SOAR Outreach provides kids in need with basic hygiene products, helps parents navigate juvenile justice system
Utica Cason launched SOAR Outreach in 2014 with a mission to help underserved people in the community and promote learning. The nonprofit has morphed since those first days. Originally focused on helping men become self-sufficient, the group is working hard to help kids and families with two programs that serve those in need in Wake County.
Posted — UpdatedI checked in with Cason, a mom of three boys and two grandsons, to learn more about her work, her mission and how people can help. Here's a Q&A.
The Healthy Hygiene Program provides donated hygiene kits to Wake youth ages five to 18 years old who attend a Title 1 school, are homeless or transitional, or reside in a low-income household.
SOAR Outreach collaborates with the school social workers and community organizations to identify the students who need the kits. The goal is to decrease sickness and bullying and increase self-confidence and the student’s overall quality of life.
We are equipping students to give them a vision and hope for the future. Our goal is to further close the gap between opportunity and achievement for our students by providing basic hygiene products such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, soap, deodorant, body wash, dental floss, mouthwash, lotion and feminine hygiene products.
The mission of the Parents Helping Parents Support Group is to give voice to parents impacted by the juvenile justice system. This group will provide an opportunity for families to share their ideas and personal experience and support each other. I want to be able to assist other parents who are encountering this in their families.
The services that will be provided to parents in this support group include the opportunity for participants to get support and advice and learn about available resources on how to deal with the issues they are facing. The support group will provide a space for open, honest and non-judgmental dialogue among parents. Families also will be provided with information, training and resources to help them become knowledgeable about the juvenile justice system and effective advocates for their children.
We have partnered with social workers, criminal justice professionals, mental health agencies, boys and girls mentoring organizations and lawyers.
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