Dreams For Kids DC dba So Kids SOAR

So Kids SOAR provides life-changing programs that empower youth with physical and developmental disabilities to Strive, Own, Achieve and Realize their potential. We enable participants to SOAR through a suite of adaptive programming that includes athletic, recreational, and skill-building activities. The self-confidence and skills gained inspire each child to realize their disability will not prevent them from fulfilling their potential.

PROGRAMS OVERVIEW

SKS Clinics

SKS clinics are adaptive clinics held once or twice a month for youth with disabilities. Through our clinics, those with physical and developmental disabilities are able to come off the sidelines and unite with their peers. A lot of these children have been bullied in schools, and are left out of activities with able-bodied children. The empowerment and self confidence gained through the clinic will carry over from the field to the home, classroom, and the community, allowing them to realize that their disability will not prevent them from fulfilling their dreams. Each child is partnered with a volunteer to learn the essence of teamwork, have a mentor, and also bond over a sense of camaraderie. In light of Covid-19, we began hosting additional monthly free digital clinics for youth with physical and/or developmental disabilities. Our digital clinics follow the same concept of our in-person clinics; moreover, provide an outlet to connect our community during the quarantine.

SKS Holiday Celebration

Throughout the year, So Kids SOAR provides a wide variety of adaptive clinics for children with physical and developmental disabilities— from waterskiing and football to cooking and Prom. The SKS Holiday Celebration is more than a seasonal party; it is our culminating year-end event that gives our participants the opportunity to “pay-compassion-forward”. Participants engage in a variety of philanthropic activities at the Holiday Celebration including: wrapping presents for underprivileged children; decorating desserts for homeless shelters; making holiday cards for Veterans, and more. The Holiday Celebration is a time for fun and philanthropy, and a reminder that their disabilities will not hold them back from reaching their potential.

Your Path To Success

So Kids SOAR's mentorship program that provides communication, leadership, and vocational skill building for young adults with developmental delays and/or physical disabilities in the DC area. The program concept derived from the need to provide SKS participants with resources to expand and grow after their time in SKS clinics. Over the course of 3 months, the program offers participants both skill-building workshops on topics such as resume development, interviewing, and formal e-mail communication as well as off-site group community service projects, site visits to places that employ those with disabilities, and opportunities to network. We seek for participants to walk away with meaningful relationships, new confidence, and real skills that allow them to pursue independence and gainful employment.