Since 2014

Our Story of
Hopeful Stability

SOAR Outreach was established in 2014 with a steadfast commitment to uplifting underserved youth and families. Our journey has been defined by providing vital resources that foster stability, self-worth, and tangible opportunity in our communities.

Our Mission

SOAR Outreach is committed to uplifting underserved youth and families by providing essential resources that promote stability, dignity, and opportunity. We focus on eliminating critical barriers through access to footwear and technology—two foundational needs that impact daily life, education, and long-term success. Through our targeted initiatives, including SOAR Digital Connect, which addresses the digital divide by expanding access to technology, and our Community Footwear Assistance Program, which ensures individuals have proper footwear for school, work, and everyday activities, we strive to meet both immediate and long-term needs. By advancing access, equity, and empowerment—including support for educational engagement and community connection—we aim to help every child and family thrive at home, in school, and within their communities.

Our Vision

We envision a community where every child and family—regardless of their circumstances—has equitable access to the tools they need to succeed in a connected and mobile world. SOAR Outreach strives to create a future where no youth is limited by a lack of technology or proper footwear, and every household is empowered to pursue education, opportunity, and a more secure, hopeful tomorrow.

Our Leadership

Guiding our mission with compassion and strategic vision.

Utica Cason

Executive Director / Founder

Utica Cason is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SOAR Outreach, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and underserved communities through education, workforce development, affordable housing initiatives, digital inclusion, and access to critical resources. With more than 20 years of leadership experience spanning nonprofit management, affordable housing, real estate, property management, criminal justice, and human services, she has built a career focused on creating sustainable opportunities that improve lives and strengthen communities.

A graduate of SUNY Empire State College with a degree in Family and Human Services, Utica combines strategic leadership with a deep commitment to community engagement. Throughout her career, she has served as a nonprofit executive, board member, volunteer leader, and community advocate, developing collaborative partnerships that expand access to services and promote economic mobility. In addition to leading SOAR Outreach, Utica is the founder of SOAR Tech Connect, a social enterprise that advances digital equity by providing technology training, workforce development, and career pathways for underserved populations. She also serves as a business mentor, helping entrepreneurs and emerging nonprofit leaders build sustainable organizations that create lasting social impact.

Utica was named Wake County Winner of the North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for 2025! Winners were selected by a local panel of judges and approved by the Governor’s Volunteer Service Commission. Winners are now listed on the Governor’s Volunteer Service Commission .

Known for her collaborative leadership style and unwavering commitment to service, Utica is passionate about empowering individuals to achieve self-sufficiency while helping organizations build stronger, more resilient communities. Her vision continues to drive innovative programs that bridge opportunity gaps, foster economic empowerment, and create meaningful, measurable change throughout North Carolina and beyond.