Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
We know THESE two questions are asked the most. All the rest are right below.
How much does it cost to join SPARC?
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Do I have to pay if I miss a day?
Yes.
If schools are closed, is SPARC open?
SPARC clubhouses will be open if the federal government is open. If the federal government closes or has delays, SPARC clubhouses will…
What is SPARC?
SPARC is a club providing day time support in a different way for adults with developmental disabilities. We believe two things:
- With the Right Support You Can Achieve Your Goals, and…
- By braiding services and community resources you can build the meaningful life that you determine.
What services does SPARC provide?
SPARC provides three unique services:
SPARC Clubhouses. Friends who come to SPARC are club members. We provide day support that takes place in the community with your personal support attendant (PSA’s). We utilize community centers all over Northern Virginia to operate our one-of-a-kind clubhouse model.
SPARC Connects. Friends and families who need help discovering and CONNECTING to resources in the community utilize this service. PSA Match is an example of one of our exclusive services. This is a coaching service for friends who wish to learn how to find, interview, and hire their own personal support attendant (PSA’s). Building strong teams of young adults and their PSA’s in the community is your key to success.
What is a PSA?
A PSA is a personal support attendant. The person who YOU hire to support you, not only at SPARC, but everywhere. That could mean work, social events, college, and in your home. PSA’s do so much more than help with our physical needs. They help us get the most out of any activity we engage in at SPARC and in the community.
Do I have to be a club member to use PSA Match services?
No. Anyone can call about this separate service.
What do you mean by braiding services?
Our SPARC Connects staff will discuss and help you discover how to use multiple sources of funding to reach your goals.
What makes SPARC a different choice for day support?
Everything! No ratios of staff to clients, you bring your support with you. We’re out front in the community doing all the things adults like to do. You make choices about your schedule, and your participation. This model is customized because it’s built around your interests and strengths. Think of it … you’re the driver of the SPARC engine. It’s your club.
Are you a medicaid provider?
No. We have a monthly membership fee. Think of it like a sports club membership.
Do I have to sign a contract?
No. We ask for 30 days notice before cancelling. Monthly fees are not pro-rated.
Who comes to SPARC?
Adults who have graduated from high school and have a developmental disability.
Do I have to go five days a week?
No. Our club members decide their schedules and come to the club when it works best for them.
How much does it cost?
Members pay a monthly fee. Membership costs are based on how many days a week you’d like to join us. The current fee schedule is from $250 – $750 per month. Call for details.
Do you provide transportation?
No. Club members have several choices. Some use their own private vehicles and accessible vans to come to club, others use Metro bus or rail, and many travel in their PSA’s car. Another option for is to use alternate public transportation, like MetroAccess, or Star. Travel training resources are available to everyone.
What does a typical day look like?
Arriving at the club in one of our community center locations, you’ll be met by staff and volunteers who will have “warm up” activities to kick off the day. When you and your friends are ready we begin guided leisure learning lesson(s) facilitated by staff with PSA’s helping you participate. Some example of activities are science experiments, cooking, sports, computer lab activities, themed activities, party planning, art, music, photography, and sensory exploration. All activities are modified and adapted so everyone can participate. We enjoy an extremely social lunchtime break in the clubhouses. Bring your own lunch or head out in the community to buy lunch. Whatever you decide, you have friends all around to join you. The afternoon block is typically a team building activity, game or craft, or exercises facilitated by staff. All activities focus on targeted functional areas of learning so you keep building skills in a fun way.
What is the process to get into SPARC?
Call, arrange a tour and visit! We love potential club members to come spend time getting to know us. If, after a visit, you’d like to schedule an assessment we’ll work with you to begin where and when you decide.
Do you have a waiting list?
Some clubs locations have a waiting list due to their size. But, we are accepting club members immediately in most locations. Club members may utilize all locations.
How can I find out more information and arrange a visit?
Call or email info@sparcsolutions.org or (703) 338-6185
SPARC Members Enjoy
- Adapted activities including zumba, yoga, and mindfulness.
- Lifelong learning from subjects you choose.
- Art and music therapy.
- Bowling, movie, museum, and other visits.
- Fun and fulfilling activities every day.
- Adapted activities including zumba, yoga, and mindfulness.
- Lifelong learning from subjects you choose.
- Art and music therapy.
- Bowling, movie, museum, and other visits.
- Fun and fulfilling activities every day.
- Adapted activities including zumba, yoga, and mindfulness.
- Lifelong learning from subjects you choose.
- Art and music therapy.
- Bowling, movie, museum, and other visits.
- Fun and fulfilling activities every day.
- Adapted activities including zumba, yoga, and mindfulness.
- Lifelong learning from subjects you choose.
- Art and music therapy.
- Bowling, movie, museum, and other visits.
- Fun and fulfilling activities every day.
Create Your Own Schedule: $250-$750 monthly.
Call 703.338.6185 to learn more.
Clubhouse Locations
ARLINGTON
Arlington Mills Community Center
FAIRFAX
Providence Community Center
McLEAN
Old Firehouse Teen Center
RESTON
South Gate Community Center
You can help people with disabilities in your community.
Donations keep prices low for members in need. And your gift may be tax deductible.
More than 90% of our budget goes to providing programs. That's how we grew from an idea to helping dozens of people in four Virginia communities in only ten years.
Who is on our Board of Directors?
Our Board of Directors
SPARC’s directors are volunteers who advise and assist the organization. The board meets monthly to discuss the strategy, financial health and success of the organization.
Officers
President
Nancy Mercer, LCSW
Disability Solutions, LLC
Vice President
Donna Goldbranson
Executive Director of SPARC
Directors
Mary Burger
Description
Katherine Montgomery
Description
Will Schermerhorn
Photographer-Videographer
Blueberry Shoes Productions, LLC
Elaine Soya
Description