| SOAR365 Receives Service Enterprise Certification FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 20, 2020 Media Contact Doug Payne doug.payne@soar365.org Direct: (804) 714-6259 SOAR365 Receives Service Enterprise Certification Richmond-based organization recognized by national leader in volunteer service. RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond-based SOAR365, an organization created in 1954 that serves over 1,400 people with disabilities and their families with locations throughout central Virginia, is pleased to announce that it has been certified by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, as a Service Enterprise. Achieving Service Enterprise certification is a prestigious accomplishment for a nonprofit organization. Certified organizations such as SOAR365 join the top 11 percent of similar organizations nationwide in volunteer management and organizational performance. Certification demonstrates that organizations have the capability and management expertise to strategically leverage volunteers to improve the performance of their organization. SOAR365 completed an extensive assessment, over 20 hours of training and coaching, and an extensive internal planning and change process to better integrate volunteers into its human capital strategy. By achieving this level of excellence and certification, SOAR365 is now better equipped to leverage the time and talent of volunteers and better achieve is Mission of providing life-fulfilling opportunities for individuals with disabilities in partnership with their families. “Less than 15% of organizations nationwide can be characterized as Service Enterprises, and we are honored to receive this distinction,” said John Walker, SOAR365 president and chief executive officer. However, beyond the certification itself, SOAR365 has been working diligently toward a “Best-in-Class” ten-year strategic plan since 2015. This significant milestone is about working to complete our goal of becoming the most respected human services agency in Virginia by 2026.” Research conducted by the TCC Group, a national program and evaluation firm, found that organizations operating as Service Enterprises outperform peer organizations on all aspects of organizational effectiveness, and are more adaptable, sustainable and capable of scaling their work. For every $1 invested in effective volunteer engagement, Service Enterprise organizations can expect up to $6 in return through more effective program delivery, representing a 600% return on investment. # # # About SOAR365 - SOAR365 is a Richmond-based not-for-profit company created in 1954 by area families who were determined to find a better way of caring for their loved ones with disabilities. We employ over 300 individuals, including approximately 100 who have a disability. Our wide range of programs and services are designed for individuals and families who are coping with the daily “real world” challenges of living with a disability. We have a profound impact on over 1,400 individuals and families who receive our help each year. For more information, please visit www.SOAR365.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 20, 2020 Media Contact Doug Payne doug.payne@soar365.org Direct: (804) 714-6259 SOAR365 Receives Service Enterprise Certification Richmond-based organization recognized by national leader in volunteer service. RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond-based SOAR365, an organization created in 1954 that serves over 1,400 people with disabilities and their families with locations throughout central Virginia, is pleased to announce that it has been certified by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, as a Service Enterprise. Achieving Service Enterprise certification is a prestigious accomplishment for a nonprofit organization. Certified organizations such as SOAR365 join the top 11 percent of similar organizations nationwide in volunteer management and organizational performance. Certification demonstrates that organizations have the capability and management expertise to strategically leverage volunteers to improve the performance of their organization. SOAR365 completed an extensive assessment, over 20 hours of training and coaching, and an extensive internal planning and change process to better integrate volunteers into its human capital strategy. By achieving this level of excellence and certification, SOAR365 is now better equipped to leverage the time and talent of volunteers and better achieve is Mission of providing life-fulfilling opportunities for individuals with disabilities in partnership with their families. “Less than 15% of organizations nationwide can be characterized as Service Enterprises, and we are honored to receive this distinction,” said John Walker, SOAR365 president and chief executive officer. However, beyond the certification itself, SOAR365 has been working diligently toward a “Best-in-Class” ten-year strategic plan since 2015. This significant milestone is about working to complete our goal of becoming the most respected human services agency in Virginia by 2026.” Research conducted by the TCC Group, a national program and evaluation firm, found that organizations operating as Service Enterprises outperform peer organizations on all aspects of organizational effectiveness, and are more adaptable, sustainable and capable of scaling their work. For every $1 invested in effective volunteer engagement, Service Enterprise organizations can expect up to $6 in return through more effective program delivery, representing a 600% return on investment. # # # About SOAR365 - SOAR365 is a Richmond-based not-for-profit company created in 1954 by area families who were determined to find a better way of caring for their loved ones with disabilities. We employ over 300 individuals, including approximately 100 who have a disability. Our wide range of programs and services are designed for individuals and families who are coping with the daily “real world” challenges of living with a disability. We have a profound impact on over 1,400 individuals and families who receive our help each year. For more information, please visit www.SOAR365.org Published: 10/27/20 |