Get Involved with SOAR Special Needs

Make a profound difference in the lives of individuals with special needs and their families. Whether you volunteer at events, join our summer internship program, or host a fundraising event, your contribution creates a ripple effect of positive change throughout the Kansas City community and beyond.

SOAR Special Needs serves over 1,500 individuals with disabilities annually through programs like the nation's largest disability day camp, monthly respite events, social clubs, conferences, and church partnerships. Every volunteer, intern, and fundraiser plays a crucial role in transforming lives and empowering special families to thrive in their communities.

Volunteer with SOAR

Your time and dedication as a volunteer can unlock potential and inspire hope.

No experience is necessary—simply "Be A Friend." Join our passionate team and be part of a movement that celebrates abilities, champions inclusion, and empowers individuals with special needs to lead fulfilling lives.

Event Volunteers

Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year at a variety of SOAR events, including SOAR Summer Day Camp (the nation's largest disability day camp), monthly SOARly Needed R&R respite events, social clubs, special events like the SOAR With Someone Special Prom, and community gatherings.

Each event provides hands-on opportunities to serve as a one-on-one buddy, assist with activities like crafts and games, help with setup and teardown, support medical or behavioral teams, or contribute to hospitality and registration. Whether you can volunteer once or regularly throughout the year, your contribution makes an immediate impact.

Skilled Volunteers

Do you have specialized talents in video filming and editing, photography, sound production, carpentry, graphic design, web development, marketing, medical or other professional skills? SOAR is always seeking skilled volunteers who can share their expertise to enhance our programs, improve our communications, and support our operations.

Office and Camp Prep Volunteers

Volunteers are needed year-round to assist with administrative tasks at the SOAR office in Lenexa, Kansas, and to help prepare materials and supplies for camp from home. These behind-the-scenes contributions are essential to ensuring events run smoothly and families receive the support they need.

How to Get Started

Check our calendar for upcoming events with volunteer opportunities, then contact us at info@SOARSpecialNeeds.org to express your interest. We'll connect you with the volunteer coordinator, provide any necessary training, and help you find the perfect fit for your talents and passions.

Together, we can create a more inclusive society where barriers are broken down and opportunities flourish for every individual, regardless of ability.

SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

SOAR's Summer Internship Program offers an immersive, hands-on experience in disability ministry, nonprofit management, and event coordination. Interns gain practical skills while making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with special needs and their families.

  • A SOAR Summer Intern supports the SOAR Executive Team with all aspects of preparing, setting up, and coordinating SOAR Camp, the nation's largest disability day camp. As assigned, summer interns also assist with other SOAR events including respites and social clubs. This position provides comprehensive training in volunteer recruitment and retention, participant engagement, event logistics, disability awareness, crisis management, and nonprofit operations.

    Interns learn how to recruit, train, and oversee volunteers while working hands-on with SOAR participants of all ages and with a wide range of disabilities. The experience prepares students for careers in social work, education, healthcare, ministry, nonprofit leadership, and related fields.

    Please see a full job description here.

  • Interns work 35 hours per week during non-camp weeks, primarily from the SOAR office in Lenexa, Kansas, with flexibility for one half-day off each week and evening or weekend events as needed. Due to the intensive nature of SOAR Camp, interns can expect to work in excess of 40 hours during the two camp weeks (typically the first and third weeks of July). The position also requires travel to partner church locations within the greater Kansas City area.

    The 2026 SOAR Camp dates are July 6-10 in Lee's Summit and July 20-24 in Lenexa. Internship start dates typically begin in late May or early June and conclude in late July or early August.

  • Summer interns develop skills in volunteer management, crisis intervention, disability awareness, event coordination, program development, team leadership, and professional communication. Many interns describe the experience as transformative, gaining confidence in serving individuals with disabilities while deepening their understanding of inclusive practices.

    Previous interns have shared that the program taught them how to practically live out their values through service, equipped them with tools to guide others in disability ministry, and gave them a profound appreciation for the unique gifts and abilities of individuals with special needs.

  • Applications for the SOAR Summer Internship Program are typically accepted in the spring for summer positions. Interested candidates should demonstrate a servant's heart, flexibility, strong work ethic, ability to work independently and as part of a team, and enthusiasm for supporting individuals with disabilities.

    To learn more or apply for the next summer internship cohort, contact info@SOARSpecialNeeds.org or visit our calendar for application deadlines and additional details.

Apply Now

HOST A FUNDRAISER TO SPONSOR SOAR

If your business, organization, community group, or family is interested in fundraising for SOAR Special Needs, consider hosting a third-party fundraising event or donation drive. Your efforts directly support the over 1,200 individuals with disabilities and their families that SOAR serves and empowers annually.

  • Fundraisers for SOAR have endless possibilities and can be tailored to fit your interests, resources, and community. Popular fundraising strategies include customers rounding up their bills at checkout, donating a percentage of a day's sales, organizing golf tournaments or 5K runs, hosting unique themed events, coordinating community fundraising events, securing matching donations from local businesses, launching peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns, hosting auctions (live or silent), organizing plays or concerts, and creating social media challenges or giving campaigns.

    Whether your event is large or small, every dollar raised helps SOAR provide free or low-cost programs and services to families who need them most. Many families served by SOAR face significant financial challenges related to medical expenses, therapy costs, specialized equipment, and other disability-related needs. Your fundraising efforts ensure that no family is turned away due to inability to pay.

  • SOAR is committed to supporting your fundraising efforts. Depending on your event, we can provide promotional materials, information about our programs and impact, speakers or representatives to attend your event, social media promotion to our network, and guidance on best practices for fundraising success.

    We want to make your fundraising event as successful and stress-free as possible while ensuring that your efforts make the maximum impact for the families we serve together.

  • If you are interested in hosting an event to support SOAR Special Needs, please contact development@SOARSpecialNeeds.org. Our development team will work with you to discuss your ideas, identify resources and support we can provide, and ensure your fundraising event aligns with SOAR's mission and values.

    Together, we can transform lives and create a more inclusive community where every individual with special needs and their family has the support they need to thrive. Come SOAR with us by getting involved today.

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