Specially Adapted Resource Centers (SPARC)

? Community in Action: SPARC Volunteers at St. Anne’s Food Pantry ? Grateful to see SPARC featured in Fairfax County Government Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay’s newsletter for our volunteers’ efforts at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Reston! ?? SPARC participants are not only receiving support—they’re giving back to the community in meaningful ways. Volunteering at the St. Anne’s Food Pantry provides them with an opportunity to engage, connect, and make a difference. A huge thank you to St. Anne’s, our volunteers, and everyone who makes this partnership possible. When we create inclusive spaces for ALL to contribute, our entire community thrives! Read more in Chairman McKay’s newsletter below! #CommunityMatters #Inclusion #SPARC #FairfaxCounty #VolunteerImpact #FoodPantry #Reston

Saint Patrick’s Day Fun at SPARC ~ Loudoun! Today, we celebrated Saint Patrick’s Day with a little creativity and a lot of laughter! Our participants asked to make fake green beer, so we whipped up a festive “green beer punch” and had a blast learning about the holiday. Creativity & Self-Expression – Advocating for what we want! Our participants took the lead in making this fun, festive drink. Fine Motor Skills – Practicing hand-eye coordination while stirring up our masterpiece. Problem-Solving – Working together, learning teamwork, and strengthening relationships. Patience & Focus – Taking our time, following steps, and waiting for the final product! And the best part? Chris, one of our non-speaking participants, let us know just how much fun he was having by communicating: "This is good, and I am having fun!" At SPARC, every activity is an opportunity to build skills, friendships, and confidence. Cheers to a fantastic Saint Patrick’s Day! #SPARCSterling #StPatricksDay #Inclusion #SkillsForLife

As we celebrate National Disabilities Awareness Month, it’s important to reflect on the history of disability discrimination—how far we’ve come and how much work remains. This video takes a look at the barriers people with disabilities have faced, from institutionalization and exclusion to the fight for civil rights and accessibility. Understanding this history is key to building a future where inclusion and equity are the norm, not the exception. Watch, learn, and join the movement for a more accessible and just world. https://lnkd.in/ezRPt3GF

?? Celebrate Kat Rader’s Birthday by Giving the Gift of Joy! ?? Every birthday is special, and at SPARC, we make sure each participant feels seen, valued, and celebrated on their big day. For many, this is the only birthday celebration they will receive. With your $75 donation, you can help create unforgettable moments—spreading joy and reminding our participants that they are cherished. This year, as part of the Foundation for Loudoun and Fauquier’s Give Choose campaign, you have the opportunity to double your impact! Give Choose is a 24-hour online giving event supporting local nonprofits like SPARC, but you don’t have to wait—early giving is open now! ?? Donate today in honor of Kat Rader, SPARC’s incredible Program Director, on her birthday! Your generosity will help ensure that every SPARC participant feels the love and recognition they deserve. ?? Give now: https://lnkd.in/eevJkJSS Because everyone deserves to be celebrated! ?? #EveryLifeMatters #InclusionForAll #SpreadJoy #BirthdayBooster #GiveChoose

Kindly consider participating in the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties' Give Choose campaign by supporting SPARC. We have a goal of raising $10,000 to provide free programs to the 39% of participants who attend at no cost. 100% of our participants received at least a 3/4 scholarship. Your $2,500 donation provides three months of engaging social activities, giving SPARC participants opportunities to build friendships, share experiences, and feel truly included. Together, we can create a community where everyone belongs. Any amount is deeply appreciated! You can support SPARC by going to this link: https://lnkd.in/eevJkJSS

Announcing SPARC’s 2024 Annual Report! We are excited to share the 2024 Annual Report for Specially Adapted Resource Centers (SPARC)—a reflection of the incredible impact we’ve made together in ensuring a life of possibilities for adults with severe and multiple disabilities in Northern Virginia. This report highlights the dedication of our staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners who make our work possible. Special thanks to Google, our corporate sponsor and to Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and George Washington University (GWU) for their invaluable partnerships, which help us expand opportunities for our participants. A heartfelt thank you to our Board of Directors for their unwavering commitment and to the Boards of Supervisors in Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun counties, whose support allows us to serve more individuals in need. Together, we are combating social isolation and redefining what’s possible. ?? Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eStPWcZq #SPARC #AnnualReport2024 #LifeOfPossibilities #Inclusion #CommunityImpact #NorthernVirginia

Google is a significant partner, investing in SPARC's Fairfax Community Centers. Meet some of the people who collaborate with Google to benefit their communities. https://lnkd.in/eg9rhGPt To see our story on their new website visit: https://lnkd.in/e9C5kN-q #googledatacenters

?? Cooking & Line Dancing at SPARC ~ Loudoun! ?? We’re getting creative with our activities—this week, we made pasta and tried our first-ever line dancing session! These hands-on activities aren’t just fun—they help build independence, life skills, and promote physical fitness. ?? Creativity & Self-Expression – Choosing recipes and learning about a healthy lifestyle ?? Fine Motor Skills – Mastering an 8-step line dance, with Nat King Cole setting the mood ?? Problem-Solving – Following recipes and learning step-by-step instructions ? Patience & Focus – Taking time to learn each dance move and staying engaged ?? Chris’s Story ?? Chris, who is non-speaking, loves activities where he can use his hands. Today, he prepared our salad with almost no assistance! His way of celebrating? Smiling and clapping—all day long! ???? At SPARC, we celebrate every success, big and small. Seeing joy, confidence, and growth in action is what it’s all about! ?? Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce Loudoun County Government #SPARC #InclusionMatters #CookingAndDancing #LifeSkillsThroughFun

?? Lessons in Inclusive Healthcare from the SPARC Community ?? Last week, physicians' assistants and pre-med students at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences had the opportunity to hear directly from SPARC parents and participants about their experiences navigating the healthcare system. The insights shared were powerful, and the impact was clear: ?? “Hearing how meaningful it is to simply be acknowledged and respected in conversations about one’s own care reminded me of how powerful small actions can be in building trust and improving patient outcomes.” ?? “I know many of the stories they shared will stick with me and serve as a motivating force throughout medical school and beyond.” ?? “I thought it was particularly special to hear from Katherine Montgomery about her personal experiences with healthcare as a person with cerebral palsy and how she advocates for herself, despite being nervous to speak to doctors.” These reflections reinforce the importance of listening, adapting, and advocating for more inclusive healthcare practices. Something as simple as speaking directly to the patient and learning their communication style can make all the difference. Thank you to the SPARC community for sharing your stories—and to these future medical professionals for being open to learning. Change starts here. #InclusiveHealthcare #PatientCenteredCare #FutureDoctors #GWUSMHS #SPARC Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce