Practical Programs for Real-World Safety

At SOAR (Safety Outreach Assessment and Resources) in Northridge, CA, we believe that safety is more than a checklist—it is a lifelong commitment to protecting individuals with developmental disabilities and supporting their families. People with developmental disabilities often face significantly higher risks of abuse, neglect, and unsafe environments. That is why SOAR was created: to fill the gaps that other programs overlook by offering individualized, practical, and long-term safety solutions.


Call SOAR today at (561) 837-0870 to discover how our safety services can help you or your loved one live a safer, more empowered life.

Man in wheelchair is pushed by another man in a hallway; both men smile.
Man with Down syndrome smiles, high-fiving another man indoors.

Addressing Real-World Safety Needs

For individuals with developmental disabilities, safety is not one-size-fits-all. It requires protecting both physical and emotional well-being while ensuring access to essential supports. At SOAR, we focus on:

Safe Living Spaces – Promoting home environments that reduce risks.

Individualized Safety Plans – Tailoring tools and resources to personal needs.

Healthcare and Community Safety – Ensuring individuals know how to access care and stay safe in public.

Balancing Risk and Independence – Supporting personal freedom while managing real risks.

Building Resource Networks – Creating connections to long-term systems of care.

Unlike organizations that focus solely on children, autism, or basic emergency preparedness, SOAR addresses safety across the entire lifespan—from early childhood to adulthood and through critical life transitions such as aging out of school services, foster care transitions, and planning for guardianship or independent living.

Filling the Gaps Other Programs Overlook

Many nonprofits limit their focus to short-term or single-population initiatives. SOAR was founded to provide lifespan safety programs that grow and evolve with the individual. We don’t stop at childhood safety education or emergency drills—we look at the full picture of safety needs across every stage of life.

Core Programs and Services

SOAR offers a comprehensive approach to safety that combines advocacy, education, resources, and innovation. Our core programs include:

Partnerships and Referrals

We act as a liaison between state and federal agencies and the individuals who need their services. By developing partnerships and referrals, SOAR ensures families are connected to the right safety programs and resources without unnecessary delays.

Safety Planning and Tools

We provide practical, ready-to-use resources such as family safety kits, home modification recommendations, and emergency preparedness programs that help families feel confident in times of crisis.

Training and Education

SOAR delivers tiered training programs for families, caregivers, schools, group homes, and first responders. These sessions build awareness, teach practical skills, and ensure communities can better support individuals with developmental disabilities.

Assessment and Skill Development

We create safety checklists and teaching strategies to strengthen essential life skills such as calling 911, water safety, and self-advocacy. These tools help individuals practice and retain safety skills both at home and in their communities.

Family and Caregiver Support

We guide families and caregivers through critical long-term planning needs, including supported decision-making, foster care transitions, guardianship, wills, and estate planning.

Crisis and Advocacy Support

SOAR partners with law enforcement, fire departments, hospitals, and other emergency services to advocate for better safety resources and policies. We also mentor professionals and provide direct advocacy support during crises.

Research and Innovation

We conduct ongoing needs assessments and pilot programs to ensure our work evolves with the challenges individuals face. Data-driven strategies allow us to remain innovative, effective, and responsive to real-world needs.

Why SOAR Is Different

SOAR is not just another safety initiative. We are a lifespan safety partner—helping families prepare for the realities of today while planning for the challenges of tomorrow. Our approach is:

Individualized

– Tailored to each person’s unique circumstances.

Lifespan-Oriented

– Supporting safety from childhood to adulthood.

Practical

– Focused on real-world skills, tools, and resources.

Inclusive

 Designed for individuals of all abilities and backgrounds.

Collaborative

– Building networks of safety that bring families, agencies, and communities together.

Man high-fiving another man with Down syndrome at a table outdoors. Both smile.
A smiling girl in a wheelchair high-fives a boy while a man smiles, indoors, warm lighting.

✨ At SOAR, every individual deserves safety, independence, and dignity. Our mission is to make that possible.

Call SOAR today at (561) 837-0870 to start building a safer future for your family.