SOAR Helps Answer the 3 Primary Questions Every Family with Special Needs Asks
Inclusive Celebrations Where Everyone Can Shine | All Ages & Abilities
Question 1: Will My Child Ever Be Able to Provide for Themself?
SOAR addresses the question of independence and self-sufficiency through programs that build confidence, develop skills, and create pathways to employment:
Current Programming:
SOAR Summer Day Camp - Provides opportunities for individuals to learn new skills, build independence, and develop confidence in a supportive environment with activities that promote growth and self-reliance.
Adult Social Clubs (Kansas & Lee's Summit) - Monthly gatherings that help adults with special needs develop social skills, practice independence, and build confidence in community settings.
Teen Social Club - Prepares teenagers for adulthood by providing age-appropriate social experiences and life skills practice.
SOAR Fashion Show - Builds self-esteem and confidence as participants experience being celebrated and valued, which is foundational to believing in their own abilities.
SOAR with Someone Special Prom - Provides typical life experiences that build social competence and self-confidence.
Employer Disability Training - Educates employers on how to work effectively with individuals with special needs, creating workplace accommodations and support systems that enable success.
Future Programming:
Employment Training Programs - Will provide direct vocational training for adults and teens with disabilities, teaching job skills and workplace readiness to help individuals provide for themselves.
Adult Housing & Assisted Living Facilities - Will offer supportive living arrangements that promote maximum independence while providing necessary support, allowing individuals to live as independently as possible.
Question 2: Who Will Take Care of My Child Once I'm Gone?
SOAR addresses the fear of what happens after parents are gone by building sustainable community support networks and planning for long-term care:
Current Programming:
SOAR Summer Day Camp - Creates a network of 2,500+ volunteers who build genuine friendships with individuals with special needs, establishing relationships that can last beyond the immediate family.
Adult Social Clubs - Develops ongoing community connections and friendships that create a support network independent of parents.
Church Consulting (720+ Churches in 23 Countries) - Builds inclusive faith communities where individuals with special needs are welcomed and supported, creating sustainable relationship networks beyond the immediate family through church integration.
SOAR DIsability Ministry Network - Connects churches working together to support families, creating a broader community safety net.
SOARly Needed R&R Events (Rotating Among Churches) - Expands the circle of people who know and care about individuals with special needs across multiple congregations and communities.
SOAR Fashion Show, Prom, and Community Events - Increases visibility and community integration, helping individuals with special needs become known and valued members of their broader community.
SOAR also has a Special Needs Estate Attorney on our Board to assist families in planning for the future.
Future Programming:
Adult Housing & Assisted Living Facilities - Will provide safe, stable, long-term housing options where individuals can live when parents are no longer able to care for them, with professional support systems in place.
Employment Training Programs - Will help individuals build workplace relationships and community connections that extend their support network.
Question 3: Who Will Take Care of Me as a Parent/Caregiver?
SOAR addresses caregiver burnout and the overwhelming responsibility of caring for a child with special needs by providing respite, support, and community:
Current Programming:
SOARly Needed R&R (Monthly Respite Events) - Provides regular, reliable breaks for caregivers to rest, recharge, and take care of themselves. These monthly events give parents 2-3 hours of respite knowing their child is in a safe, loving environment.
SOAR Summer Day Camp - Offers 40 hours of respite care over one week (9am-4pm Monday-Friday), giving parents extended time to rest, work, or handle other responsibilities without worry.
Caregiver Support Groups - Provides emotional support, resources, and community for caregivers who often feel isolated. Parents can share experiences, learn from each other, and know they're not alone.
SOAR Christmas Blessings - Addresses the financial burden families face by providing Christmas support for families who otherwise couldn't afford gifts and celebrations, alleviating financial stress during the holidays.
Wonderfully Made Disability Conference - Offers families "Strength for Today, and Hope for Tomorrow" with resources, training, and encouragement for the long journey of caregiving.
Church Consulting & Ministry Network - Connects caregivers with faith communities that understand and support their needs, providing spiritual and practical support.
Sensory-Friendly Events (Sensory Santa, EGG'Sploration, Trunk or Treat) - Allows families to participate in normal holiday and community activities without stress, reducing the isolation many families feel.
SOAR with Someone Special Prom - Gives parents the joy of seeing their child experience milestone moments they feared might never happen.
Future Programming:
48-Hour Weekend Respite - Will provide extended weekend respite care, giving caregivers more substantial breaks to truly rest and recharge, potentially allowing for weekend getaways or attending to personal needs.
Adult Housing & Assisted Living Facilities - Will eventually relieve aging parents of 24/7 caregiving responsibilities while ensuring their adult child receives quality care.
