Laisa Leao
The Support, Outreach, Action, Resilience – SOAR – program gathered about 50 Edwards AFB students on the night of July 13 to run, walk, play, chat, and keep them together instead of isolated.
The “Light Up The Night” event is one of many events hosted by SOAR. The main goal is to promote students’ well-being during the summer break, when schools are closed, and students are often away from their friends and peers. It included activities tailored to boost their physical, social and mental resilience, defined as the ability to function well in face of adversity.
“I loved being a part of this event! It was a great opportunity for me and the teens around me to feel like a valuable part of a growing community and to have fun at the same time. I’m so glad I was able to contribute to the whole process. It turned out super cool, and I got to bond with my friends,” said Teagan McNab, Desert High School student and base resident.
In 2020, Edwards AFB grieved the loss of two of its students to suicide. Determined to help prevent this tragedy from happening again, parents and military personnel started a suicide-prevention program referred to as SOAR. SOAR offers a safe space for teens to voice their ideas without fear, to request mental health care without concerns, and to build strong ties with the community.
Teens enrolled in the program participate in mental health sessions led by professionals from Edwards helping agencies, such as the Resilience Training Assistants and Four Lenses, as well as by community programs, such as the Hero Mentor Program sponsored by Marshmallow’s Hope and scheduled for a LivingWorks safeTALK at Edwards AFB in the fall. In partnership with many military and community organizations, SOAR hosts many events and organizes many projects throughout the year.
“Teens face stressors that can lead to depression, from bullying to academic pressures to social conflicts. Understanding these teens and giving them an open mind and place to communicate is crucial in providing effective support throughout the community,” said Danica Navarres, Desert High School student and SOAR participant.
The program is free of charge. Parents and students can inquire about the program by sending an email to [email protected].
The Support, Outreach, Action, Resilience – SOAR – program gathered about 50 Edwards AFB students on the night of July 13 to run, walk, play, chat, and keep them together instead of isolated. The Support, Outreach, Action, Resilience – SOAR – program gathered about 50 Edwards AFB students on the night of July 13 to run, walk, play, chat, and keep them together instead of isolated. The Support, Outreach, Action, Resilience – SOAR – program gathered about 50 Edwards AFB students on the night of July 13 to run, walk, play, chat, and keep them together instead of isolated.