UPCOMING EVENTS
Lunch. Learn. Inspire.
Join us and advocate Gary Shulman (MS. Ed.) for one or all of our 2025 one-hour sessions where you can share issues and challenges you’re facing as a parent, loved one, or caregiver to someone with a developmental disability. Gary and our team will provide resource ideas, stories, empathy, and connection with the other families present. It is a sharing and caring discussion with heart.
TOPSoccer End-of-Season Party
Location and time are yet to be determined, but one thing is certain: we will celebrate another season of friendship, sports, and inclusion!
Fall TOPSoccer (Final Session)
Grab your cleats, put on some athletic clothing, fill up your water bottle, and get ready for a new season of TOPSoccer! Come enjoy the beautiful game with volunteer buddies, an experienced coach, and new friends.
Please pre-register so we are prepared to play, and check your email for any weather-related updates.
What to expect:
At TOPSoccer we focus on building skills in a non-competitive environment. All ability levels are welcome, but players should be comfortable with separating from parents/guardians, staying with a group and following basic verbal directions from coaches and trained buddies. TOPSoccer players are paired with a peer buddy, and multiple coaches are on the field at all times. TOPSoccer players and buddies warm up in a circle and then break into small groups to focus on core skills like dribbling and shooting. The second half of practice is usually spent on fun, large group activities. Coaches and buddies use voice prompts only - no whistles - to engage players. Frequent rest/water breaks are provided. Each TOPSoccer session ends with a circle cool down and an (optional) group cheer.
Please note that it is the parent/guardian's responsibility to supervise their player at all times - buddies and coaches cannot leave the field during practice sessions and will not accompany any player who elects to leave the field during practice.
Fairfax Funky Flea - last one of 2025!
Stroll. Browse. Have something appraised by Linda Cunningham Goldstein, a Sotheby's-trained appraiser and former National Trust Museum Director. She appraises jewelry, furniture, prints, paintings, glass, china, pottery, silver, textiles and collectibles for the low, low fee of $15 per appraisal. Enjoy the food trucks, including Hawaiian Shave Ice, Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, Fresh roasted coffee, and baked goods. There may be live music at the Flea Market.
Fall TOPSoccer
Grab your cleats, put on some athletic clothing, fill up your water bottle, and get ready for a new season of TOPSoccer! Come enjoy the beautiful game with volunteer buddies, an experienced coach, and new friends.
Please pre-register so we are prepared to play, and check your email for any weather-related updates.
What to expect:
At TOPSoccer we focus on building skills in a non-competitive environment. All ability levels are welcome, but players should be comfortable with separating from parents/guardians, staying with a group and following basic verbal directions from coaches and trained buddies. TOPSoccer players are paired with a peer buddy, and multiple coaches are on the field at all times. TOPSoccer players and buddies warm up in a circle and then break into small groups to focus on core skills like dribbling and shooting. The second half of practice is usually spent on fun, large group activities. Coaches and buddies use voice prompts only - no whistles - to engage players. Frequent rest/water breaks are provided. Each TOPSoccer session ends with a circle cool down and an (optional) group cheer.
Please note that it is the parent/guardian's responsibility to supervise their player at all times - buddies and coaches cannot leave the field during practice sessions and will not accompany any player who elects to leave the field during practice.
No TOPSoccer
No soccer today, friends! Take a well-earned break and we’ll see you on the field next Sunday, October 19 at 4pm.
Fall TOPSoccer
Grab your cleats, put on some athletic clothing, fill up your water bottle, and get ready for a new season of TOPSoccer! Come enjoy the beautiful game with volunteer buddies, an experienced coach, and new friends.
Please pre-register so we are prepared to play, and check your email for any weather-related updates.
What to expect:
At TOPSoccer we focus on building skills in a non-competitive environment. All ability levels are welcome, but players should be comfortable with separating from parents/guardians, staying with a group and following basic verbal directions from coaches and trained buddies. TOPSoccer players are paired with a peer buddy, and multiple coaches are on the field at all times. TOPSoccer players and buddies warm up in a circle and then break into small groups to focus on core skills like dribbling and shooting. The second half of practice is usually spent on fun, large group activities. Coaches and buddies use voice prompts only - no whistles - to engage players. Frequent rest/water breaks are provided. Each TOPSoccer session ends with a circle cool down and an (optional) group cheer.
