February through September – Mentor Recruitment: 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.
May through September – SOHO Girl Recruitment: SOHO staff receives referrals and conducts information sessions and home visits with prospective mentees from May through September.
September – Mentor Training and Mentee Engagement: 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.
SOHO Weekly Schedule: 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 or STEM projects.
7:40 PM: Clean up, closing circle and SOHO cheer.
8:00 PM: Mentors drive their mentees home.
The Value of Community Service: Community service projects teach SOHO girls that they can make a difference, teaches empathy, and builds an understanding of the challenges in their community. SOHO hosts events either in lieu of a weekly meeting or on the weekends.
April – May – Space Transformations and Promotion: Space transformations provide each SOHO girl with the opportunity to create a space that is her own and offers the dignity that every child deserves. During the year-end Promotion Ceremony mentors and mentees showcase their efforts over the year to family, friends, teachers and partnering organizations.