Provide Scholarships for Adults with Disabilities

At 25 years old, Connor’s world had grown painfully small. He had aged out of the public school system years earlier, and every attempt to find him a suitable day program ended in rejection. Most organizations said his needs were too complex, or his care too demanding. Without a place to go, Connor spent his days in isolation, lonely, misunderstood, and having little choice in how he spent his days. His parents juggled work schedules, rearranged their commutes, and sometimes even missed work, leading to constant stress. They loved their son deeply, but they had little relief and few options.
Connor lives with six different disabilities, including non-verbal autism, PICA, and a severe peanut allergy. Each condition requires constant monitoring. On top of this, Connor is a large young man who doesn’t recognize his own strength. While he has a heart of gold, some of his behaviors can appear intimidating. In program after program, those behaviors led to rejection instead of support. Too often, people assumed aggression when, in fact, Connor was simply trying to connect.

A Life of Isolation and Stagnation

Sadly, Connor’s story is not unique. Severely disabled adults across Virginia and the country face the same barriers: too few programs, limited staffing, high costs, long waitlists, and a lack of professionals trained to understand complex needs. The result is heartbreaking: adults like Connor miss out on friendships, personal growth, and a sense of belonging. Families are often left exhausted, isolated, and struggling to balance caregiving with their everyday lives.

Finding SPARC

That changed in June 2025, when Connor walked through the doors of SPARC’s Leesburg Specially Adapted Resource Center. For the first time in years, hope was on the horizon.

Although at first it seemed as if it might not work out for him at SPARC, either. On his first day, Connor tried to hug an intern, an action that might have ended his placement elsewhere. But SPARC staff responded differently. They didn’t see aggression; they saw a young man eager for connection. With patience, compassion, and skill, they helped Connor understand boundaries and learn new ways to engage with others.

“At SPARC, we start with the question: what can this individual do, and how can we help them grow from there? Every person who walks through our doors has potential, and our role is to nurture it in a way that respects their individuality,” states Alonzo Patterson, a program staffer who works closely with Connor.

Adds Kat Rader, Program Director of the Leesburg center, “SPARC is more than a program, it’s a community. Here, adults with severe disabilities can feel safe, be among peers who understand them, and begin to shape their own identity. That sense of belonging is just as important as any skill we teach.”

A Life of Joy and Growth

Today, Connor attends SPARC twice a week, and the change is unmistakable. As soon  the car pulls into the parking lot, he eagerly unbuckles his seatbelt, his face lighting up at the sight of staff and friends. Inside, he thrives, participating in art and music sessions, playing games, and building friendships. He is using his talker (an augmentative and alternative communication device) more frequently to convey his thoughts and make requests, such as “I want to go to Starbucks,” and advocates for himself in ways he never did before. Most importantly, Connor feels safe, respected, and part of a true community.

His caregiver, Leilani Taylor, of Nova Care and Support, shares, “From the very beginning, Connor has enjoyed the staff and the variety of engaging activities that SPARC provides. It has truly become a welcoming space where he can meet new
friends, have fun, and feel comfortable being himself.”

For his family, SPARC has been life-changing. They have peace of mind knowing Connor is not only cared for but also learning, growing, and enjoying his days. The stress of constant caregiving has eased, and in its place is the comfort of knowing Connor has a place where he belongs.

“At first, SPARC felt almost too good to be true,” says Chrissy Gates, Connor’s mom. “When Connor reached out to hug the intern, it was Alonzo who encouraged us to keep going. I’ve never experienced an organization that made us feel so deeply that they genuinely wanted him there. We tried many other programs, but SPARC is the one place where Connor has truly been able to belong. He is recognized there and feels a sense of purpose now.”

When Leeza Ajit first arrived at SPARC’s new Herndon Center five months ago, she was quiet and unsure of how to navigate this new chapter of her life. The transition from full-time school to adulthood can be daunting for young adults with disabilities, and Leeza struggled to adjust. She often kept to herself, hesitant to communicate or participate in group activities. However, thanks to the welcoming environment and specialized support made possible by federal funding, Leeza has blossomed into a confident and engaged participant.

Through consistent encouragement and structured activities, Leeza has developed self-advocacy skills, improved her communication, and become an active member of the SPARC community. Learning her interests and preferences has been key to her progress. She thrives in activities that incorporate movement—grabbing, throwing, and pouring have become some of her favorite ways to engage. One of the places where she shines most is the gym, where she enjoys throwing basketballs, listening to music, and taking laps both indoors and outside when the weather is nice.

The impact of SPARC has not only transformed Leeza’s daily life but has also profoundly changed her family’s experience at home. Before joining SPARC, her parents and siblings struggled to find ways to engage with her. As her mother shared, “We weren’t sure HOW to interact with her at home, but being at SPARC has changed that.” Now, Leeza brings home the skills and confidence she has gained, making her more engaged with her family. Her siblings, who once watched from a distance, now look forward to playing games with her, celebrating the new connections they have built.

The Herndon Center, made possible through federal funding, has given Leeza and her family a new sense of hope. It has provided her with opportunities for personal growth, independence, and social connection—opportunities that simply didn’t exist for her before. As she continues to develop new skills and interests, the goal is to further expand her involvement both at SPARC and in her home life, ensuring that she continues to thrive.

This is the power of SPARC, and this is why continued support is vital. Because of the investment in centers like Herndon, individuals like Leeza are not just participating—they are thriving.