WANTED: Summer Volunteers!

Want to make your summer unforgettable? Join us at SOAR365! This summer we are offering several different ways for volunteers to support our programs:

Ongoing Program Volunteers Seeking volunteers to support our Adult Day Support and Youth Services programs. Assist with activities, field trips and more!

When? Mon-Fri, between 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Where? Camp Baker, Saunders, Staples Mill

Who? Volunteers aged 16+ who can join us at least once a week for at least two months.

Learn more & sign-up

Talent Show Thursdays at Camp Baker

Groups are invited to support our Talent Show and weekly BBQ dinner!

When? Thursdays, 3-6 p.m.

Where? Camp Baker

Who? Groups of five or more people are invited to create signs, cheer on participants and help with our BBQ dinner.

Learn more & sign-up

Sunday Check-In Day at Camp Baker

Volunteers are needed every Sunday to help greet campers and assist with the check-in process.

When? Sundays, 11:30 a.m. - 4p.m.

Where? Camp Baker

Who? Volunteers aged 16+

Learn more & sign-up

Sunday Medication Assistance at Camp Baker

We need qualified volunteers who can work alongside our RN and help with medication verification and counting during check-in days

When? Sundays, 11:30 a.m. - 4p.m.

Where? Camp Baker

Who? Volunteers must be an LPN, RN, M.D., Pharmacist, or individuals with a medication administration certification. Current licenses are required.

Learn more & sign-up

Note: Volunteer applications, TB tests, and background checks are required for all volunteers that will be joining us on an ongoing basis. These volunteers will receive training prior to their shift, including our Disability Inclusion training. No prior experience necessary!

Alicia Brown: Giving and Learning With Community Engagement

Recent intern Alicia Brown used her photography skills to document SOAR365 volunteers, events, activities, and spaces – and the results of her efforts will be archived and shared for years to come!

A senior at Grace Christian High School, Alicia completed her internship with SOAR365's Community Engagement department prior to graduating this past spring. In addition to photographing a wide range of subjects, she helped with administrative tasks and provided great support to the team. 

“My experience with SOAR365 was amazing,” said Alicia. “I met kind people and discovered incredible things about this organization. I enjoyed learning how to use Excel in addition to improving my photography skills by volunteering at events.”

Alicia said her experience at SOAR365 also helped to increase her social skills as she interacted with others. “When people volunteer, they have fun, but they also have opportunities to meet other people and get out of their comfort zone,” she observed. This coming fall, Alicia will attend classes and continue to refine her photography skills as a student at VCUarts school. Best of luck, Alicia, and thanks again for helping us build the SOAR365 image archive!

Q&A With Ihita Bolisetty of Our Next Generation Council

What made you decide to become an NGC member? 

As a program support volunteer in SOAR365’s Respite program, I find it very fulfilling to spend time with the participants. As I spent more time, I learned more about what each participant loves which got me thinking about what else I could do to enhance their experience. I wanted to bring my ideas to life to make a larger impact on this wonderful organization, and the best way I could do that was to become a part of the Next Generation Council.  

What’s your favorite SOAR365 memory or experience? 

My favorite SOAR365 memory was when I made my first connection with a participant in the Respite program. She was unable to write but she was able to thoroughly convey her love for her mom, so I helped write on a card that she made. This simple moment truly revealed how impactful this program is for making the lives of those with disabilities more fulfilling. I hope to make many more memories as I volunteer at future events.

What can you share about yourself?

I am currently a pre-medical undergraduate student at VCU interested in interacting with different patient populations that I hope to one day serve as a physician. I love that through SOAR365 I can make a tangible difference in the participants’ lives before I become a board-certified doctor. 

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

Janitor

• You will be assigned various tasks in the cleaning realm, from vacuuming, dusting, mopping, trash removal, etc. These are all most likely jobs that you have performed once, twice or many times in the past. You will be responsible for ensuring that the appropriate chemicals and cleaning supplies are stocked, and all equipment is in clean and operable condition for the day's work.

Mobile Crew Worker

• Participate as part of a team providing road cleaning maintenance for one of our local municipalities in the Metro Richmond area. Your people skills will come in handy and will help you to maintain fantastic professional relationships with your fellow team members and those that we serve.

Overnight Counselor, Summer Camp

• Provide Camp Baker with the ability to operate a summer camp program for persons with disabilities. You will be responsible for supervising camp counselors and consumers enrolled in camp during overnight hours and for leading work of other counselors scheduled overnight.