Please note that it is the parent/guardian's responsibility to supervise their player at all times - buddies and coaches cannot leave the field during practice sessions and will not accompany any player who elects to leave the field during practice.
Fall TOPSoccer
Grab your cleats, put on some athletic clothing, fill up your water bottle, and get ready for a new season of TOPSoccer! Come enjoy the beautiful game with volunteer buddies, an experienced coach, and new friends.
Please pre-register so we are prepared to play, and check your email for any weather-related updates.
What to expect:
At TOPSoccer we focus on building skills in a non-competitive environment. All ability levels are welcome, but players should be comfortable with separating from parents/guardians, staying with a group and following basic verbal directions from coaches and trained buddies. TOPSoccer players are paired with a peer buddy, and multiple coaches are on the field at all times. TOPSoccer players and buddies warm up in a circle and then break into small groups to focus on core skills like dribbling and shooting. The second half of practice is usually spent on fun, large group activities. Coaches and buddies use voice prompts only - no whistles - to engage players. Frequent rest/water breaks are provided. Each TOPSoccer session ends with a circle cool down and an (optional) group cheer.
Please note that it is the parent/guardian's responsibility to supervise their player at all times - buddies and coaches cannot leave the field during practice sessions and will not accompany any player who elects to leave the field during practice.
Fairfax Funky Flea
Stroll. Browse. Have something appraised by Linda Cunningham Goldstein, a Sotheby's-trained appraiser and former National Trust Museum Director. She appraises jewelry, furniture, prints, paintings, glass, china, pottery, silver, textiles and collectibles for the low, low fee of $15 per appraisal. Enjoy the food trucks, including Hawaiian Shave Ice, Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, Fresh roasted coffee, and baked goods. There may be live music at the Flea Market.
Fall TOPSoccer
Grab your cleats, put on some athletic clothing, fill up your water bottle, and get ready for a new season of TOPSoccer! Come enjoy the beautiful game with volunteer buddies, an experienced coach, and new friends.
Please pre-register so we are prepared to play, and check your email for any weather-related updates.
What to expect:
At TOPSoccer we focus on building skills in a non-competitive environment. All ability levels are welcome, but players should be comfortable with separating from parents/guardians, staying with a group and following basic verbal directions from coaches and trained buddies. TOPSoccer players are paired with a peer buddy, and multiple coaches are on the field at all times. TOPSoccer players and buddies warm up in a circle and then break into small groups to focus on core skills like dribbling and shooting. The second half of practice is usually spent on fun, large group activities. Coaches and buddies use voice prompts only - no whistles - to engage players. Frequent rest/water breaks are provided. Each TOPSoccer session ends with a circle cool down and an (optional) group cheer.
Please note that it is the parent/guardian's responsibility to supervise their player at all times - buddies and coaches cannot leave the field during practice sessions and will not accompany any player who elects to leave the field during practice.
Fall TOP Soccer Opening Day! (Copy)
Grab your cleats, put on some athletic clothing, fill up your water bottle, and get ready for a new season of TOP Soccer! Come enjoy the beautiful game with volunteer buddies, an experienced coach, and new friends.
Please pre-register so we are prepared to play, and check your email for any weather-related updates.
What to expect at TOPSoccer
At TOPSoccer we focus on building skills in a non-competitive environment. All ability levels are welcome, but players should be comfortable with separating from parents/guardians, staying with a group and following basic verbal directions from coaches and trained buddies. TOPSoccer players are paired with a peer buddy, and multiple coaches are on the field at all times. TOPSoccer players and buddies warm up in a circle and then break into small groups to focus on core skills like dribbling and shooting. The second half of practice is usually spent on fun, large group activities. Coaches and buddies use voice prompts only - no whistles - to engage players. Frequent rest/water breaks are provided. Each TOPSoccer session ends with a circle cool down and an (optional) group cheer.
Please note that it is the parent/guardian's responsibility to supervise their player at all times - buddies and coaches cannot leave the field during practice sessions and will not accompany any player who elects to leave the field during practice.
Buddy Training for Fall TOP Soccer
Grab your cleats, put on some athletic clothing, fill up your water bottle, and get ready for a new season of TOP Soccer! Come help others enjoy the beautiful game as a volunteer buddy! First session of the season immediately follows the training and lasts until 5:15pm.
