Our Impact
TESTIMONIALS
“For the first time at school, I didn’t feel judged. Our mentors are real people who tell about the problems they had at my age and I felt normal.” — High School Student
“I’m tired of having to listen to people come and lecture at us. At SOLE Effects, WE get to talk and people here really listen.” — High School Student
“Their work is not only significant to society but is beyond commendable and an honor to be a part... I want my life to project the same dedication, enthusiasm, commitment, and values as SOLE Effects does.” — College Mentor
“The Leadership Certification Course impacted my life in huge ways. My confidence in myself has increased exponentially, not to mention my professional skills. SOLE Effects showed me what I am capable of. ” — College Mentor
“It’s apparent that highly effective research-based preventative practices are used. These teens are very engaged and love attending, building strong trusting relationships. SOLE Effects program is the answer for students to become leaders.” — Former Attendance and Discipline Director
“I love the SOLE Effects (Adventure) Program for our school. I got to see the students engaged and really taking in everything the mentors were talking about was amazing. The students left the program feeling empowered.”
— 9th Grade Teacher
“My daughter has become more empathetic with her friends & peers. She has more confidence and willingness to try things she may have been reluctant to try in the past. She came away with a new purpose & outlook that she didn’t realize was “meaningful” or acceptable amongst her peers.”
— SOLE Effects Parent
“SOLE Effects made a world of difference in my son’s life. It sparked a passion in him he didn’t even know existed. Watching my son grow personally has been one of the most wonderful things a mom could ask for.”
— SOLE Effects Parent
“At a time when schools everywhere are struggling to find more effective ways to provide social and emotional supports for students, the SOLE Effects Adventure program shines brightly. Having seen it in action, I can share that the program defies the immaturity of ninth graders, approaching issues with an intensity and gravity that can only be effective because of the superb relationship our teens develop with their college student mentors. The 1:5 mentor/student ratio enables students to tackle heavy topics, set personal goals, and develop agency. I hope that all our PUSD campuses will soon be able to access this effective student-empowering program.”
— Michelle O’Connor-Ratcliff Former President, Board of Education Poway Unified School District
“SOLE Effects Adventure is a one-of-a-kind youth program. I’ve worked in youth mental health for 20 years, and SOLE Effects is the gold standard. By engaging youth at such a critical time in their lives, the program helps youth to build resiliency to support better mental wellness, prevent suicide and to understand the value of their voice as they navigate this world.”
— Stan Collins, Suicide Prevention Specialist, Media San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council