Strategies to Overcome Obstacles and Avoid Recidivism

Mission: To encourage, enlighten, and empower individuals facing historic exclusion and oppression by integrating life skills programming, harm reduction, and substance use prevention services stimulating positive personal change that leads to more productive lives, while dismantling systemic racism by implementing leadership strategies.

Strategies to Overcome Obstacles and Avoid Recidivism (SOOAR) is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation and a licensed Community Awareness Information and Training (CAIT) Provider by the State of Michigan Department of Community Health Substance Abuse Division. SOOAR provides an expanding range of services and programs through culturally humble and responsive, judgement-free outreach, providing education, resources and tools needed to operate a holistic healing-centered environment that builds collective power with individuals facing historic exclusion and intersectional injustices by integrating person-centered prevention, harm reduction, and community mobilization services to facilitate self-determined wellness goals while committing to anti-racist and anti-oppressive frameworks.

We provide prevention, life skills, harm reduction, and community mobilization services. We are proud of the many ways we remove barriers and improve the quality of life for participants and the community at large.

Our Approach includes:

• Creating a Culture of Prevention: SOOAR is dedicated to making a positive impact in substance use prevention, harm reduction, and behavior modification. Our approach focuses on creating a culture of prevention, and we have been successful in bringing about positive change in society.
• Education is Key: We organize educational workshops where participants can learn about the risks associated with substance use and the strategies for harm reduction so they can make informed decisions. By equipping people with the right information, SOOAR empowers them to make healthier choices and prevent harm.
• Community Engagement: SOOAR organizes community events where individuals can come together, share their experiences, and support one another. These events not only provide a sense of belonging but also create a network of individuals who are committed to prevention. By fostering a supportive community, SOOAR ensures that individuals have the resources and encouragement they need to stay on a healthy path of prevention.
• Resources and Support: We provide a range of resources to individuals and communities. From brochures and websites to helpline numbers, SOOAR ensures that help is just a phone call or click away. These resources not only provide information but also serve as a reminder that individuals are not alone in their journey towards prevention.