Every year, it is the highlight of Soroptimist International of Raleigh to honor and recognize young women (usually single moms) in our community who are working toward advancing their education to improve their lives and the lives of their children. Of course, our cash award is very helpful to them, but we feel our one on one mentoring program (known as Live Your Dream Plus) over the next year or more is as important. This makes them feel really special, and is also very rewarding for our members.
We continue support and encouragement where needed, i.e. financial, educational, career development, and personal development, by tapping the expertise of all members and others when needed. We encourage participation in SI Raleigh and other organizations’ programs or events for women. Also, it is so special to provide personal “feel good” recognition at holidays, birthdays, celebrating ongoing successes, or anytime.
We thought we’d share some updates from a few recent award recipients.
LYD Recipient Lyndsay reports:
“I am finally going to graduate in May with my bachelor’s degree. I could not be more excited. At that point I will be able to step up as a team lead at the mental health agency where I work. I appreciate everything Soroptimist has done for Willow and I and the confidence it has brought me.”
LYD Recipient Star reports:
“As planned, following my tenure at Wake Tech, I was accepted in the fall of 2019 to East Carolina University and began my journey into obtaining my degree in Urban and Regional Planning. I was also granted the opportunity to study abroad in Korea (shortstopped by the coronavirus, but optimistic for 2021). My 6 year old daughter Benevola has been doing an excellent job in staying on top of her academics. She was awarded a scholarship to Thales Academy and is so advanced that she has been bumped up to the 2nd grade.
I am extremely grateful for Soroptimist for taking the time and effort to believe in our future. The love and encouragement that has been shown to my little family and other thriving mothers is something that makes us smile, makes us proud and is a little nudge to continue moving forward and becoming greater for our communities and setting examples that cannot be shaken.”
To learn more about SI Raleigh’s Live Your Dream awards and how you can help women fulfill their dreams, click here.