• S.T.A.R.T. - Saving Tomorrow and Recovering Today.  Our club fills large plastic containers with household items and toiletries and delivers them to women's shelters.  As these women leave the shelter, sometimes with nothing of their own, they at least have the basic necessities to set up a new household.  In order to accomplish this, we spend $1500 on supplies at Wal-mart.  We all gather to sort products and pack the tubs.  These are, then, delivered to local shelters. 

• RAPE KITS - We fill a small tote bag with a change of clothing and a few toiletries so that women who report to a hospital for a rape exam will be able to leave in fresh clothes.

• SOROPTIMIST HOUSE - This "house," located at 111 Washington St., was purchased and completely refurbished by our club members in 1993.  It has provided office space for several entities who provide services for women or children.  It was donated to our club with the stipulation that it be used to enhance the lives of women and children.  The organizations that lease the house do pay rent but at a substantially reduced rate.  In this way, we can enable these agencies to further their purpose. 

• WOMENADE - This is a fundraiser created to raise money for a designated purpose to be selected at the time of each year's event.  The two events that have been held thus far, have provided funds to provide free mammograms for women who cannot afford them.  The money is provided to Helping Hands where it is then used for the mammograms that are performed there.  Each event is unique with its own theme and will be held annually.  Thus far, we have had a women's dinner and a western dinner with auction.  On September 30th of this year, we will hold our third event.  It's theme is "Rockwall Idol."  We are excited to see just how much money will be raised for the women of Rockwall County. 

• ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS:

      WOMEN'S OPPORTUNITY AWARD: Clubs, Regions and The Federation recognize and support individuals in their efforts toward upward mobility, improving their lives, and the lives of others.  This program aids mature women who must enter or return to the job market.  They may need additional skills, training, or education to upgrade their employment potential.  Candidates are generally heads of households and are completing undergraduate programs or entering vocational or technical training programs.  The candidate is required to be a woman who wishes to further her education, live or work in Rockwall County, and be the “head of household.”  If she is married, she must be the primary bread- winner and if single, must not live with her parents. This training award is given annually to women attempting to elevate their economic status through education. This program begins at the local Soroptimist club level. These winners are then eligible to become regional winners. Each year, two winners from each region receive the Foundation-funded award. One finalist receives an additional Federation level award.  Applications are distributed September-November and should be completed by December 15. Our committee selects a recipient by Jan. 10. The award amount is to be determined by the local club and can be as much as  $1000.00.

      VIOLET RICHARDSON AWARD: This award is a recognition program for young women ages 14 to 17 engaged in volunteer action within their communities or schools. The award is given in honor of our Soroptimist founder, Violet Richardson, a woman of action, who had a life-long commitment to volunteering in her community.

      YCA- Youth Citizenship Award – Through the YCA program, graduating high school seniors (or their equivalents) are recognized for their outstanding contributions to their homes, schools, communities, countries, and the world. YCA begins on the club level. Each year, club level winners become eligible for one of two region awards. One finalist receives an additional federation-level award. YCA, also Foundation-funded, recognize outstanding contributions by young people to school, community, country, and the world. These financial awards are designed to help these students achieve their long- term goals.

  Cash award for a high school senior who exhibits outstanding citizenship.  Distribute applications Sept.-Nov. Applications must be completed by Dec. 15. Our committee should select a recipient by Jan. 10. Her name must be forwarded to the District by Feb 1. We would like to present the award at the High School Awards Ceremony in May. Award amount to be approved by Club: $1000.00

  WOMAN’S FUTURE AWARD: An award given to a mature woman who wishes to further her education and lives or works in Rockwall County. This program aids women who must enter or return to the job market. These women need additional skills, training, and education to upgrade their employment status. The Rockwall Soroptimist Club gives the $2500.00 award to a qualified candidate of their choice. 

  SOROPTIMIST SCHOLARSHIP:  A scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior in Rockwall County.  This student will be a young woman who excells in academics as well as service.  The amount is $1000. 

  Recognizes and honors young women between the ages of 14 and 17 who make the community and world a better place through volunteer efforts. Volunteer actions that benefit women or girls are of particular interest. The program begins at the club level, where award amounts vary. Local winners then become eligible to receive region level award - one $2,500 first place award, and two $1,000 awards. First place winners become eligible to receive one $2,500 finalist awards awarded at the Federation level. Additionally, the organization with which the winner volunteers receives a $2,500 grant. Applications are accepted each year from July 1st until December 1st, and should be submitted to the local club, or, if no club is available, to the Region. The award winner receives a $1,000 award and the organization where they volunteer receives $1,000.

   

   

   

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