SOAR Program Equips Madison County Youth with Resilience and Life Skills

Riverbend Rotary recently hosted an enlightening presentation by Marissa Kohlrus-Green and Nathaniel Carlson, coordinators of SOAR (Students learning the Ongoing Approach to Resilience). This innovative youth development program is designed to empower adolescents by teaching them critical life skills needed to face challenges and develop emotional strength.

What is SOAR?

SOAR stands for Students learning the Ongoing Approach to Resilience and serves youth aged 12-17, with exceptions made for 18-year-olds on a case-by-case basis. The program is built around weekly group sessions that focus on teaching participants how to handle adversity and develop healthier relationships, emotional intelligence, and empathy. The program offers a structured pathway to personal growth through resilience training, which is critical during the challenging adolescent years.

Group Structure and Requirements

Participants in SOAR are referred through various channels, including the court systems, schools, or self-referrals. Each youth undergoes an intake process, along with pre- and post-test assessments to measure their growth throughout the program. The core of SOAR’s structure is its 10-week group sessions, covering essential topics such as:

• Understanding and managing emotions

• Recognizing anger thoughts, triggers, and warning signs

• Navigating healthy romantic and non-romantic relationships

• Conflict resolution skills

• Developing empathy and addressing bullying

• Understanding the impacts of violence

• Building personal resiliency and self-care strategies

Parent Engagement and Support

Recognizing the importance of family involvement in adolescent development, SOAR offers monthly Parent Engagement sessions. These sessions provide a space for parents to learn alongside their children, giving them tools to support their child’s emotional and behavioral growth. Parents are encouraged to attend as many sessions as they’d like while their child participates in the program.

In addition to the group sessions, SOAR facilitators maintain regular communication with parents through phone check-ins. These check-ins offer a valuable opportunity for parents to ask questions, discuss their child’s behavior, and seek referrals to other resources if needed. The collaborative nature of these discussions ensures that parents are involved in their child’s progress and have the necessary tools to reinforce positive behaviors at home.

Progress Monitoring and Graduation

SOAR also provides regular updates to referral sources, such as courts or schools, ensuring that those who referred participants remain informed about their progress. Ultimately, the decision to graduate a participant from the program rests with the SOAR facilitators, who base their judgment on the participant’s behavior and engagement throughout the course.

A Path to Resilience

SOAR’s mission is to provide Madison County youth with the skills needed to make healthier, more informed decisions in the face of adversity. By fostering emotional awareness, promoting healthy relationships, and teaching conflict resolution, SOAR is helping to shape the next generation into resilient, capable, and empathetic leaders.

This new program has the potential to make a lasting impact on the youth of Madison County, offering them a safe and supportive environment to grow, learn, and thrive. The Riverbend Rotary is excited to see how SOAR will continue to empower local adolescents and create positive change in the community.

Marissa Kohlrus-Green and Nathaniel Carlson, coordinators of SOAR (Students learning the Ongoing Approach to Resilience)

www.HelpTeensSOAR.org

SOAR 618-251-9790 • 144 E Ferguson Ave., Wood River, IL

Riverbend Rotary meets on Thursdays at Noon at Senior Services Plus in Alton. To learn more about Riverbend Rotary and become a member, visit our website at riverbendrotary.com.

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