Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

We know THESE two questions are asked the most. All the rest are right below.

How Do I Join?How Much Does it Cost?

How much does it cost to join SPARC?

Choose your own rate based on the number of days each week.

1 day – $250
2 days – $375
3 days – $475
4 days – $600
5 days – $750
Social Club – $195

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. 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 participant 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 offer community based activities that are meaningful and beneficial to our participants.

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.

What is Social Club?

Social Club meets once a week online and offers a monthly outing in the community that is planned by the group. This program is designed for young adults developing the skills to transition from their parents home.

How much does it cost?

Participants pay a monthly fee based on how many days a week you’d like to join us. The current fee schedule is from $195 – $750 per month. Call for details.

Do you provide transportation?

No. Club participants 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 participants 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 participants immediately in most locations. Club participants may utilize all locations.

How can I find out more information and arrange a visit?

Call (571) 407-1807 or email
debi at sparcsolutions.org

SPARC Participants Enjoy

Adapted activities including Zumba, yoga, and mindfulness.
Lifelong learning from subjects you choose.
Art and music therapy.
Bowling, movies, museums, and other outings.
Book and film clubs
Speaker series
Fun and fulfilling activities that engage and inspire.

Clubhouse Locations

ARLINGTON

Arlington Mills Community Center

909 S. Dinwiddie Street
View on Map

Tuesday, Thursday
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

FAIRFAX

Providence Community Center

3001 Vaden Drive
View on Map

Monday, Wed., Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

McLEAN

Old Firehouse Teen Center

1440 Chain Bridge Road
View on Map

Monday, Wed., Friday
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

RESTON

South Gate Community Center

12125 Pinecrest Road
View on Map

Tuesday, Thursday
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

VIENNA

Church of The Good Shepherd

2351 Hunter Mill Road
View on Map

Administrative Offices & Summer Programs

We welcome partners!

Click on "Support SPARC" to make a monetary donation.

SPARC also needs caring people to invest their time and expertise in order to offer programs that give SPARC participants a chance to enjoy a fuller life. Contact our Executive Director, Debi Alexander, at 571-407-1807 if you can provide scholarships, in-kind donations including equipment, materials, access to unique activities, or other products and services supporting SPARC's mission.

Donate Now

Help people with disabilities by investing in the most underserved in our community.

Donations keep prices low for members in need.

Your gift is fully tax deductible.

More than 90% of our budget supports program costs.

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.

Executive Diretor
Debi Alexander

OFFICERS

President
Donna Goldbranson
SPARC Founder

Vice President
Will Schermerhorn
Blueberry Shoes Productions, LLC

Treasurer
Mary Burger
Juniper Networks

Secretary
Katherine Montgomery
SPARC member

Directors

Jon Ganfi
Linklaters

Cheryl Stevens
Communities in Schools

Kristen West
Arkin Youngentob a Division of Risk Strategies