It is through our Service Programs that we are able to work towards fulfilling our mission. Through our Programs for Women, we are able to promote the advancement of the status of women. Through our advocacy and by providing resources, we are able to raise awareness and provide access for those individuals who are at risk. Through our international projects, we strive for a global advancement of human rights.
Women’s Opportunity Awards (WOA)
The Women's Opportunity Awards program is Soroptimist’s major project. Through the program, clubs in 19 countries and territories assist women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills, and employment prospects. Each year, more than $1 million is disbursed through cash awards at various levels of the organization. Recipients, many of whom have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, domestic violence, and drug and alcohol abuse, may use the awards to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, such as books, childcare and transportation.
Eligible applicants must be women who provide the primary financial support for their families, and who are enrolled in or have been accepted to a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, and cannot have already earned an undergraduate degree. Only residents of Soroptimist International of the Americas' 19 member countries and territories are eligible to apply. >> Download The Women's Opportunity Award Application
Ruby Award For Women Helping Women
This award acknowledges women who are working to improve the lives of women and girls through their personal or professional activities. Their efforts help to promote the issues that are important to the Soroptimist organization. Honorees are women who have worked in extraordinary ways to benefit women and girls. Examples of the type of work honored include: spearheading an effort to open a domestic violence shelter, working to secure health services for low-income women, starting a mentoring program for at-risk girls, or lobbying companies to provide on-site child care. The program enables local Soroptimist clubs and the Soroptimist organization to thank these women and encourage others to explore ways to assist women and girls. The program begins on the club level, where the type of recognition varies. Award winners at the club level are eligible for additional awards at other levels of the organization. The finalist receives a $5,000 donation to the charitable organization of her choice.
Violet Richardson Award
Named after the very first president of Soroptimist International The Soroptimist Violet Richardson Award is a recognition program for young women ages 14-17 engaged in volunteer action within their communities or schools. The award is given to young women whose activities make the community and world a better place. >> Download Violet Richardson application
Soroptimists STOP Trafficking
The goal of the Soroptimists STOP Trafficking project is to raise awareness in the general population about sex trafficking. To that end, Soroptimist has developed a card that provides information about the sex trafficking of women and girls. The information is provided in a simple and powerful way that will encourage readers to get involved to help end sex trafficking. The cards are designed to be handed out at any time of the year, but especially on December 2nd the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery and/or January 11th the National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness (U.S. only).
Soroptimist Village
Located at 12657 Foster Rd Norwalk, CA and run by nine local Soroptimist clubs this project provides housing for low income seniors. SIW participates in holiday and birthday parties.
Lois Neece Award
Named after former SIW President Lois Neece this award is given to high school students high school students who have persevered and overcome obstacles in their lives. Nominations are submitted every year and awardees are honored at an award ceremony.
Ruth White Scholarship
Named after the first SIW President the Scholarship Fund assists women in college programs. Applications are reviewed every year and funds are awarded at award ceremony. >> Download Ruth White application
Youth Forum
Youth Forum is a round table discussion giving high school students the opportunity to meet and
discuss issues that concern all people. The goal of the forum is to share opinions, make suggestions, ask questions and recommend solutions.
Youth Forum has an impressive slate of 25 community leaders as facilitators and judges. The event is attended by
over 100 high school participants.
Women in Need (WIN) Projects
*Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Partnering with the Whittier Police Department and Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital to provide exams, counseling and support to sexual assault victims for the local communities.
*Baby Think It Over (BTIO) and Soroptimist Teen Outreach Program (STOP) This project provides infant simulators to the junior and senior high schools which supports prevention of teen pregnancy.
*Teen Girls’ Success Conference This service project is for at-risk high school girls, where Soroptimist members are mentors and facilitators have discussions and demonstrations on important topics related to career, health, relationships, higher education, support groups and life.
Support to Local Community Based Organizations
SIW supports community organizations who meet the Soroptimist Mission through monetary donations, sponsors support and volunteer efforts.
