Our students build brighter futures thanks to the local businesses, nonprofits, universities, and caring individuals who support our school. Some work directly with students in our Center, others provide venues for functional, recreational, and therapeutic community-based instruction. In so many ways, partners make the difference.
Mesa Vista Farm in Powhatan allows students to therapeutically ride horses, boosting the confidence, self-esteem, and independence of every age group
Many of our students work with the outstanding staff of Saxon Shoes and Lewis Ginter through our on-site career center. This partnership allows students to grow professionally and personally while interacting with caring staff members and the general public.
Some students are employed at our local Steve and Sarah Bayard Community Kitchen Garden, a heavy contributor to FeedMore. By producing fresh ingredients for Meals on Wheels, backpack programs, and local food banks, over 1,800 at-risk individuals are cared for every weekday.
Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers provide companionship and non-medical assistance to students who require additional care and support. These outstanding canines work with both parents and teachers to facilitate safe spaces and gentle sensory processing in daily life.
One of our technology-centric partners, Floreo is a VR company that was piloted to teach healthy communication skills, social cues, and constructive conversation habits to students with autism spectrum disorders. Teacher-led and ABA-based, Floreo has shown positive results within the SDCA community and was enjoyed by our students and teachers alike.
A rhythm-based sensory application, Light the Music is a comprehensive music program specifically designed to help students follow directions. This revolutionary enrichment program has assisted the development of hundreds of eager students all around the SDCA service area.
SDCA Partners also include:
Contact us at 804-521-5571 to get involved with our programs and support the bright futures of Sarah Dooley students all over Virginia.
Isabel's son Xavier was thrilled to return to his friends and teachers at the Sarah Dooley Center for Autism earlier this year. “When he saw them, the smile he had
When Governor Northam ordered the physical closing of every school in the Commonwealth due to COVID-19 on March 13th, 2020, the Villa's Sarah Dooley Center for Autism (SDCA) rebooted as
Children with autism experience and interact with the world in unique ways. Sometimes, they display maladaptive behaviors because of communication challenges, social skills deficits, and other related issues. The Sarah
