Specialties
Strengthening Opportunities Actions Resources (SOAR) supports individuals, nonprofits, and small businesses across Brooklyn by helping them grow, launch, and thrive. We work alongside entrepreneurs, schools, and community organizations to improve visibility, strengthen operations, and build sustainable foundations for long-term success.
A core part of our work includes community and business grants. SOAR has provided community grants to schools, supplying essential materials and resources that directly support students and classrooms. We have also awarded youth opportunity grants, including scholarships that helped students attend basketball camps, expanding access to enrichment, mentorship, and skill development.
In addition to grantmaking, we offer startup support through our Business Success Hub program such as articles of incorporation, EIN registration, and 501(c)(3) filings; branding and design services including logos, business cards, letterheads, and envelopes; and strategic marketing support such as Google Ads and Meta ad creation, management, analytics setup, and tag implementation. We also provide business development guidance, compliance support, and workforce training, including CPR, AED, BLS, and First Aid classes.
Our mission is to remove barriers, amplify impact, and strengthen Brooklyn’s communities.
History
Established in 2016.
We founded Strengthening Opportunities Actions Resources (SOAR) in 2016 to address barriers individuals, families, and small businesses face when access to resources, stability, and support is limited.
Our work is rooted in lived experience, witnessing how financial insecurity, domestic violence, substance abuse, and lack of guidance and opportunity, can limit long-term outcomes.
We created our organization so others would not have to navigate those challenges alone. What began as a mission to support youth and families evolved into a broader commitment to strengthening communities through action. Over the years, we have provided community grants to schools for essential supplies, awarded youth opportunity grants including basketball camp funding, hosted an youth camps, and supported entrepreneurs and nonprofits with startup formation, branding, marketing, and compliance services.
Today, we focus on expanding access to opportunity, and building pathways for communities to succeed.
Meet the Manager: Crystal-lee C.
As Director of Strengthening Opportunities Actions Resources (SOAR), I work directly with clients and community members across many areas of our programming. Much of my role involves helping businesses navigate startup and compliance filings, organize documentation, and make informed decisions as they build or grow their organizations.
I frequently lead marketing projects, working hands-on with clients to develop logos, print materials, and practical marketing strategies. I also teach clients how to use tools so they can confidently manage their own content and online presence. When needed, I assist with social media posting strategies and campaign setup.
In addition to business development work, I support SOAR’s workforce training programs and assist as an instructor for CPR and First Aid classes. I currently serve in this role as a volunteer and remain closely involved in all aspects of SOAR’s work, ensuring clients receive guidance, clear direction, and consistent support.