SOAR’s mission is to provide people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in outdoor accessible activities and help provide them with accessible equipment. There are many benefits to accessing the outdoors: 1) mental, physical & emotional health and wellness, 2) spending quality time with family & friend, and 3) most importantly to view and enjoy all of God’s creation.

We believe that recovery consists of healing the mind, not just the body and that recovery is a journey, not a destination. Being in touch with God’s creation draws us closer to the healing journey of love, grace, peace and joy of fellowship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Therefore the goal of SOAR is to provide not only outdoor accessible equipment and activities but also the resources for people to improve the quality of their life through fellowship.

SOAR provides outdoor accessible recreational opportunities for physically challenged people and families and individuals in need with a key focus of improving the lives of those with spinal cord injuries. We will motivate, inspire and create opportunities for people with disabilities who are emotionally, physically and therapeutically in need. SOAR believes that recovery consists of healing the mind, not just the body and that recovery is a journey, not a destination.

SOAR is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that believes that much can be done in providing improved accessibility and promoting availability of these resources to persons with disabilities. We realize that educating people with disabilities as well as the able bodied citizens of this state is necessary to enhance the opportunities for outdoor recreation for everyone. SOAR will promote accessible recreation to persons with disabilities as well as the general public through special events, newsletters and community education. SOAR will assist in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and work closely with many state, local and private organizations to develop, enhance and/or support recreational opportunities for the disabled across Illinois and other states. We are dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

SOAR along with founder Brian Swift were selected to receive the Saint Xavier University 2017 Sister Dorothy Marie Peschon Award. This award is presented to an alumnus who serves s an exemplary volunteer and supporter of the University’s endeavors. Recipients of the award embody the values of the Sisters of Mercy in pursuit of opening new doors to students.

Tom Higgins Charitable Grant

This is a once a year grant that SOAR will be responsible for granting, in the form of equipment and based on need, that will be determined by a combination of at least two board or executives of SOAR.

The mission of SOAR is to provide programs, services and equipment to improve the emotional and physical quality of life for people with disabilities along with families and individuals in need by creating outdoor accessible environments. As we grow and reach our long term goals we will be able to provide other grant opportunities. Please be patient as we update our grant form​ which will download to your computer. Please fill out the entire form and either fax it to 708-478-8695 or mail it to SOAR 10254 W. 195th Street Mokena, Illinois 60448 for grant consideration.

SOME OF OUR GRANT RECIPIENTS

OUR FUNDRAISERS

Twisted Aces Fundraiser 2017

2016 Manteno Triathlon

First S.O.A.R. Fundraiser

Grants, Financial Assistance Links, Resources & More!

Federally based Home Modifications http://www.homeadvisor.com/r/grants…

Misc. Home Modification Grants http://www.spinalcord.org/resource-…

How To Find Housing http://www.spinalcord.org/resource-…

Available Grants (If you qualify) for people with disabilities http://www.spinalcord.org/resource-…

Diagnosis Based Assistance Programs for Those with SCI’s http://www.needymeds.org/copay_dise…

Financial Assistance Links http://www.spinalcord.org/resource-…

ALL Federal Disability Resources https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/dis…

Financial help for the disabled AND MANY OTHER RESOURCES ON THE LEFT HAND TAB! https://facingdisability.com/resour…

Your ENTIRE “NEED TO KNOW” about SCI Resource Center http://www.spinalcord.org/resource-…

International Guide to Independent Living Organizations around the world listed by country or state. http://www.independentliving.org/do…

International Spinal Cord Resource Center http://www.spinalcord.org/resource-…

Adaptive Clothing for Wheelchair Users http://adaptationsbyadrian.com/