Please come prepared to play, with lots of love and enthusiasm. Check your email for any weather-related updates.
PRCS KidsFest
Entertainment*
DJ BiFocalsClownStilt WalkerRoaming Magician Ken Caplan
*Subject to change.
Free Activities*
Double A’s Pony to Go Petting ZooFace PaintingBalloon TwistersTouch-A-TruckInflatablesGlitter Tattoos by Wreck It Rage RoomzSplatter Paint by Wreck It Rage RoomzFoam PartyGamesColoringChalk ZoneToddler Zone& More!
*Subject to change.
Virginia Scottish Games (Day 2)
Halò! Find the Virginia Scottish Games — an annual celebration of Scottish heritage and traditions — at Great Meadow from August 30-31, 2025.
This weekend-long cultural festival features so much to see and enjoy:
Competitions
Witness events like Piping & Drumming, Heavy Athletics, Highland Dance, and Fiddling.
Clans, Societies, & Heritage
Explore your Scottish ancestry and connect with others who share your passion for Scottish heritage. Whether you’re tracing your family tree or simply fascinated by Scottish culture, you’ll find a welcoming community.
Food & Shopping
Savor a variety of Scottish delicacies! Indulge in meat pies, bridies, fish & chips, shortbread, Scotch eggs, and other festival treats like a whisky-tasting experience! Plus, enjoy browsing vendors and crafters for unique finds.
Music
Immerse yourself in the sounds of Scotland, including singing, pipes, drums, and more! Enjoy the rich musical traditions that bring the festival to life.
Get your kilt ready, and see you at the games!
Virginia Scottish Games
Halò! Find the Virginia Scottish Games — an annual celebration of Scottish heritage and traditions — at Great Meadow from August 30-31, 2025.
This weekend-long cultural festival features so much to see and enjoy:
Competitions
Witness events like Piping & Drumming, Heavy Athletics, Highland Dance, and Fiddling.
Clans, Societies, & Heritage
Explore your Scottish ancestry and connect with others who share your passion for Scottish heritage. Whether you’re tracing your family tree or simply fascinated by Scottish culture, you’ll find a welcoming community.
Food & Shopping
Savor a variety of Scottish delicacies! Indulge in meat pies, bridies, fish & chips, shortbread, Scotch eggs, and other festival treats like a whisky-tasting experience! Plus, enjoy browsing vendors and crafters for unique finds.
Music
Immerse yourself in the sounds of Scotland, including singing, pipes, drums, and more! Enjoy the rich musical traditions that bring the festival to life.
Get your kilt ready, and see you at the games!
Fairfax Funky Flea
Stroll. Browse. Have something appraised by Linda Cunningham Goldstein, a Sotheby's-trained appraiser and former National Trust Museum Director. She appraises jewelry, furniture, prints, paintings, glass, china, pottery, silver, textiles and collectibles for the low, low fee of $15 per appraisal. Enjoy the food trucks, including Hawaiian Shave Ice, Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, Fresh roasted coffee, and baked goods. There may be live music at the Flea Market.
The Basics of the Medicaid Waiver
Medicaid Waivers are the way Virginia funds services for people with developmental disabilities. Everything from a small amount of respite, to in-home care, to employment supports are covered by Waivers. In this one hour presentation, Lucy Beadnell, the Director of Advocacy at the Arc of Northern Virginia, will review what Waivers are, services Waivers offer, how to apply, and give tips for families on waiting lists for services.
The Arc of Northern Virginia offers a monthly lunch & learn for parents, self-advocates and caregivers.
Reston Dog Paddle: Multiple Dates & Times
Details and registration for Reston residents and their four-legged friends.
An area listing of other Dog Paddles or Swims.
Parent Encouragement Program's August Virtual Training
Power Struggles: From Win-Lose to Win-Win
From screen time limits to household chores, everyday requests can quickly become battles between parents and children. This webinar explores the root causes of these conflicts, offers insight into challenging behaviors, and shares strategies to build connection and cooperation at home. Participants receive access to the video recording, an audio version, and supporting handouts.
