School Of Surf ("SOS")
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the problem:
Our mission is to positively impact homeless teens through an ongoing, weekend surf program. SOS works directly with the teens at the Toussaint Academy of the Arts and Sciences. The Toussaint Academy serves high school age adolescents, ages 14 to 17, who meet the US Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines for homelessness Providing a connection to the community, SOS is designed to create confidence, encourage success, and establish bonds between the at-risk teens and our teen volunteers which otherwise might not exist. Through SOS, homeless teens are able to interact with a more cultured understanding to teens (SOS staff) from other races, socio-economic standings, and circumstances and to develop confidence both in and out of the water. By learning a healthy sport, in a supportive environment with positive role models, homeless teens begin to understand that they are not alone in their struggles, other teens do care about them and we are there to help, and that their issues are not that different from other teens—the first steps in developing their self worth, sense of belonging and connection, all factors in breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty.
vital stats:
people impacted:
30people involved:
10why it's important:
Our program is important to us because we are making a measurable difference in the lives of at-risk teens. We created a program, unlike any other in our community. The students at Toussaint sign up to participate in our weekend surfing program. If the teen is in full compliance with the school’s rules and requirements, they are eligible to meet and surf with SOS. Most weekends, the same teens participate in our program and we are able to develop trust, forge friendships and have a great time. As experienced surfers and former junior lifeguards, we are able to offer exceptional one-on-one surfing instruction while being just a regular teen with the Toussaint students in and out of the water. The time out of the water lets us switch roles from teacher to friend, allowing us to spend time together hanging out talking about school, life and other things that are important to all teens. We have demonstrated, through the success of our first year, the dedication, passion and commitment it takes to make a difference. We took something that we are passionate about, developed a program, and actively implemented it to help those just like us but without the opportunities. We have the dedication and motivation to make a difference in the lives of at-risk teens through our compassion, empathy, and honest desire to help. As strong leaders, we possess the ability to take the time to get to know others, inspiring, and motivating them to keep hope alive even through diversity. By being positive role models, we help the teens to see strength in differences and empower them to break the cycle of homelessness.
the plan of action:
Dozens of teens have participated (on a weekly basis) in SOS during its first year of operation. In 2008, SOS organized and succeeded in obtaining donated surfboards and wetsuits (over 40 donated by Quicksilver) for use in our program. We are currently working with San Diego State University to develop and launch our logo and website which we will use to increase awareness of our cause and to encourage other teens around the country to take action in their local communities. We received public awareness through media exposure when SOS was featured on NBC as the recipient of the San Diego County Board of Education “Inspirational Student of the Month” award. This award has created other avenues to expand our program through volunteers, donations from national sponsors, and to reach other teens in need. During the next year, we plan to expand our program to help at-risk teens in other residential facilities and foster care in San Diego County. We plan to affiliate SOS with five local high schools that will offer student volunteers to participate in our weekend program. The more volunteers we have the more teens we can impact and enroll in our program.
how you can get involved:
Others can help SOS by volunteering their time to our organization if they live in the San Diego County area. We also solicit used wetsuit and surfboard donations from our friends and retailers. Hopefully, our program will be a role model for other students to reach out to at-risk teens in their community and be a positive role model in their life.
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