Oak Leaves
April, 2010
Editor: Patricia Costello

President Teresa Sabin

Happy Spring Everyone!
It’s always a wonderful time of year with new beginnings.
 It’s our time to come out of hibernation and start being active,
reconnecting with a fresh start.
We just had a lovely Awards Breakfast Ceremony that is
always so touching – it really hits home why we are Soroptimists. 
As the accolades of the awardees were read everyone in the
audience was amazed to hear what they had done and are doing.
 I felt so humbled – I really hope you all can make it a
 point to be at next year’s awards ceremony.

I am very excited that our club is growing.  I hope you all
will be at our upcoming meetings to meet our newest members    Sunshine Corner
and welcome them in the true spirit of “Best for Women”.

Look forward to hearing from the members attending     Spring Birthdays  
Founder Region Conference in Hawaii end of April/beginning of May. * Elaine Kawasaki – April 1
Pat Sax – April 3
* Patience Awazi – April 10

Aloha,
President Teresa

Celebrating “Sheroes” in our Community

 
March 13, 2010 SI Oakland held its annual Awards Breakfast at Oak Towers in West Oakland.  This event is the highlight of the year as everyone in our club gets to see the culmination of all our hard work and meet the inspiring sheroes, as we call them, in our community.

This year we had two special winners for Violet Richardson.  This award named after the founder of our club is the monetary award we give to high school girls based on volunteerism.  Our first place winner, Taylor Lyons is one busy gal. 

Taylor divides her free time among several worthwhile activities.  She started out with Boys and Girls Club several years ago by leading games and art projects.  Little by little members of the club came to her with personal problems.

This led her to become involved in the Restorative Justice Program, a very successful youth court in Alameda County.  The accused in this court are judged by their peers. They can perform service hours and their offences are wiped off the record. Taylor has represented both the Defense and the Prosecution. 

 Taylor is also a Girl Scout and recently received the highest honor based on her involvement with Youth Violence Prevention.

Our second place winner, Imani Berry was also impressive.  Imani volunteers for the County by assisting at flu clinics, packaging syringes and gloves.

Our WOA (Women of Achievement) awardee this year was Tifia Napier Morales.  This award is given to a woman who has gone through adversity and is going back to school.  Tifia is attending the Academy of Art and is studying Fashion Design.

President Teresa with Tifia and Director Charlene

Three Community Grants were given this year.  Charlotte Maxwell Complimentary Clinic won for the second year in a row.  CMCC assists women who are in recovery after cancer treatment.  We also gave awards to A Safe Place, the only women’s shelter in Oakland and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County.

The money we gave to the latter will be used to provide personal care items to impoverished women and children. 

This year we also gave a Ruby Award.  Nola Brantly, cofounder of MISSSEY (www.misssey.org) received a pen in recognition of her work with sexually exploited youth.

MISSSEY started in 2007.  Its goal is to create a family environment for youth under 18 who are recovering from sexual abuse and trauma.  The organization takes them to amusement parks, and celebrates birthdays and holidays with them. 

Breakfast Emcee Carolyn

The Breakfast is always a learning experience for all Soroptimist members.  Everyone in the Oakland community and beyond is welcome to attend.

By  PATRICIA COSTELLO
Secretary Mary and Nola Brantly