Mission Statement
A Partnership of Purpose Between Volunteers in Medicine and Philadelphia Dancesport
Championships
Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) is a nonprofit organization located in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, providing free healthcare services to low-income, working, uninsured families. For the past 18 years, VIM has served as a lifeline to the community, offering primary care, blood work, X-rays, dental care, and behavioral health services to approximately 50 patients each day.
Beyond medical care, VIM is a place of compassion, dignity, and human connection.
Among the many extraordinary individuals connected to the clinic was Laura Sordoni — a gifted young woman with Down syndrome who left an unforgettable mark on everyone she encountered.
At Volunteers in Medicine, Laura proudly held the self-appointed title of “Director of Shredding,” carrying out the important task of maintaining confidentiality in a medical office. She approached her work with pride and dedication.
But more than that, she brought warmth, humor, and camaraderie to the clinic each week. On Tuesdays, staff and volunteers looked forward to her stories about her boyfriend, her friends, and her family — and, of course, her unconditional hugs.
Many may not have had the privilege of knowing Laura personally, but her spirit lives on within those walls. Laura also held a special place in another community — our own.
Laura Sordoni was a beloved part of our studio during its years as the Academy of Social Dance. From 2006 to 2014, she graced our dance floor with her warmth, dedication, and love for dance. She loved to sing, to move, to celebrate. Dance was not just an activity for Laura — it was joy, expression, and belonging.
Though we lost her this September, her spirit continues to inspire us.
Today, as the Danza Academy family, we are honored to support Volunteers in Medicine in bringing the Laura Sordoni Social Club to life. This initiative, part of VIM’s
new Wellbeing Solution expansion, will create a dedicated space for individuals with special abilities to gather, socialize, and thrive — something that has been deeply
needed, especially since the loss of many community gathering places after COVID.
Through this partnership, we are carrying forward Laura’s legacy of community, connection, celebration, and care.
It is a full-circle moment — the clinic where she proudly worked and the dance floor where she found joy coming together to honor the light she shared with both.
Laura believed in friendship. She believed in laughter. She believed in belonging.
And through this effort, her spirit will continue to shine.
Charity Event at Philadelphia Dancesport Championships
Philadelphia Dancesport Championships will be hosting a charity event in honor of Laura Sordoni. The cause will support building a dedicated wing for individuals with special needs as part of an arts program.
The event will take place Friday night, April 10th, during the charity dinner.
The entry fee for the event will be $500, with any additional contributions welcomed as donations. All proceeds will go to Volunteers in Medicine.