Our Journey

Exploring the stories, experiences, and impact of SOARI's transformative work.

Meet Our Principal

Bev Latvala, Principal

Bev Latvala

Bev brings 25+ years of experience in youth development, education, and community service. Her career has been dedicated to creating opportunities for underserved children and building sustainable community programs.

"Every child deserves the opportunity to dream big and achieve their potential. Through SOARI, we are not just providing education and recreationβ€”we are building futures and transforming communities."

Key Achievements:

  • Founded and directed multiple youth programs
  • Trained 500+ volunteers
  • Secured $5M+ in grants and funding
  • Developed 50+ organizational partnerships
  • Impacted 10,000+ children's lives

Upcoming Trips & Events

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Special Needs Camp

πŸ“… June 1-15, 2026

πŸ“ San Jose

Supporting children with disabilities through adaptive recreation and inclusive activities.

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Summer Learning Program

πŸ“… July 5-19, 2026

πŸ“ Multiple Cities

Intensive academic support and enrichment for at-risk youth.

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Community Sports Initiative

πŸ“… August 2-16, 2026

πŸ“ Community Centers

Organizing recreational tournaments and athletic development programs.

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Back-to-School Support

πŸ“… September 10-24, 2026

πŸ“ Schools

Distributing school supplies and providing academic mentorship.

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Fall Leadership Camp

πŸ“… October 1-15, 2026

πŸ“ Retreat Center

Building confidence and leadership skills in young people.

Trip Highlights

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San Jose Special Needs Camp (2023)

Witnessed the transformative power of inclusive recreation for children with disabilities. This experience reinforced our commitment to accessibility and inclusion in all programs.

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Rural Education Initiative (2023)

Provided academic support to 200 children in underserved rural communities. Demonstrated the critical need for educational resources in remote areas.

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Summer Learning Program (2024)

Coordinated comprehensive summer enrichment serving 300 students. Achieved 85% improvement in academic performance among participants.

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Community Leadership Camp (2024)

Developed leadership program that inspired 100 young people to become community advocates and change agents in their neighborhoods.

Be Part of Our Journey

Join us on our mission to transform children's lives through education and recreation.