Description
SOAR Sisters Organization for Activities and Recreation
SOAR was founded in 1995 as a non-profit organization to provide recreation, sports and enrichment programs for Sisters area youth and families. Many groups in the community came together to create SOAR including the Sisters School District, Sisters Kiwanis Club, Sisters Rotary Club, Sisters Rodeo Association, AARP and the Parent Teacher Association.
In 1998 voters approved the formation of the SOAR District, a special park and recreation district, which is partially funded by taxes. The District boundaries are similar to the Sisters School District boundary. SOAR serves Sisters and the outlying areas of about 14,000 residents. The SOAR District is governed by a board of five elected officials.
The original SOAR non-profit organization evolved into the SOAR Foundation which is governed by an appointed Board of Directors. The SOAR Foundation helps to raise funds for the SOAR programs by holding fundraising events, seeking grants and support from the community.
The mission of SOAR is to provide opportunities for residents to lead active and healthy lifestyles through recreation, enrichment and sports programs. SOAR continues to focus on our original mission by maintaining an emphasis on prevention programs for youth.
In 2004 the SOAR Foundation raised over 1 million dollars to build the new community center. The 10,000 square foot community center includes a teen center, dance and fitness studio, business office and three classrooms. Outdoor facilities include a playground, two new baseball fields, skate park and a Disc Golf Course. The Community Center is located within walking distance of the Sisters high school and middle school.
SOAR offers a year round schedule of over 200 different programs for kids and adults. A wide variety of activities are offered including: a drop in teen center, all day child care and after school programs, two preschool programs, summer camps, tutoring, youth and adult sports, outdoor recreation, fitness, cultural and martial arts programs. Over 150 people come to the SOAR Community Center each day to participate in programs. Each year over 3000 kids participate in the programs.
