What's NEW With Us?
'Jane Doe in Wonderland' a Successful Event!
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Thanks to everyone for their support of "Jane Doe in Wonderland," an event to raise awareness about human trafficking.
For the second straight year, Soroptimist International of Vacaville teamed up with the Vacaville Police Department to inspire a frank discussion of sex trafficking in Solano County, this time showcasing a ground-breaking original stage performance titled, "Jane Doe in Wonderland." The play was written through the collaborating of anti-sex trafficking nonprofit Game Over, founded by survivor/educator Elle Snow and MFA playwrightss Grace Booth, Kate Tobie and Erin Johnston. Here are some photos from the event! |
Welcome to new member Bridgit Strachan!
Today (Oct. 25) we were thrilled to induct new member Bridgit Gallagher Strachan into Soroptimist International of Vacaville. Bridgit is a retired hospital administrator and registered nurse with a wealth of leadership experience.
Welcome new members and fabulous speakers!
Meet two of our newest members to join Soroptimist International of Vacaville: Linda Montenegro and Tanya Mashburn. Linda (holding flowers in the photo at right) and Tanya (holding flowers in the photo at left) were welcomed by (left to right) President Colleen Berumen, Membership Chairman Wendy Wasserman, Linda's sponsor Susan Mays and Tanya's sponsor Suzanne Clark.
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Welcoming Two New Members Together!
Wendy Wasserman (left) inducted two new members to Soroptimist International of Vacaville in August: Rachel Morgan and Celina Banda-Brown (both holding blowers. They are pictured here with their sponsors, Desiree Ramos and Colleen Berumen.
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Two Camino Princesses share their adventures
Our very own Camino Princess Jill Hunter (center) is surrounded by her friends and inspirations -- who are also Camino princesses -- Loretta Olson (left) and Heidi Campini. They came to our Tuesday, Sept. 4 meeting to hear Jill's presentation on her amazing SECOND adventure on the Camino de Santiago. Yes, she has walked 500 miles x 2! She's living proof that a "geezer can get off the couch" (her words) and make a difference. It was not only personal victory, but she's raised some $7,000 for Soroptimist fellowship and programs.
Learning about the Solano Coalition for Better Health
Thanks, Joanie Erickson, executive director of the Solano Coalition for Better Health for coming and sharing information about your organization with Soroptimist International of Vacaville on Tuesday! You folks are doing some amazing work! Our Vice President Colleen Berumen (at left) thanks Joanie for coming.
Welcome new member Ellen Simonin
Soroptimist sponsor Allison Catapano (left) and inducting member Mary Harris (right) welcome new member Ellen Simonin to the Vacaville International of Soroptimist organization on Tuesday, Aug. 25 Welcome, Ellen!
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Welcome New Member Stephanie Brennan
Soroptimist International of Vacaville welcomed a past member returning to join us once again! Welcome to Stephanie Brennan, who was inducted at our Aug. 19 meeting.
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Soroptimist Earns $3,000 Grant for STEPS Program!
Soroptimist International of Vacaville has been awarded a $3,000 grant from Soroptimist International of the Americas to support an outreach program that serves at-risk teen girls in Vacaville, announced the club’s past president Joy Swank.
STEPS– Soroptimist Teaching and Empowering for Personal Success – was launched at Country High School two years ago and involves members of the local organization participating in workshops twice a month with the girls.
Since the program began, Swank has written three grants, for a total of $11,000, all funded by SIA.
“It perfectly reflects our parent organization’s “Dream It – Be It” career support program for girls,” says Swank.
STEPS was created by current President Desiree Ramos and is supported by the club at large. Women volunteer their time to present workshops, bring lunch and mentor the girls. Sessions are focused on life skills.
Since the program began, two cash awards and a scholarship have been awarded to STEPS participants, said Swank. The Joanna Hunter Scholarship was created to honor the memory of Soroptimist member Patricia Hunter’s daughter, and this year was $4,000.
The STEPS program has been well received by the girls, and by the school’s administrators, added Swank.
“One of the STEPS girls wrote to our group and said simply, ‘You give me hope.’ That’s what it’s all about.”
STEPS– Soroptimist Teaching and Empowering for Personal Success – was launched at Country High School two years ago and involves members of the local organization participating in workshops twice a month with the girls.
Since the program began, Swank has written three grants, for a total of $11,000, all funded by SIA.
“It perfectly reflects our parent organization’s “Dream It – Be It” career support program for girls,” says Swank.
STEPS was created by current President Desiree Ramos and is supported by the club at large. Women volunteer their time to present workshops, bring lunch and mentor the girls. Sessions are focused on life skills.
Since the program began, two cash awards and a scholarship have been awarded to STEPS participants, said Swank. The Joanna Hunter Scholarship was created to honor the memory of Soroptimist member Patricia Hunter’s daughter, and this year was $4,000.
The STEPS program has been well received by the girls, and by the school’s administrators, added Swank.
“One of the STEPS girls wrote to our group and said simply, ‘You give me hope.’ That’s what it’s all about.”
And the DESI Goes To...
Nancy Bennett! She's Still
Carrying a Torch ...
Our first DESI Honor went to Nancy Bennett, who shared with us at our Aug. 18 meeting. Nancy shared with us that she was honored with carrying the Olympic Torch in the relay in 1996. she even brought the torch with her and passed it around so we could all see and touch it.
Nancy Bennett! She's Still
Carrying a Torch ...
Our first DESI Honor went to Nancy Bennett, who shared with us at our Aug. 18 meeting. Nancy shared with us that she was honored with carrying the Olympic Torch in the relay in 1996. she even brought the torch with her and passed it around so we could all see and touch it.
