dutch Fork Church, Paymerang, Enterprise Fleet Management, Weidmuller, Lansing, Virginia Lottery, the Junior League of Richmond, and students from the VCU School of Medicine. Whether they were enhancing our programs or beautifying our outdoor spaces, their service to SOAR365 has made a lasting impact!

Group volunteering is great for students and adults alike. Enterprise Fleet Management visited our weekly Talent Show at Camp Baker, where they enthusiastically cheered on our participants. “I can honestly say I have not had more fun on a volunteer event before,” says Kyle LaBaron, an Enterprise Fleets Management volunteer. “Thank you so much for the incredible experience. Definitely an event we would love to repeat!"

Meanwhile, a group of students from VCU's School of Medicine program joined us to beautify PARK365. "I am beyond grateful to have phenomenal partners like you who continue to make our city a better place," said Ashli Phillips, Program Director, VCU School of Medicine. "Your dedication and support are truly inspiring. I look forward to continuing our partnership!"

Are you part of a corporate group, youth team or civic organization? Roll up your sleeves and join in the fun this fall at SOAR365. From mulching and weeding to working directly with our participants, there’s so much to do at SOAR365! Please send us an email at volunteer@soar365.org to learn more.

SOAR365 Next Generation Council (NGC) to Host 5th Annual Leadership Workshop 

Join the NGC of SOAR365 for its 5th annual Leadership Workshop to explore what balance between profession and passion really looks like for two local leaders. The free event will take place virtually on Saturday, September 21 from 10 to 11:30 am. Registration is required!

The theme of this year’s workshop is “Your Young Professional Life: Finding Meaning in Balance and Giving Back,” giving attendees the opportunity to hear from two esteemed speakers: T. Jeffrey “Jeff” Conley and Rohana “Ro” Meade. 

Jeff Conley is an advocate for Business Development and Supplier Diversity who provides a wealth of expertise to his role in the National Procurement Office (NPO) as the Federal Reserve System Supplier Diversity Advisor. He is passionate about entrepreneurship and supplier diversity. Jeff also serves as a board member for Leadership Metro Richmond and SOAR365.

Ro Meade is the President & CEO and founding partner of Synergy Technical. A thirty-year technology industry veteran, Ro has worked in executive leadership roles for numerous public and private organizations around the globe. She is a widely sought-after speaker and consultant on key technology industry topics. She also serves as a board member for the VCU Rams Athletic Fund and SOAR365.

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

Therapist, Speech Language Pathologist

• Provide direct therapy services, support and education to children and families enrolled in Pediatric Therapy, a program of SOAR365, using a family centered approach. These children and their families are receiving Part C programming, or outpatient services, through direct therapy services in a specialized area.

Direct Support Professional, Adult Day Support (Saunders)

• 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.

Human Resources Director

• Responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational management of the Human Resources department. This includes leading and directing all the functions of the HR department, making sure it is aligned with SOAR365's objective of being an Employer of Choice and providing exceptional customer service to every stakeholder.