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SOS Outreach 

Description

SOS Outreach was founded in 1993 in Vail, Colorado, as the Snowboard Outreach Society, with the goal of introducing at-risk youth to the sport of snowboarding. As SOS grew, it incorporated a youth development curriculum, and began expanding to other adventure sports, including skiing, snowshoeing, and summer sports. SOS began serving Seattle-area youth at the Summit at Snoqualmie during the winter of 1998-1999. This year, over 300 youth from 4 communities around Washington State will participate in an SOS program. 

SOS Outreach’s target population is at-risk youth. Participants are often from low-income households, single parent families, demonstrate poor academic achievement and range in age from 8 to 18. The goal of SOS Outreach programs is to increase resiliency and protective factors in these youth through adventure-sports and core value based character development.

Mission Statement
SOS Outreach's mission is to inspire youth to make positive decisions for successful lives.
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SOS Outreach
PO Box 2020 
Avon 
CO
81620 
(970) 926-9292 

Arn Menconi 
Executive Director 

Programs

SOS Outreach Programs

SOS offers two primary programs:

Learn To Ride is an introductory program that integrates the five SOS core values of Courage, Discipline, Integrity, Wisdom and Compassion, and skiing or snowboarding to promote appreciation of the environment, outdoor physical activity, group cohesion and character development. Throughout the program, a different core value is introduced on each day of the 5-day programs, and each participant is provided with professional ski or snowboard instruction, equipment rental, lift tickets and clothing. 

University is a follow-up experience for students who complete Learn to Ride, and commit to a four-year program. In University, participants are paired with a Mentor who creates a relationship to expand the curriculum. Students engage in intensive leadership training, take part in service learning and workshops, and participate in five days of skiing or snowboarding. Graduates of University are able to return as Junior Mentors. 50 Seattle area youth participated in the University program this winter. 

Recent Successes and Current Challenges

The SOS Seattle office will launch pilot summer programs this year, including rock climbing and backpacking.  

SOS Outreach is in need of volunteers, ski and snowboard equipment, including outerwear, and financial support.

Evaluation

Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:

Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:

DateAmountPurpose
There are no recent grants awarded to this organization.

Financials

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