About Us
SOOAR (Strategies to Overcome Obstacles and Avoid Recidivism) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a licensed Community Awareness, Information, and Training (CAIT) provider under the Michigan Department of Community Health’s Substance Abuse Division. We offer prevention, life skills, risk reduction, and community mobilization services, working to remove barriers and improve quality of life for individuals and communities alike
Mission: By implementing leadership strategies we encourage, enlighten, and empower individuals by integrating life skills programming, risk reduction, and substance use prevention services stimulating positive personal change that leads to more productive lives.
SOOAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status.
Vision: We envision metropolitan Detroit being a place where everyone is respected, supported, and empowered to live a healthy life free from stigma and barriers. Through safer practices, prevention, and community-driven solutions, we promote dignity, and compassionate care—working toward a future where health justice is accessible to all.
Creating Meaningful Impact
Since our founding in 2005, SOOAR has been committed to enhancing the lives of those in need throughout the Metro Detroit area. Our dedicated staff and volunteers come from diverse backgrounds, bringing both expertise and compassion as we strive to create lasting, positive change. We measure our success not just through data, but through the stories, feedback, and visible improvements in community well-being.
Creating A Culture of Prevention
SOOAR'S Approach
In today’s world, substance-use prevention and harm reduction are essential components of wellbeing and community health. SOOAR uses a holistic approach—offering education, support, and engagement—to promote healthier behaviors, reduce harms, and build stronger, resilient communities.
Education & Community Engagement
We host educational workshops to help participants understand the potential harms of substance use and learn strategies for harm reduction. We organize community events that foster connection, peer support, and shared commitment to prevention and wellbeing.
Resources and Support
Resources & Support
Prevention is a journey; ongoing support makes all the difference. That’s why SOOAR provides a variety of resources—from printed materials to online tools and helplines—so that people always have accessible ways to reach out, learn, and get help when needed.
Together, we can build healthier, stronger communities. At SOOAR, we know prevention works—and we invite you to join us in creating a culture of resilience and hope.
Our Executive Director
Valerie Kelley-Bonner, MBA, CPhT, CPC-R, CCHW
Valerie Kelley-Bonner is the founder and Executive Director of Strategies to Overcome Obstacles and Avoid Recidivism (SOOAR). She considers herself as a “CPO” -Chief People Officer with over 20 years of leadership experience across multiple industries. She is most fulfilled when she is empowering others and has a global responsibility for the engagement, development, and empowerment of the world’s greatest asset-its people. Her work is informed by her deep understanding of the unique challenges disenfranchised and marginalized individuals face. She is specifically attuned to the challenges of people who use drugs, the African American community- and more importantly, the potential.
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Our Team
Our team and board of directors bring together professionals with varied experiences who guide SOOAR’s mission and vision. We are grateful for their leadership in shaping our programs and outreach.
Our Board
Coming together from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, our skilled team of professionals is the backbone of SOOAR. Their ideas help shape the direction and mission of our organization. Read on to learn more about some of our incredible team members.
