Youth development nonprofit, SOS Outreach, is gearing up for another season of winter programming at Wilmot Mountain this year. The organization which uses outdoor-based mentorship to engage young people in a multi-year curriculum, says that it expects to host 200 local Kenosha and Chicago participants this season.
With that said, there’s no question that between gear, lift tickets, and transportation, sports like skiing and snowboarding are far from cheap. With financial and in-kind support from Jockey, SOS is helping participants’ families get their child out on the slopes without breaking the bank.
“It is central to the mission of SOS Outreach that no family is denied participation based on financial limitations,” says SOS’ Chief Operating Officer, Elizabeth Williams, “and we provide all programs at a significantly discounted rate to ensure affordability and accessibility”.
For SOS’s introductory program, which includes five on-mountain ride days with a ski/snowboard instructor, the cost to the organization is $675 per youth, while the fee-for-service charged to families is $100. For SOS’ Mentor Program, which includes five on-mountain ride days, multiple off-mountain workshops, and community service activities, the cost to the organization is $2,000 per child, and the fee-for-service charged to families is $150. SOS has found that charging some fee for service increases a sense of ownership and buy-in to the program for families and helps youth be motivated to show up since they have invested financially in this opportunity. In order to offer programs at these rates, SOS fundraises significant dollars, both nationally and locally, to directly benefit youth with Jockey playing a significant role in supporting Kenosha-based participants.
Families who can not afford the fee for service are awarded scholarships to ensure their children can still participate in the program. To participate, youth must undergo a strength and needs assessment and must qualify for two needs out of a list of approximately 25. These needs range from having difficulties in school to struggling with mental health to coming from a low-income household. Out of the over 3,000 youth who participate in SOS nationwide, 45.7% come from low-income households or households that make less than $40,000 per year. SOS also works with schools and youth agency partners to identify youth who would most benefit from the program. This season SOS is partnering with Mahone, Lance, Trevor Wilmot and Reuther middle and high schools.
“We are proud to support the tremendous impact that SOS is having on young people right here in our community,” says Jake McGhee, Jockey’s Vice President of New Business Development & Community Engagement, “they are not only getting kids out on the slopes, but they are connecting those kids to positive adult mentors, which is truly life-changing”.
SOS kicked off its 2024/25 winter season at Wilmot Mountain on January 8 and run through February 15 with 200 young people hitting the slopes through SOS programs.
