Soroptimist International of Elk Grove

Reviewed by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation

$4,786 raised by 32 donors

100% complete

$4,000 Goal

We are a global women's organization whose members work to improve the lives and women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Soroptimist programs focus on providing women and girls with access to education, which is one of the most effective ways to end social problems disproportionately affecting women and girls.

Soroptimist International (SI) has consultative status with the United Nations' Economic and Social Council, which oversees U.N. activities and policies promoting human rights. It is in this forum that Soroptimist representatives can advocate for the Soroptimist mission of improving the lives of women and girls. Recently, our club has adopted 2 Haitian school girls in the Dominican Republic. We pay for their schooling. In past years we have provided solar cookers in Uganda, 30 water filtration kits (in conjunction with XHope Missions in Uganda, provide local children in Peru educational experiences, fun outings, and arts & crafts.  


Soroptimist's Live Your Dream Awards program is a unique education award for women who provide the primary financial support for their families. The Live Your Dream Awards give women the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects.  Soroptimist's Live Your Dream Awards program is a unique education award for women who provide the primary financial support for their families. The Live Your Dream Awards give women the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects. 


Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls gives girls the tools they need to achieve their education and career goals, empowering them to break cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse.  Although all girls face barriers because of their gender, we prioritize working with girls who have additional obstacles including poverty, unstable home lives, living in foster care, or teen motherhood. Soroptimist clubs work in partnership with girls in small groups or a conference setting to provide them with the information and resources they want and need to be successful. 


Helping Hands Program helps senior women age 55 or older who are facing a financial challenge. We offer up to $300 per individual during a rolling 12-month period to cover needs that are not met through other resources. In addition to SIEG member recommendations, this funding is being offered to clients of Elk Grove Food Bank Services (EGFBS). EGFBS may request funding for a client when no other program funds are available to cover needs such as utility bills, medical or prescription costs, or household expenses necessary to start new housing.


Soaring to Success Program's goal is Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. SIEG decided it was time to meet the girls that are furthest behind and give them the “Wings to Soar.”  with that Soaring to Success was created. Every quarter a young girl is selected from each of the schools throughout the school year; a total of 12 girls were selected.   The criteria were students trying to change their flight path to soar.  Attendance, grades, and making a difference in your community as well as seeing the difference through hard work and dedication.  Due to circumstances beyond their control, they put their education first and need to be recognized for that.   


Soroptimist High School Scholarships - SIEG has added an additional Scholarship this year - Kristine M. Smith Memorial Scholarship. We now have 4-$2000 Scholarships; two of which are for girls who are/have been in the foster care system. 


Within our community we have given money/support to the Elk Grove Food Bank, Project R.I.D.E., Chicks in Crisis, Wellspring Women's Center, Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART), Optimist Kohl's Child Spree, Elk Grove Food Bank, X-Hope, UpLift, Strauss Festival, Spotlight At the Ranch, WEAVE, and Break Free, to name a few.

You can find us on Instagram.com/soroptimist_elkgrove/

Find us on Twitter @EG_Soroptimist

We have 38 members who are involved in various activities to improve our community.

Mission

Soroptimist improves the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Our SI Elk Grove "Live Your Dream Awards" are given to assist women annually who provide the primary source of financial support for their families. Our "Dream it, Be It: Career Support for Girls" program focuses on girls in secondary school who face obstacles to their future success. Yearly we award three scholarships through the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation.

Needs

Funds to be able to award three $2,000 grants to help female heads of household continue their education, or to increase the amount given.

Funds for additional gas cards for our Helping Hands program, and funds to help more senior women with their hospital bills, car repair, vehicle registration, utility bill, etc.

Funds for Crisis Kits (t-shirt, sweats, flip flops, toothbrush/toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap) for women/girls escaping domestic violence situations.

Funds to support Foster girls throughout the year.

Funds to recognize girls at our local Continuation High Schools for their continued educational successes.

Funds for sponsoring Seniors at Christmas time for the Elk Grove Food Bank's "Adopt a Senior" program.

Funds to purchase school supplies for annual Optimist Kohl's Child Spree.

Leadership development funds for members to attend yearly Regional Development Retreat that focuses on our Dream programs, membership recruitment, fundraising and service projects in our community.

Equity Statement

As a global organisation, SI recognises and values the contributions of volunteers from all backgrounds, regardless of age, ethnicity, race, colour, ability, religion, socio-economic status, culture, sexual orientation or gender identity. SI believes that a diverse community of volunteers is essential to its ability to achieve its mission to create a more equitable future.

SI celebrates multiple approaches and points of view and know that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative environment to serve its purpose and achieve its mission and vision for gender equality, human rights, peace and security.

SI will embed its equality, diversity and inclusion values into everyday practice, policies and procedures so that equality, diversity and inclusion are maintained and promoted at all times.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Soroptimist International of Elk Grove

other names

SIEG

Year Established

1985

Tax id (EIN)

68-0084228

Mission Category

Civil Rights, Social Action & Advocacy

Operating Budget

$50,001 - $100,000

Organization Need

Funding: Program, Funding: Unrestricted

Demographics Served

Youth & Children, Low-income individuals/families, Women/Female-identifying

Local Counties Served

Sacramento

Equity Statement

Equity Statement

Address

PO Box 881
Elk Grove, CA 95758

Service areas

Elk Grove, CA, US