Nonprofit For Adults With Disabilities Reschedules Ribbon Cutting

VIENNA, VA — A nonprofit focused on providing a day program for adults with disabilities has rescheduled the ribbon cutting for its new administrative office at a Vienna church.

The ribbon cutting for the nonprofit SPARC's office at the Church of the Good Shepherd will happen on Thursday, Oct. 21. The ribbon cutting had been postponed from September due to heavy rain causing flooding in the church.

The event will kick off with networking and vendors from noon to 12:30 p.m., followed by the ribbon cutting. There will be remarks from SPARC Executive Director Debi Alexander; Church of the Good Shepherd Pastor Eric Song; Fairfax Board of Supervisors members John Foust, Walter Alcorn and Dalia Palchik; Delegate Mark Keam; and Charles Kapur, the president and CEO of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. A talent show will also occur. The event is supported by the chamber and SPARC Advocates Advisory Council, which is made up of SPARC members.

Masks are required for all attendees, and social distancing will be followed. RSVPs are requested to Debi@sparcsolutions.org.

SPARC, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this fall, provides membership-based day programs for adults with disabilities at several clubhouse locations in Northern Virginia. The programs allow members to get involved in ways adapted to their abilities. Activities can include news quizzes, word games, cooking, painting, building and more. Adults with a disability who are 18 or older or no longer in high school can become members.

Church of the Good Shepherd has provided space in its Fellowship Hall for a SPARC day program during the summer months. SPARC offers virtual programs due to the pandemic and has resumed in-person clubs. Clubs are held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Good Shepherd location. Other locations are in Arlington, Fairfax, McLean and Reston.

"We are thrilled to partner with SPARC to help adults with disabilities have a safe space," said Song. "Allowing SPARC to use our space is a tremendous blessing to help people in our community."

The work of SPARC hits close to home for two Good Shepherd members, Mary and Bob Burger. Their late son had used their services years ago, and Mary is now involved as a SPARC board member.

"SPARC provides an incredible program for these adults who have little or no options for employment, though a few do have some limited work," Mary Burger said. "The program provides these adults with disabilities the opportunity to interact with others, to be stimulated and to feel a part of the community. We know there is a large population out there that needs this program."

For more information about SPARC, visit sparcsolutions.org.