Soroptimist International of Vacaville meets weekly, and during some of those meetings we have guest speakers. A Big Thank You to Candy Pierce, Executive Director of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for her wonderful presentation about the work CASA volunteers are doing to make a difference in the lives of foster children in our county.

Candy provided a brief history of the origins of CASA in the country and told us that 10 years ago Solano County hired her in a temporary position to get the program started here.  Now 10 years later she shared many wonderful stories about how these volunteers affect the lives of foster children.  What CASA needs now is more volunteers especially male volunteers.

To become a volunteer one must complete 40 hours of training and undergo a thorough background check. Also the volunteer must agree to see his/her assigned child for 3 hours every week and make a 2 year commitment.  She also mentioned that once all the training is completed the volunteer takes an oath administered by a judge and becomes an officer of the court with a court order that permits the volunteer to meet with any person who interacts with the child and report their observations back to the judge.

Candy also stated that they have just received a grant to add a Community Outreach Person to their team to help educate the community about the purpose and work of CASA.

Soroptimist International of Vacaville has extended its deadline to nominate an outstanding woman for its 2020 Ruby Award.

All applications must be received by Jan. 28 for the award, which honors an outstanding woman for her efforts to help other women in our community.

The winner each year is an extraordinary woman who works to improve conditions for women and girls either through her personal, volunteer or professional avenues.

This is a woman who has made efforts to improve the lives of women and/or girls, has had a significant impact on the lives of other females, and who has inspired and encouraged other women. A few examples may include a woman who assisted in establishing a shelter for female domestic violence victims, a woman who began a mentoring program for at-risk girls, and a woman who successfully lobbied her company for an on-site child care program.

Community organizations and individuals are invited to nominate candidates, with their consent. Women are also able to nominate themselves. 

The winner will be honored at the annual Soroptimists of Vacaville awards dinner March 24, 2020.The club will also donate $1,000 to the winner’s charity of choice.
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You can download the application at www.vacavillesoroptimist.org/ruby-award-woman-of-the-year.html.
 
Return nominations to Soroptimist International of Vacaville, PO Box 6054,Vacaville, CA, 95696, Attn: Ruby Award nomination, by Jan. 28. For more information, email sivacaville@soroptimist.net