$25 per household, register here
Sunset in the Park (With Pups)
This botanical garden offers numerous activities, including this stroll in the park with leashed dogs. Admission ranges from $4-8 and memberships are available. Seems like a nice quiet place to enjoy the outdoors!
Lunch. Learn. Inspire.
Join us and advocate Gary Shulman (MS. Ed.) for one or all of our 2025 one-hour sessions where you can share issues and challenges you’re facing as a parent, loved one, or caregiver to someone with a developmental disability. Gary and our team will provide resource ideas, stories, empathy, and connection with the other families present. It is a sharing and caring discussion with heart.
TOP Soccer - LAST SESSION
Join us for the Spring season of TOP Soccer! Bring a water bottle, wear shoes or cleats suitable for the outdoors, and wear comfortable clothing. Please fill out this form to participate.
· Players and buddies should dress for the weather and wear appropriate athletic shoes (cleats and shin guards and recommended, but not required).
· There is no required dress code. Jerseys are provided at no cost through the Friends in Need non-profit organization. If you are new and need a jersey, or if you are returning and need a different size, please arrive a few minutes early so we can assist you.
· Sessions are held on the open grass field behind the turf field. Look for our banner, or the TOPSoccer Coaches wearing red or black Gunston coach jerseys and TOPSoccer buddies wearing blue jerseys.
· As a reminder, parents/guardians of TOPSoccer players must remain in Grist Mill Park for the duration of practice. You may wish to bring a blanket or lawn chair in case we are practicing on the grass field.
· Soccer balls are provided. If you bring your own ball, please label it.
· Players and buddies should bring plenty of water – please label all bottles with your player’s name.
· Due to dietary considerations/sensitivities of some of our players, post-practice snacks are not provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.
· Practices may be canceled for inclement weather or coach illness. Please be sure to check email or follow Friends in Need on social media for status updates.
TOP Soccer
Join us for the Spring season of TOP Soccer! Bring a water bottle, wear shoes or cleats suitable for the outdoors, and wear comfortable clothing. Please fill out this form to participate.
· Players and buddies should dress for the weather and wear appropriate athletic shoes (cleats and shin guards and recommended, but not required).
· There is no required dress code. Jerseys are provided at no cost through the Friends in Need non-profit organization. If you are new and need a jersey, or if you are returning and need a different size, please arrive a few minutes early so we can assist you.
· Sessions are held on the open grass field behind the turf field. Look for our banner, or the TOPSoccer Coaches wearing red or black Gunston coach jerseys and TOPSoccer buddies wearing blue jerseys.
· As a reminder, parents/guardians of TOPSoccer players must remain in Grist Mill Park for the duration of practice. You may wish to bring a blanket or lawn chair in case we are practicing on the grass field.
· Soccer balls are provided. If you bring your own ball, please label it.
· Players and buddies should bring plenty of water – please label all bottles with your player’s name.
· Due to dietary considerations/sensitivities of some of our players, post-practice snacks are not provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.
· Practices may be canceled for inclement weather or coach illness. Please be sure to check email or follow Friends in Need on social media for status updates.
Profound Autism Parenting Through the Years: Struggle, Discovery and Unexpected Gifts
Learned Optimism, hard-won joy. Join Susan Senator in the tale of a tough profound autism family, experience our mistakes and triumphs, from our grieving early days to residential placement, to adulthood and peace (at this point in time…).
So Kids SOAR Prom
For individuals ages 13-30, and their siblings or cousins.
So Kids SOAR is organizing a prom for young adults with physical and developmental disabilities. We are excited to bring back this annual event where our participants and volunteers can let loose, dance to great music, and celebrate with each other! Our past themes have been: Galactic Space Adventure, Adventure Awaits, Under The Sea, Under The Big Top, A Starry Night, A Magical Kingdom, Superheroes and A Wizarding World. This year, we encourage all of our guests to dress up like they're in a western or going to their favorite rodeo! Think cowboys, cowgirls, cowpeople and farming friends!
