NEW Youth Clubhouse!

NEW Youth Clubhouse!

Thank you to the The Real Estate Group Foundation Fund (TREG Foundation) within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley for their $750 grant in support of SOAR Youth Programs!

In order to support the growing Youth Programs at SOAR Fox Cities, we remodeled space in our building to become a Youth Clubhouse! This was no small feat, and included investments in sensory support materials, comfortable seating, crafts, games, storage, and more! The TREG Foundation generously supported our efforts with a $750 grant to purchase some of these needed supplies. We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the The TREG Foundation for their support of our expanding program!

The Best Summer Ever!!

The Best Summer Ever!!

Thank you to the Dora Hansen Charitable Trust for their $3,000 grant in support of the SOAR Thru Summer Youth Program!

SOAR Fox Cities is launching a BRAND NEW summer program this year for middle and high school age youth with differing abilities! Through this one of a kind summer program, youth with differing abilities will continue to hone social and life skills throughout the summer, go on exciting field trips throughout the community, and spend the summer having fun with friends! We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the Dora Hansen Charitable Trust for their support of this program, especially in its beginning stages, and giving kids with disabilities in our community the best summer ever!

Supporting Friendship!

Supporting Friendship!

Thank you to the Helen Thom Roemer Fund for their $2,500 grant in support of SOAR Fox Cities’ Youth Program!

SOAR works towards inclusion, and that starts with our Youth. Our programs for elementary, middle, and high school students with and without disabilities teach kids how to work together and see others for their abilities, rather than disabilities. We also teach social and life skills, enhance problem-solving capacities, and provide opportunities for our participants to build relationships with their peers. We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the Helen Thom Roemer Fund for their support and dedication to creating school and communities where all members feel celebrated, included, and welcomed!

Supporting our Youth!

Supporting our Youth!

Thank you to US Bank for their $2,000 grant in support of SOAR Fox Cities’ Youth Programs!

SOAR Fox Cities Youth Programs engage youth with and without disabilities in problem-solving, team-building activities that teach skills, build relationships, and foster values of acceptance and inclusion. These program includes Kidz Klub and Teen Stop, after school programs for elementary and middle school youth respectively, in-school Activity Days, Teens and Transitioning youth, an out of school program providing activities for high school youth, and a summer day camp for youth ages 6-16, K.I.T.E. Kamp. Together with US Bank we provide spaces where children of all abilities can feel valued, make friends, learn new things, and grow in self-confidence. Thank you for your support!

Innovation in Adversity: Unforeseen Challenges, Unforeseen Opportunities.

Innovation in Adversity: Unforeseen Challenges, Unforeseen Opportunities.

When the clock counted down on New Years, no one could have anticipated what this year would bring. We have all been presented with challenges and isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With that being said, these challenges created opportunities for SOAR to be creative and adapt the way we offer programs to continue supporting our participants, regardless of the circumstances.

Our Executive Director, Erin Schultz said, “When our office first closed in March because of the pandemic we heard from many participants and their families – with many of their other services being stopped or severely restricted, isolation and loneliness were setting in. They needed connection, but above all, they needed hope and it was in that moment we knew we needed to find a way to relaunch our programs.

Cassidy is one of the many SOAR participants who experienced this. When the pandemic started, Cassidy temporarily lost her job and her usual community activities were unavailable. The virtual sessions and adapted programs that SOAR quickly launched allowed her to safely engage with SOAR friends and staff. Some of her favorite adapted activities were SOAR’s Virtual 5K, Disney Trivia on Facebook Live, Baking Class Zoom and Parking Lot Bingo. Cassidy will tell you, “SOAR’s virtual activities are different, but a lot of fun!”  

People with differing abilities need social connections, support, and hope now more than ever.  Will you take this opportunity to help by donating to SOAR Fox Cities’ Annual Appeal?

Innovation in Adversity: Unforeseen Challenges, Unforeseen Opportunities.

Amazing Fund-Racer: COVID-Safe Scavenger Hunt

We are so grateful to all of the teams, sponsors, donors, and supporters who made our first-ever Amazing Fund-Racer such a success! It was a beautiful day for some socially-distanced fun, and we were so impressed by the creativity and enthusiasm that teams showed in their scavenger hunt submissions! This fast-paced, socially-distant, city-wide event raised over $5,000 for SOAR Programs that empower youth and adults with disabilities!  Thanks to the following event sponsors for their support: Meijer, Menasha, Innovative Services, Inc., Green Stem LLC, Schroeder Moving Systems, Inc., College Connectors, Relish and Roots, Sabre Lanes, and Liberty Hall! We cannot wait to host this event again next fall- hope to see you there!