Soroptimist International of Truckee Meadows (SITM) is part of Soroptimist International, a global volunteer organization of approximately 72,000 members and supporters in 121 countries and territories around the world.
Soroptimist International improves the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. We strive to be women at our best helping other women to be their best.
Since 1978 SITM has been working in Northern Nevada to help women and girls help themselves move toward a better life.
SITM provides scholarships, supports local nonprofits and charitable organizations, partners with schools, and donates thousands of volunteer hours each year through our numerous programs.
Our local projects include:
Dreams Moving Forward: Scholarships from $500-$8000 are offered to women who have had their academic studies interrupted and now wish to begin, or continue the pursuit of a college degree. Women's scholarships awarded most recently totaled $42,000.
Thanks To Youth: Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors in Washoe County who wish to further their education. Unsung Heroes are also recognized at the awards luncheon and represent girls and boys between the age of seven and eighteen who attend school in Washoe County and who have contributed to their community as unrecognized heroes. This year $26,000 in youth scholarships and awards were granted.
Live Your Dream: Provides education and training awards of up to $1500 to assist women who are the primary financial support for their families.
Dream It Be It and STEAM: Two programs for girls that offer career support in partnership with the Washoe County School District to bring science, technology, engineering, arts, and math programs to at risk elementary schools in the Truckee Meadows. They empower girls to explore these fields by building knowledge and confidence in their abilities and strengths.
In addition to our local projects, for over 20 years, SITM has continued to support a school in Thulipokhari, Nepal. Our funds support dormitory housing and tuition scholarships for girls to attend school; computers for girls; the village women’s literacy program; micro lending to help villagers obtain animals and animal upkeep; collective group herds of animals, plus enhanced vegetable gardening through a vital seeds program. This year we raised almost $10,000 for our education project for the girls in Nepal and the village of Thulipokhari.
In addition, each year our local members:
• Donate over $6000 to community nonprofits to assist in their efforts to support women and girls in our community.
• Crochet afghans, and this year donated 82 adult afghans, 10 infant afghans, 5 caps, and 10 scarves to Safe Embrace
• Supply Christmas gifts and food baskets to disadvantaged students and families at Hunter Lake Elementary School
• Make Beads of Strength and provide their beaded bracelets as a message of hope to patients completing their oncology treatments at Renown Hospital.
• Donate to Soroptimist International Presidents Appeal: Soroptimist International of the Americas Laurel Society; Sierra Nevada Region Endowment. This year almost $11,000 was donated.
• $21,876 raised from in-kind donations
Even as 2020 caused us to rethink our options as an organization and our ability to meet together, as Soroptimists, we managed to continue our programs and our fundraising by thinking outside the box, because that is exactly how women who are empowered as business professionals and volunteers remain successful.