Soroptimist International Benefits the Community

Having a presence in the community since 1958, Soroptimist International, which is a coined word meaning best for women, provides resources and opportunities that allows women and children the opportunity to reach their full potential and reach their dreams. Their mission is simple, provide women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic power.

Current President Maridene Johnson and the 23 active members of the Glasgow Soroptimist have been doing just that. With various events such as Trunk of Treasures, Project Smile, Block of Bucks, Project Classroom and hosting a Baby Shower for Hi-Line Homes, in addition to operating the thrift store downtown, the Glasgow Soroptimist raises funds that are donated back to the community year after year. “Funds that are donated through our Trunk of Treasures, the thrift store and dues, allows us to donate $50,000 a year back to the community,” stated Johnson. Some projects that have benefitted from those funds are the Children’s Museum, Backpack Fairies, Fort Peck Fine Arts Council, Pioneer Museum, American Legion Girls State, Snack-Pack Program, and the FMDH Mammography Fund, among many others.

Tickets are currently being sold for Trunk of Treasures, which is a major fundraiser for the Glasgow Soroptimist. “We purchased the trunk at a local furniture store and either purchase items or receive donations to include in it. This year includes a lot of decorative and household items. A first place winner will receive the trunk, while the second place winner will receive an iPad, donated graciously by Edward Jones’ Bethanie Knight. The third place will be $100 worth of groceries,” explained Johnson. This year, Boeing is sponsoring the trunk by providing $1,000 which allows the Soroptimist to purchase the necessary items. “Every year we have to apply and we are so grateful for their support,” said Johnson.

With the closure of Shopko earlier this year, Johnson is aware the community has concerns regarding how the upcoming Block of Bucks will go and how those who need to utilize the program can purchase necessities such as warm clothes, socks and underwear. “We are going full speed ahead on Block of Bucks. We are adding new vendors such as Shippwrecked and Busy Bee Embroidery, which will both be set up at the Elks. We have also talked to D&G who is willing to order off-brand Columbia items and Red Barn has expressed interest. This year collection will be on Dec. 6 and shopping will be Dec. 7,” explained Johnson.

Other projects the Soroptimist supports includes Project Classroom, which provides $250 each month to Valley County teachers who need things for their classroom that they are not able to get through the normal budget. Teachers can apply for the grant funding for the nine months school is in session. This month, Glasgow High School teacher Todd Glaser was awarded the funds to purchase two TI-84 calculators for his classroom.

Project Smile provides dental care to women who can’t afford it. Through an application process, women get selected to work with local dentists and then if more dental work needs to get done, they will be referred out of town. “This project has been very successful. There was a woman who stopped one of the board members on the street, with tears in her eyes, thanking the Soroptimist for the opportunity,” recalled Johnson. In April, they host a baby shower, where they bring baby shower gifts such as diapers, clothing, blankets, and other baby necessities. All gifts are provided to Hi-Line Homes, which they disperse as necessary.

There are also Soroptimist International of America Scholarships available including the Fellowship Scholarship that is available to women seeking post-graduate study for an advanced degree; The Live Your Dream scholarship which is open to women who provide the primary financial support for the family and are enrolled in either vocational or undergraduate studies; and the Violet Richardson scholarship which is available to girls 14 to 17 years of age who volunteer in the community.

With a presence in 122 countries, there are 75,000 club members within the four federations, Americas, Europe, Great Britain and Ireland, and SW Pacific, the Soroptimist helps more than just the local community. They also support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Florence Crittenton Home in Helena, which prepares teenage mothers, and supports anti-human trafficking and the end of domestic violence. “Myself and LaWana Grewe recently attended a district meeting where 11 clubs in the state were present. We have 23 active members which was bigger than some of the bigger towns that were there. For our community, we are proud to have the numbers that we do,” stated Johnson.

For those interested in joining, the Soroptimist is hosting a Wine and Cheese Social at Sam and Jeff’s on Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. “The Soroptimist used to be available to business women professional organizations by invite only. But now any women can join. The organization can’t happen and succeed without members,” expressed Johnson. She joined the organization in 2012 after she just retired from teaching and stopped at the thrift store. She started asking questions on how it worked and how they do it. The manager then invited her to attend a meeting and she thought it was just a good organization so she joined.

For those who have any questions or would like to join and can’t make the social, contact President Johnson at 263-0329, Vice President Janet Markle, Secretary LaWana Grewe, treasurer Kim Enkrud or board members Monica Garten, Judy Idler and Stephanie Holom.