Dominion Energy Returns to Camp Baker With Passion!


For the fourth consecutive year, a team of more than 20 volunteers from Dominion Energy joined us at Camp Baker to work on outdoor tasks after a busy Summer Camp season.


The Dominion team worked on mulching; painting the Retreat residence hall; clearing out small trees, branches and shrubbery; and creating more space in the trail system to improve access to the fishing hole in the woods.


Fishing activities were made more accessible this year after funds to purchase a utility task vehicle (UTV) were generously donated by the Chester Civitan Club. Now, campers who would like to cast a line in the stream can ride in style to the fishing hole and try their luck!


Richard “Rick” Belflower, who organized this event for Dominion, recalled the experience he shared with fellow team members:


“It was a truly amazing day,” he said. “All our employees served with passion. Many were repeat volunteers who understand the mission of SOAR365 and want to help provide a safe environment where individuals of all ages find support for the daily, real-world challenges of living with a disability. This volunteer day at Camp Baker has become an annual event and is now a tradition for our Dominion team.”


Rick is inspired by a phrase from an African proverb that says “it takes a village.” The phrase highlights that great accomplishments are not achieved by a single individual but are the result of shared collective wisdom and support from the entire community – including family, neighbors, teachers, and other community members. “I love that analogy, and this is a theme that we like to live by,” he said.  

Continue Reading About Dominion Energy's Impact on SOAR365

Top: Rick Bellflower, who led this Dominion Energy volunteer event, jumps in to assist with painting Middle: Volunteers paint the Retreat residence hall Bottom: Volunteers got their hands dirty to place mulch around camp

Kim Lynch Shares Nursing Expertise at Camp Baker

 

After a 33-year career as a Registered Nurse (RN), SOAR365 volunteer Kim Lynch brought her valuable skills to Camp Baker this summer. There, she served a group of campers who benefited from her expertise and attention to detail gained through decades of working with patients and their families. 


The camp experience was new for Kim, because her nursing career had been dedicated to Labor and Delivery, first as a nurse manager and later as an investigator for the licensing boards.  


“I enjoyed learning more about SOAR365 and seeing the Camp Baker facility,” she recalls, “as well as meeting the campers and their families.” When Kim saw counselors greeting incoming campers, she said they made “an instant connection.” She also appreciated the experience that the counselors brought to camp. “The counselors had such diverse backgrounds. They focused on helping the campers feel comfortable,” she said, “and they never looked tired!”

Read More About Kim and Her Volunteer Work This Summer


Now Recruiting for SOAR365's Next Generation Council


Make a difference. Make new friends. Level up your resume.


Next Generation Council (NGC) is a group of young professionals supporting SOAR365’s mission of creating life-fulfilling opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Member age range is 21-45. Want to learn more? Join us for our next event!


NGC Fall Social at Brambly Park        

Thursday, October 24, 2024

5:30-7:00 PM


To get a glimpse of the programs and engagement in NGC, check out this video of our recent Leadership Workshop!


RSVP to edilia.bendel@soar365.org or just show up! Feel free to bring a friend.

Upcoming Opportunities
Get in Touch

Join us for a volunteer opportunity in October! We need volunteers to assist with our Annual Donor Dinner, as well as our Youth Services Halloween Party. Learn more and sign up here!


Are you or someone you know looking for a volunteer opportunity during the day? Join us at one of our three Adult Day Support locations! We promise to give a fun, rewarding experience and it's a great way to give back to our community. Email us to learn more!

Liz Harris

Manager, Volunteer Engagement

(804) 665-1210


Ashley Christian

Coordinator, Volunteer Engagement

(804) 316-1756


Email:

volunteer@soar365.org

Job Opportunities

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


Administrative Assistant, Commercial Grounds Operations (part-time)

  • Responsible for the administrative functions of SOAR365 Commercial Grounds Operations. Your people skills will come in handy and will help you to maintain professional relationships with your fellow team members and those that we serve.


Supported Employment Specialist (Job Coach)

  • Provide Supported Employment Support to people with disabilities who are referred to the Supported Employment team at SOAR365. This individual will be responsible for coordinating and implementing employment support.


Therapist, Speech Language Pathologist (part-time or full-time)

  • 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.

Useful Links & Resources


Watch our online volunteer video orientation

View our Current Volunteer Opportunities

How to Apply and FAQ

Submit an electronic application

Explore our Volunteer Overview Page

Watch our 2024 Volunteer Impact Video

SOAR365 aspires to deliver best-in-class services for the individuals and families we serve through the integration of strategically cultivated and passionately committed volunteers into every program and department of the organization. By building and embracing a culture of excellence in which the needs of the program participants, staff, and volunteers are exceeded, SOAR365 will be recognized as a leader in volunteer engagement in the Richmond region.

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