On May 4th Soroptimist International of Indian Rock (SIIR) celebrated 50 years of dedication to improving the lives of women and girls through volunteer programs leading to their economic empowerment. During a dinner at Spring Mill Country Club, attended by local officials, current and past presidents, and current members, those who have contributed to the success of the organization were honored. And SIIR renewed its commitment to continuing efforts to build upon the strengths of women to secure their futures through education and services.
U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick presented a citation to SIIR for their multiple programs that work closely with other organizations to help women achieve their dreams and a citation for Vivian Haines, one of 31 business and professional women in Bucks County who chartered SIIR in 1972 as an organization dedicated to assisting women and girls.
County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia presented a proclamation from the County Commissioners honoring SIIR for 50 years of raising funds to provide scholarships, supplies for women leaving homelessness, holiday gifts, and more. A proclamation from State Senators Maria Collett, Steven J. Santarsiero, and Robert M. Tomlinson, recognizing SIIR for its service to the community, was read during the meeting.
During the anniversary event, SIIR accomplishments were highlighted including:
- Provided more than 100 scholarships to high school seniors.
- Provided continuing education scholarships for women in their first, second and third years of college.
- Recognized the work of teens who volunteer in their communities through Youth Citizenship Awards and Violet Richardson Awards.
- Established a Training Award Program, now known as the Live Your Dream Award, that has helped more than 35 women pursue their educations after facing adversity.
- Established the Ginny Cooper Women Helping Women Award to aid women who have faced personal hardships due to a low income, unusually high medical bills or housing costs, educational expenses, as well as disaster or casualty losses.
- Presented Women of Distinction, Women Helping Women, and Advancing the Status of Women Awards to more than 100 women professionals, organizations, and community activists whose efforts supported the diversity and interests of Bucks County women through collaboration, advocacy, service, and education.
- Established an Annual Holiday Help Program to aid families identified by local community and social service agencies.
- Given grants to local non-profits, hospitals and libraries to support their work in the areas of substance use and recovery, domestic violence, sexual assault prevention and intervention, child abuse, employment services, human trafficking, and more.
- Provided volunteer services at a Pregnant and Parenting Teen Summer Camp and holiday events for low-income families, and more.
- Began an annual Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls conference that gives teens the tools they need to achieve their education and career goal and empowers them to break cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse.
SIIR is part of Soroptimist international of the Americas and Soroptimist International, a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with the access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.