About
Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training the need to achieve economic empowerment.
Projects
TRAVEL FOR A CAUSE
As a member of Soroptimist International Santa Clara Silicon Valley, Jodie Fillhardt (Fat Mama) is coordinating our club's humanitarian response to the Ukrainian Crisis. We will be working with Ms. Fillhardt and the International School of Kraków collecting funds, physical item donations, and shelter support to assist displaced Ukrainians in Krakow, Poland, long term.
As part of Soroptimist International, our Santa Clara Silicon Valley club sponsors two SI of the Americas award programs:
LIVE YOUR DREAM AWARD
This inspirational program offers recognition and cash awards to women returning to school while heading their household. Local winners go on to compete for regional and international honors.
DREAM IT BE IT: CAREER SUPPORT FOR GIRLS
Aims to help girls grow up to be strong, successful, happy adults. The program will provide girls with access to professional role models, career education and the resources to live their dreams.
SISCSV holds a major fundraiser each year –The Classy Bag Affaire – the event is an auction and a luncheon; all members participate to raise funding for our projects.
HOMESAFE HOUSING AND BIRTHDAY PARTIES
In 2001, we donated $20,000 to help furnish houses at HomeSafe-Santa Clara, the first transitional housing project for women survivors of domestic violence and their children in the U.S. In 2002, we began a bi-monthly birthday party for the children at HomeSafe-Santa Clara, who range in age from babies to teens. In 2004, we added the same program at the site in San Jose on alternate months.
FAMILY ASSISTANCE CHRISTMAS STORE
Each year more than 250 children have a brighter Christmas after parents finish their “shopping” spree at the Soroptimist Christmas Store. SISCSV opens the doors at a local elementary school to over 100 families to do their Christmas “shopping” for their children.
Monies earned from fundraising, a grant from the Mission City Community Fund, Safeway, Rotary, as well as generous donations from the community, have allowed Soroptimists to stock the “store” with new toys, games, household items, and food products. In addition, each child receives a Christmas stocking filled with toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash. This event is a very heart-warming experience for all of our members.
Over the Years SISCSV has contributed more than half a million dollars to community service projects:
HomeSafe – Domestic Violence Shelter
YWCA of Santa Clara County
Triton Museum of Art
Historical Arts Consortium
Project Independence:
Women Survivors of War
Heart of the Valley Senior Services
Bill Wilson Center
SISCSV ‘S’ Club
SIA “Dream It, Be It”
SIA “Live Your Dream”
Veteran’s Hospital
VIA Rehabilitation
Emergency Housing Consortium
Housing for Independent People
Santa Clara Police Department
(Every 15 Minutes Program)
Santa Clara Firefighters
Better Things Program