Sheltering Arms Physical Rehabilitation

08/24/2026

How it started vs. how it’s going. ⏩ This is what a year of putting in the work can look like. 💪

Since experiencing a spinal cord injury last summer, Bill’s recovery has been built through hard work, patience, some setbacks, many breakthroughs, and a whole lot of determination.

From the earliest days of his recovery to where he is today, the progress speaks for itself. And Bill isn’t done… He’s already working toward his next goal: being ready to complete a Turkey Trot this fall. 🏃‍♂️🍂

Recovery doesn’t happen all at once, and the road doesn’t always move in a straight line. Bill’s progress is a powerful reflection of what can happen when you keep showing up and building on your accomplishments.

We’re proud to work alongside him for the goals still ahead and excited to see where it takes him next. Keep moving forward, Bill! 💜

08/17/2026

2 miles and 2 programs completed! Join us in congratulating Tamara on an incredible milestone in her wellness journey. 🎉👏💜

Recently, Tamara officially graduated from our PowerEx program and celebrated a personal goal of walking 2 miles on the treadmill! 👟🚶‍♀️

Getting there took time. When Tamara began her journey with our Health & Wellness team in December, vestibular challenges and dizziness made exercising independently difficult. She started with our Adapt2Fit program for one-on-one training sessions before transitioning to our PowerEx semi-supervised exercise program with the goal of transitioning to independent exercise alongside her exercise physiologist, Shannon.

Together, they focused on one goal: consistency. Some days that meant a full workout. Other days, it meant just 10 minutes. Tamara kept showing up, and over time those minutes became longer workouts, greater strength, increased endurance, and milestones worth celebrating.

Best of all, Tamara says she feels better now than when she first started. 💪 Her journey is a wonderful reminder that progress doesn’t have to happen all at once. Sometimes it’s 10 minutes and sometimes it’s two miles, but every step counts.

Congratulations, Tamara! 🎉 We’re so proud to celebrate this moment with you. 💜

Ready to take the next step in your fitness journey? Learn more about our Adapt2Fit or PowerEx programs: https://www.shelteringarms.com/adaptive-and-medical-fitness-programs/

07/31/2026

Sheltering Arms Foundation's Lisa Resch, Director of Donor Management, and Tricia Ambler, Director of Prospect Development, recently presented at The Virginia Fund Raising Institute Conference on “From Plan to Impact: How Communications Can Drive Fundraising." ✨

During their presentation, Lisa and Tricia shared how a thoughtful communications strategy can help organizations engage supporters and align teams. They discussed the importance of evaluating strategies over time and using personalization and storytelling across multiple channels.

Sharing stories from across the continuum of care, communications can showcase impact and inspire continued support for both the individuals and communities we serve.

We’re proud of Lisa and Tricia for representing Sheltering Arms Foundation and sharing their expertise. Thank you for sharing the powerful connection between communication and philanthropy! 💜

On July 23, Tricia Ambler and Lisa Resch had a wonderful time connecting with fundraisers and other nonprofit professionals from across Virginia at the The Virginia Fund Raising Institute. Their session, From Plan to Impact: How Communications Can Drive Fundraising, sparked great conversation about the power of thoughtful communications to share stories, build relationships, and inspire support.

We loved hearing attendees share successes from their own organizations and celebrating the many ways communications can help move missions forward. At Sheltering Arms, this work - and the success it makes possible - is thanks to our generous community of donors, whose support helps bring meaningful programs and opportunities to life for the people we serve.

07/20/2026

Please join us in celebrating a big leadership transition at Sheltering Arms Foundation! Wishing Mac all the best in his well-deserved retirement and sending a warm congratulations to Kelly on her new role as President. 🎉👏

Breaking News

A meaningful new chapter is ahead for Sheltering Arms Foundation.

After many years of dedicated service, Mac McElroy will retire from his role as President effective October 1, 2026. Mac’s vision, leadership, and deep commitment to Sheltering Arms have helped strengthen our Foundation and advance support for the patients, families, and communities we serve.

We are grateful that Mac will continue supporting the Foundation in a part-time role, helping nurture the relationships and momentum he has built over the years.

We are also excited to celebrate Kelly del Campo Merricks, CFRE, MBA, who has been named the next President of Sheltering Arms Foundation. Having worked alongside Mac for the past 12 years, Kelly brings trusted leadership, deep experience, and a heartfelt commitment to our mission.

Together with the generosity of our community, the Foundation has raised more than $40 million over the past 12 years to support Sheltering Arms projects and programs.

Please join us in thanking Mac for his remarkable service and congratulating Kelly as she leads the Foundation into its next chapter.

07/09/2026

It’s amazing what one year can hold. 💜🧡 Looking back, it’s incredible to see everything our community made possible together this year.

From inspiring patient stories and nationally recognized care to exciting advancements across our organization, our Year in Review highlights the people, milestones, and moments that made it all possible.

We hope you’ll take a few minutes to look back on the year with us and celebrate everything we’ve accomplished together.

📖 Read our full Year in Review here: https://bit.ly/4wxTpPZ

Thank you to our patients, team members, volunteers, donors, and community partners for being part of another meaningful year.

07/04/2026

Today, we celebrate the spirit of independence! Whether it's recovering from an illness or overcoming an injury, we strive every day to help our patients achieve their highest level of independence. Have a safe and happy 4th of July! 🎆🇺🇸❤️🤍💙

06/26/2026

Staying active is essential for your health, but it doesn’t have to mean long workouts or time at the gym. Click below to learn quick tips from Senior Exercise Physiologist Niki Johnson to discover how simple, everyday movements can help boost your energy, improve your mood, and support your overall well-being.

Staying active is essential for your health, but it doesn’t have to mean long workouts or time at the gym. Learn how simple, everyday movements can help boost your energy, improve your mood, and support your overall well-being.

06/18/2026

Have you heard of Adapt2Fit? Senior Exercise Physiologist, Niki Johnson, shares how this program supports your fitness journey. 💪

Adapt2Fit is an adaptive exercise program offering one-on-one sessions in our gym or therapeutic pool. Using a holistic approach, we focus on endurance, flexibility, strength, and more—then tailor everything to your individual goals, medical history, and abilities.

Whether you’re currently participating in physical therapy, just finished, or are simply looking to stay active, Adapt2Fit meets you where you are. From everyday movement to big milestones, we’re here for you each step of the way.

If you or a loved one are interested in Adapt2Fit, visit https://www.shelteringarms.com/adaptive-exercise-training.

06/11/2026

Feels like summer! ☀️🚤 Our Club Rec members recently beat the heat with 2 incredible boating outings on the James River, thanks to our friends at Beyond Boundaries!

Across both trips, 12 members hit the water for a two-hour pontoon ride. But the fun started before even leaving the dock, with everyone enjoying a delicious dockside lunch together. 🍔✨

Once out on the river, it was a true adventure—complete with wildlife sightings like ospreys, bald eagles, and blue herons, plus a little local history about the landmarks along the James. 🦅🌾

Want to learn more about our Club Rec program? Visit https://www.shelteringarms.com/club-rec-day-recreation-program/

06/05/2026