So Kids SOAR está organizando un baile de graduación para adultos jóvenes con discapacidades físicas y de desarrollo. ¡Estamos emocionados de traer de vuelta este evento anual donde nuestros participantes y voluntarios pueden soltarse, bailar con buena música y celebrar entre ellos! Nuestros temas anteriores han sido: Aventura espacial galáctica, Aventura espera, Bajo el mar, Bajo la gran carpa, Una noche estrellada, un reino mágico, Superhéroes y Un Mundo Mágico. ¡Este año, animamos a todos nuestros invitados a vestirse como si estuvieran en un western o yendo a su rodeo favorito! ¡Piensa en vaqueros, vaqueras, vaqueros y amigos granjeros!
TOP Soccer
Join us for the Spring season of TOP Soccer! Bring a water bottle, wear shoes or cleats suitable for the outdoors, and wear comfortable clothing. Please fill out this form to participate.
· Players and buddies should dress for the weather and wear appropriate athletic shoes (cleats and shin guards and recommended, but not required).
· There is no required dress code. Jerseys are provided at no cost through the Friends in Need non-profit organization. If you are new and need a jersey, or if you are returning and need a different size, please arrive a few minutes early so we can assist you.
· Sessions are held on the open grass field behind the turf field. Look for our banner, or the TOPSoccer Coaches wearing red or black Gunston coach jerseys and TOPSoccer buddies wearing blue jerseys.
· As a reminder, parents/guardians of TOPSoccer players must remain in Grist Mill Park for the duration of practice. You may wish to bring a blanket or lawn chair in case we are practicing on the grass field.
· Soccer balls are provided. If you bring your own ball, please label it.
· Players and buddies should bring plenty of water – please label all bottles with your player’s name.
· Due to dietary considerations/sensitivities of some of our players, post-practice snacks are not provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.
· Practices may be canceled for inclement weather or coach illness. Please be sure to check email or follow Friends in Need on social media for status updates.
TOP Soccer
Join us for the Spring season of TOP Soccer! Bring a water bottle, wear shoes or cleats suitable for the outdoors, and wear comfortable clothing. Please fill out this form to participate.
· Players and buddies should dress for the weather and wear appropriate athletic shoes (cleats and shin guards and recommended, but not required).
· There is no required dress code. Jerseys are provided at no cost through the Friends in Need non-profit organization. If you are new and need a jersey, or if you are returning and need a different size, please arrive a few minutes early so we can assist you.
· Sessions are held on the open grass field behind the turf field. Look for our banner, or the TOPSoccer Coaches wearing red or black Gunston coach jerseys and TOPSoccer buddies wearing blue jerseys.
· As a reminder, parents/guardians of TOPSoccer players must remain in Grist Mill Park for the duration of practice. You may wish to bring a blanket or lawn chair in case we are practicing on the grass field.
· Soccer balls are provided. If you bring your own ball, please label it.
· Players and buddies should bring plenty of water – please label all bottles with your player’s name.
· Due to dietary considerations/sensitivities of some of our players, post-practice snacks are not provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.
· Practices may be canceled for inclement weather or coach illness. Please be sure to check email or follow Friends in Need on social media for status updates.
Ensuring Strength Based IEPS
This workshop will provide tips on collecting and sharing information about your child’s strengths, information which can be used throughout the IEP document. Your data and observations can contribute to more than just the “Parent input” section of the IEP, whether it relates to your child’s preferences, home responsibilities, hobbies, skills or social interactions. Our presenter is Liz Capone, veteran Special Education advocate.
New Rules & Updates for Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI) Recipients
This webinar will focus on new rules from the Social Security Administration released in 2024 that impact all Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. The changes include new ways to calculate assistance with food and rent, as well as other in-kind assistance. This is a “must see” webinar for any SSI user.
The presenter is Claire Kelly, Attorney at Trusts & Wealth, PLLC (https://trustsandwealth.com/). Claire crafts detailed estate plans for discerning clients, and delights in customizing the perfect plan for each family. She always includes planning for incapacity as well, to ensure your loved ones will continue to receive the care they need regardless of your health. Claire specializes in serving Special Needs families, which includes planning for benefits retention through estate planning vehicles such as Special Needs Trusts. Claire has been fortunate to leverage her tax and estate planning knowledge in service of the community. Her volunteer experience includes estate planning for first responders through Wills for Heroes, tax preparation through the Capital Area Asset Builders, and work with the Arc of Northern Virginia. When not collaborating with clients to design their perfect estate plan, Claire enjoys woodworking, traveling, and spending time with her husband and three children.

