Program Schedule

From February through September, SOHO staff recruits mentors to work with the program’s pre-adolescent population. All prospective mentors must participate in an information session, fill out an online application, interview with the program staff and Board members, provide references and complete a background check.

SOHO staff receives referrals and conducts information sessions and home visits with prospective mentees from May through September.

In September, SOHO trains mentors and invites selected girls to participate in the program. Throughout the first month of SOHO, the primary focus is on developing group cohesion and identifying ideal mentor/mentee matches. Mentor matches are announced in October and celebrated with mentor/mentee outings in the community.

Throughout the school year, SOHO meets weekly, following this general schedule:

4:30 PM: SOHO mentees arrive, have a snack and begin their life skills lesson.

5:30 PM: Mentors arrive and a healthy dinner is served.

6:15 PM: Class begins, focusing on a fun and often practical arts, carpentry or STEM projects.

7:40 PM: Clean up, closing circle and SOHO cheer.

8:00 PM: Mentors drive their mentees home.

Community service events take place either in lieu of a weekly meeting or on the weekends.

Space transformations take place in April and May. Girls hold a year-end reception to showcase their efforts over the year to family, friends, teachers and partnering organizations.