40/29 reports on the “why” behind SOAR NWA.
Open Avenues
Open Avenues is a non-profit agency, established in 1975, that provides employment opportunities to people with disabilities. We believe people with disabilities are a vital part of our community. Our programs are focused on meeting people where they’re at and empowering them to achieve personal and vocational goals. SOAR NWA is a fundraising event put on by Open Avenues Development staff & a team of volunteers to support our mission.
Our Mission
Our mission centers around “opening avenues” of opportunity for our participants by facilitating personal growth and attainment of vocational goals. We do this through life and job skills training, on-site employment, community employment, a high school transition program, and transportation services.
Prevocational Training Center
Our prevocational training center and classroom are well-respected examples of an employment and learning environment for people with disabilities. This is made possible by support from business and industrial partners who outsource work to meet their production needs.
Community Employment
Our community employment program offers job placement, supported employment and employee -1st career pathways. We also serve as an employment network for the social security ticket-to work program. Through community employment programs, clients receive a career plan and support tailored to suit their individual needs.
High School Transition
Our high school transition program facilitates the transition from high school to employment for students with disabilities. Working with high school juniors and seniors in Pea Ridge, this two-year program provides an array of specialized services including soft skills training, job shadowing, and work-based learning.
Transportation
Transportation is one of the biggest barriers people with disabilities face in achieving community inclusion. Our fleet of buses travel throughout Benton and parts of Washington County to transport clients between their homes and our facility.