Doc Hunsley served in the United States Air Force as a Flight Surgeon. SOAR is proud to be founded and led by a U.S. Veteran who continues to serve families with the same dedication he brought to military service.

Mark "Bubba" Hunsley was born to Doc and Kay Hunsley. Mark would later be diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome and profound autism, and his life became the inspiration for SOAR Special Needs.

Mark was born into Heaven at age 5½ from complications related to Dravet Syndrome and autism. His legacy lives on as SOAR's Chief Inspirational Officer, and his favorite color (green) and the color of Dravet Syndrome/Epilepsy (purple) are featured in SOAR's logo.

Just 10 months after Mark's passing, SOAR (Special Opportunities, Abilities, and Relationships) was founded at Grace Church in Overland Park, Kansas. The ministry began serving 3 individuals with special needs (one elementary student, one middle schooler, and one adult) with 20 volunteers.

SOAR hosted its first respite event with a Christmas theme, where Doc dressed as Santa. These events initially occurred quarterly to provide much-needed breaks for caregiving families.

Due to growing demand and family needs, SOAR expanded its respite program from quarterly to every other month, doubling the support available to families.

SOAR hosted its first summer camp in partnership with Champions Special Needs, marking the beginning of what would become the nation's largest disability day camp.

SOAR launched its first fully independent summer camp with the theme "SOAR Around the World in 5 Days," demonstrating the organization's capacity to operate comprehensive programming without relying on partner organizations.

SOAR launched the Wonderfully Made Disability Conference, an annual event held each October in Kansas City. This conference has grown to become one of the largest national conferences serving families, ministry leaders, and professionals working with individuals with special needs. Joni Eareckson Tada was our first keynote speaker.

SOAR received its tax-exempt status as an independent nonprofit organization (EIN: 84-1905050), setting the stage for expanded operations beyond Grace Church.

SOAR officially transitioned from Grace Church to become a fully independent organization. At the time of departure, SOAR was serving over 800 individuals with special needs and had 2,500 active volunteers.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, SOAR launched monthly respite events and began rotating among local Kansas City churches on both sides of the state line to provide respite to as many families as possible.

SOAR launched its first prom event, providing individuals with special needs the opportunity to experience a celebrated rite of passage in an inclusive, supportive environment.

SOAR began its Christmas Blessings program to support families at Christmas who otherwise couldn't afford gifts and celebrations, addressing the financial strain many special needs families face during the holidays.

SOAR obtained a 3/4 ton diesel SOAR Truck and 24-foot SOAR trailer, enabling the organization to truly become mobile and take respite and camp programming anywhere. This investment allows SOAR to reach more families and communities throughout the region.

SOAR launched its first Adult Social Club at the SOAR offices in Lenexa, Kansas, addressing the need for social connections and community for adults with special needs.

SOAR expanded its summer day camp to two locations, adding Lee's Summit, Missouri alongside the existing Kansas location, allowing the organization to serve more families across the Kansas City metro area.

SOAR launched its first fashion show featuring models with special needs, celebrating their beauty and confidence while providing a joyful, empowering experience.

SOAR introduced Sensory Santa, offering families a quiet, relaxed, sensory-friendly alternative to traditional mall Santa visits, eliminating overwhelming crowds and long waits.