2. Governor Jennifer Reeves
Governor-Elect Grace Boswell
Secretary Angela Standish
Treasurer Kathy Newsom
District Directors:
District I Leigh Hedgpeth
District II Terri Falis-Cochran
District III Teresa Young
Host Club:
Soroptimist International El Dorado, KS
Soroptimist International Wichita, KS
Conference Chairs:
Joni Sanders - SI El Dorado, KS
Sherry Grady - SI Wichita, KS
2018-2020 Region Officers
3. The Lucy Keller
Dreams in Action Award
The Dreams in Action Award was created and designed as a unique
and special award for the South Central Region (SCR). The 62nd
Annual South Central Board of Directors changed the award to “The
Lucy Keller Dreams in Action Award” to honor Lucy Keller for her
foresight and initiative in recommending this award. Her work and
efforts made it a reality. Lucy served as SCR Treasurer 1978-80,
1980-82, 1986-88 and 1988-90.
The SCR established a permanent fund with the income to be divided
equally between the three districts for Club Service Projects. One
club from each District is selected at their respective District Meeting.
The fund was established with $20,000 from the Unrestricted Fund
with the first awards in 1989-90 and then annually. Clubs, individuals,
and others may make contributions at any time. Monies from the
Silent Auction are for Dreams in Action.
The 2006-07 year was the first time the District winners were
announced at the Region Conference Banquet. The winners were not
shared at the District Meetings.
All entries are judged by the following criteria:
(1) Soroptimist program addressed
(2) Membership participation
(3) Involvement and commitment
(4) Community or recipient reliance on assistance
rendered.
4. District I
Soroptimist International of Vandalia, IL
Soroptimist Skills Center for Survivors of Human
Trafficking (SSCSHT)
Soroptimist Skills Center for Survivors of Human
Trafficking (SSCSHT) is an outreach program
suggested by the Directors of Eden’s Glory Safe House.
They suggested a “dream come true” would be a
renovation of their two car garage into a skills training
center to teach and empower the survivors that live
there now and for years to come.
Soroptimist of Vandalia is in the process of renovating
and equipping the center which will also provide space
for the gym equipment on sight. Phase II will include
members training monthly of these women in basic
skills on maintenance/repair of the home and autos, as
well as lawn care, gardening and landscaping.
The human rights of these women prior to Eden’s Glory
were negligible, they had no rights and were at the
mercy of others. Vandalia members have the privilege
of helping these women change their lives through
frequently held skills classes.
Club will receive $596.05
5. District II
Soroptimist International of Muskogee, OK
Dignity for Her
The Soroptimist of Muskogee, Oklahoma are providing
an emergency supply of feminine sanitary pads to
women and girls who are homeless, living in poverty or
otherwise in need, in order to stay healthy, regain self
confidence, stay in school or secure or maintain
employment and live with basic dignity. It has been
reported that school girls and women are using t-shirts,
socks, newspapers and tissues in place of normal
sanitary products.
The food pantry at the First United Methodist Church
and Alterna Care have partnered with Soroptimist of
Muskogee to help supply sanitary products to pantry
participants. People in need will be able to apply for
help with products/food all at the same time.
The program is projected to service 1,000 women and
girls and is expected to be expanded to other pantries
and local shelters for trafficking women and girls in the
community.
Club will receive $596.05
6. District III
Soroptimist International of Amarillo, TX
Soroptimist Supports You/Be Loved
Soroptimist Supports You has been a program for many
years in Amarillo, were the club buys bras for the ladies
at the Downtown Women’s Center. They would meet
the ladies at Dillards, have them measured and
purchase the bras. Be Loved is a program, sponsored
by Mission Amarillo, for at risk teen moms.
Soroptimist of Amarillo held their first Dream It Be It
program which included several of the Be Loved teens.
12 of those participating were set to graduate so the
club provided funds to help with their graduation
expenses. Also, 6 young ladies received $100 toward
lingerie.
This project helps establish self esteem for those young
ladies by showing them someone cares about them. By
improving their self esteem and interacting with them in
other ways (Dream It Be It) , will aid in leading them into
making decisions in the future in the area of careers
that can support them.
Club will receive $596.05
7. Honorable Mention
SI of St Joseph, MO
Northwest Health Services
Members made sticking caps, scarfs and donated toiletries to a clinic that
services the homeless population in the St Joseph community
SI of El Dorado, KS
Soroptimist as Santa
Partnering with Salvation Army during the holidays, members volunteer to
wrap and deliver gifts to elderly care homes in the county. The members
also give their time ringing bells and have been told they are some of the
most profitable for them (SA)..
SI of Springfield, MO
Ashley House
Ashley House is a program led by the Presbyterian Children’s Home and
Services of MO. It is a transitional living program which serves girls ages 16
to 21 who are in foster care. Si of Springfield helps provide hope, increased
self esteem and educational experiences to girls who have suffered from
severe abuse and neglect. Girls are provided with tools they need to
increase their chances of success on their own.
SI of Wichita, KS
Creative Enrichment & Therapy Arts Program
The service project underwrites and coordinates a creative enrichment and
therapy arts program for community partners whose clients are at –risk
women and girls. The program provides private educational experience in
areas no longer available or emphasized in public schools. The classes also
provide a new and expanded education and social experience in math,
science and technology
8. I pledge allegiance to Soroptimist
and to the ideals for which it
stands:
• The Sincerity of Friendship
• The Joy of Achievement
• The Dignity of Service
• The Integrity of Profession
• The Love of Country
I will put forth my greatest effort
to promote, uphold and defend
these ideals, for a larger
fellowship in home, in society, in
business, for country and for God.
Soroptimist Pledge
