Our Programs
Every year, Soroptimist distributes more than $2.8 million in education awards to about 1,700 women all over the world.
Soroptimist's Live Your Dream Awards program is a unique education award for women who provide the primary financial support for their families. The Live Your Dream Awards give women the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects.
Over half of our Live Your Dream Awards recipients are survivors of domestic violence, trafficking or sexual assault. Nearly all of the women and families we serve have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, teen pregnancy, and drug or alcohol addiction. Live Your Dream Awards recipients may use the cash award to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, such as books, childcare, tuition and transportation.
Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls gives girls the tools they need to achieve their education and career goals, empowering them to break cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse. Although all girls face barriers because of their gender, we prioritize working with girls who have additional obstacles including poverty, unstable home lives, living in foster care, or teen motherhood.
Far too many girls face barriers on the pathway to achieving their dreams. Obstacles such as poverty, teen dating violence, and teen pregnancy can get in the way of a girl's ability to make her dreams a reality. Dream It, Be It equips girls to overcome their obstacles, set goals, and head towards success.
A special community based project of Soroptimist Chilliwack, Heather's Hope Chest is a free store where women and girls who are in transition and are in need of household items can safely shop for the necessities required to create a comfortable and functional home. Heather’s Hope Chest is located entirely within a storage unit and relies exclusively on donations from the local Chilliwack community. Clients are referred by social service agencies from throughout the Fraser Valley.
“Our clients may be leaving a violent relationship, they may be transitioning from a substance use treatment program, or perhaps they’re leaving foster care to start their life on their own. Regardless of the circumstances, when they transition out, Heather’s Hope Chest is here to give them a hand up. We will help them fill their home with all of the basic essentials that they need.” - Dana Martin, Committee Chair
Domestic Violence has no place in any community. Every October we partner with other local organizations to raise awareness about domestic violence. The goal is to have all residents shine a purple light on every front porch in every business window.