Soroptimist | Investing in Dreams
Soroptimist International is a global women’s organization whose members volunteer to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. The Soroptimist Dream Programs ensure women and girls have access to the education and training they need to reach their full potential and live their dreams. Soroptimists are committed to investing in programs that promote sustainable, measurable change for women and girls.
Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women
The Live Your Dream Award is Soroptimist International of the Americas’ major program. Each year, more than $1.6 million in cash grants are awarded to head-of-household women who serve as the primary wage earner. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in or accepted to a skills training or undergraduate degree program. Live Your Dream Award recipients may use this cash to offset any costs associated with obtaining a higher education or technical training. This includes books, childcare, tuition, transportation or any other education-related expense.
Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls
Dream It, Be It targets girls in secondary school who face obstacles to their future success. It provides girls with access to professional role models, career education and resources to live their dreams. Soroptimist clubs work in partnership with girls in small groups or a conference setting to provide them with information and resources they want and need to be successful. The topics covered include career opportunities, setting and achieving goals, overcoming obstacles to success, and how to move forward following setbacks or failures.
Mammogram Program
This program assists women residing in the 98277 zip code who cannot afford a mammogram. Women are referred to the Diagnostic Imaging Department at WhidbeyHealth Medical Center by their primary care provider. Women meeting an established criteria receive a screening and/or diagnostic test. The billing is sent to Friends of WhidbeyHealth and paid through funds donated by Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor.
Heart of a Woman Program
The Soroptimist clubs in Oak Harbor, Coupeville and South Whidbey fund free Heartwise cholesterol and blood sugar screenings to women living on Whidbey Island and unable to pay for these services. To request your free Heart of a Woman screening, please call (360) 678-7656. No doctor referral is required.
The Road to Equality
Learn more about how Soroptimists around the world are focused on taking action and advocating on topics affecting women and girls, including Child Marriage, Female Genital Mutilation, Domestic Violence, Rights of Older Women, Migration, and Human Trafficking, incorporating a mix of projects, alongside education, to build awareness and engage Soroptimists and friends through discussion, webinars, access to tools, facts and stories.
Bear Project
New and “gently used” stuffed animals are collected, cleaned and repaired if needed. Each animal receives a fresh ribbon and tag that says, “Hugs from Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor.” They are distributed to various organizations and given to children facing a stressful situation.