Together our
contributions
have helped
individuals, our
communities
and the world
improve and
better
themselves.
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SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF
SUBURBAN CHICAGO
Making a Difference for Women
Family Shelter Services
Family Shelter Services support families who are victims of domestic violence. The holiday
season is always the most difficult time of the year at the shelters. In 1989, SISC members
established the first Family Shelter Holiday Party supplying food, games, entertainment and gift
bags to the current FSS clients (moms and children) each year. Additional items are collected and
donated to FSS throughout the year.
Women in Need Growing Stronger (WINGS)
WINGS supplies transitional housing and supportive services to homeless women and children in
the northwest suburbs. SISC holds a seat on the Advisory Board and provides monetary
donations that help support transitional housing. In past years SISC was involved in their Career
Development Program which began in March 2002 which provided intensive training and eduction
to enable women to achieve their potential in the workplace.
Items collected to assist those in need: (Recipients vary from Family Shelter
Services, West Chicago Social Services, and suburban food pantries)
Comfort Bear Program
Bears and monetary donations are collected and distributed to local police and fire departments
who give the bears to children removed from domestic violence and/or trauma situations. Our
annual Comfort Bear event is held at the Build-A-Bear Workshop where communities that receive
the bears help build them. Currently 8 communities participate in the Comfort Bear program.
 | | Food Drive assist low income families and victims of domestic violence
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| | Baby Steps Program help low income families with diapers and formula
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| | Used Cell Phones for 9-1-1 calls help the Elderly and victims of Domestic Violence |
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Club Projects, Programs and Service Partners>
Women's Opportunity Award - Education Award Single Head of Household Based on Need
$500 is awarded annually to aid a mature woman to enter or reenter the job market,or to further
her skills and training to upgrade her employment status. She must be head of household or have
a family financially dependent on her. The club level winner goes on to region and federation
judging for additional awards that could reach a total of $15,000.
Virginia M. Wagner Education Award
$500 is awarded annually to a woman attending a college or university and who is working
towards a bachelor's, master of doctoral degree in her chosen field. Emphasis is put on
scholarship and effort toward education. The club winner is forwarded on to district and region
judging for possible additional awards reaching a total of $1,750.
Violet Richardson Community Service Award
$250 is awarded annually to a young woman, between the ages of 14 and 17, who is caring,
compassionate, creative and most of all, committed to making the world a better place. The club
winner goes on to region and federation judging for an additional $1,000 award plus up to $3,500
to be contributed to the organization of her choice.
