SOAR marks 15th year of helping seniors with disabilities

Submitted by Pioneer Center for Human Services

Before 1996, individuals with developmental disabilities had limited options for services.

Sheltered workshops were the only place for them to spend their day and, as they grew older, the demands of a production line presented health and safety risks. In 1997, Pioneer Center sparked the continuum of care philosophy with the establishment of the Senior Care Lounge.

Initially run by only one full-time staff person who served eight seniors, the program received recognition from Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities for innovative services in their “The Best of the Best” competition. Later that year, four more seniors joined the group and a second part-time staff person was added.

In 2001, the Senior Care Lounge earned recognition a second time in “The Best of the Best” competition for development of its concept — active retirement lifestyles for people with developmental disabilities.

By 2004, the program was serving upward of 35 clients and, in 2005, it achieved a three-year Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities certification — one of the highest designations of excellence in the field. Two years later, the program changed its name to Stepping Out, Adult Recreation, or SOAR, as it is most often referred to today.

This year marks SOAR’s 15th anniversary. Throughout its history, the program broke down barriers of what was expected of and right for seniors with developmental disabilities.

SOAR’s members will host an open house to celebrate the program from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 26, at 4001 Dayton St., McHenry. There will even be a rowdy “Hot Legs” contest with a host of men ages 50 and older strutting their stuff.

If you would like to learn more about Pioneer Center and its programs, visit www.pioneercenter.org or call (815) 344-1230.