JOCKEY PARTNERS WITH SOS OUTREACH IN “LEARN TO RIDE” SKI AND MENTOR PROGRAM

Kenosha, Wis. [Jan. 20, 2023] – Jockey International, Inc. has partnered with SOS Outreach, based out of Denver, Colo., to provide financial support and volunteers to expand SOS’s “Learn to Ride” ski and mentor program in Kenosha.

A successful pilot program, which took place at Wilmot Mountain last year, will impact even more youth in 2023. What started as a group of 30 fourth graders from Brass Elementary school last year, has grown to include over 140 youth participants from not only Brass Elementary school, but also Frank Elementary School, Lincoln Middle School, and the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha.  

In partnership with Jockey, funding will be provided over the next three years, growing the opportunity to participate in the SOS Outreach program to 260 Kenosha youth across the three-year period.  

As part of Jockey’s ongoing commitment to Lincoln Middle School which primarily focuses on academic improvement, the SOS program is the perfect fit to engage students beyond the classroom.

As part of the program, youth participate in five days of skiing at Wilmot Mountain, receive professional instruction and are fitted with all the gear necessary for program participation, at no cost to them. In addition to learning something new and unearthing the courage to step outside of their comfort zones, they will discover new strengths within themselves and be empowered to reach their true potential.

“When we first heard about the SOS Outreach program that took place last year, we knew it was something we wanted to be involved with,” said Jake McGhee, Chief Philanthropy Officer. “Not only do we love the idea of youth having an opportunity they likely would not otherwise have, but we also loved the SOS Outreach curriculum and mentor program, and we thought it was a perfect way to get our employees involved.”

As part of the SOS Outreach program, youth are guided with the SOS core values of courage, discipline, integrity, wisdom, compassion, and humility – all skills that provide a framework for positive decision making.

Terri McGuire, a Brass Elementary school fourth/fifth grade teacher and now SOS Outreach Program Coordinator, has been instrumental in bringing this program to life in Kenosha. “It’s much more than just learning to ski. Students are developing life skills through an emphasis on core values, adult mentorship, and community service activities. I have witnessed improved classroom behavior as well; students motivated by opportunities to be a part of the program. It has been incredible to watch the transition our kids have made in just one short year,” said McGuire. “With the launch of the mentor program, our students are paired with vibrant people in our community to hit the slopes and develop connections that will hopefully last more than just one season. The goal is to build strong character, positive relationships, and a greater sense of belonging. Skiing is the catalyst to get them excited and have fun!”

Youth who completed the introductory “Learn to Ride” program last year have now been placed in the mentor program, which will span 4th grade through high school, with each year of the curriculum requiring increased youth participation in skill development and community service commitments. Upon completion of the mentor program, youth can then give back to the community by becoming junior mentors.