One of our members identified a need for women who did not have a high school diploma.  Higher education, better jobs or other goals related to training and education require that diploma or the GED certificate.  In 2013, the GED Grant was initiated  This grant awards $150 to two women currently enrolled in a GED program.  This award covers the cost of the certification  test.

We gathered once a year at a local Build-A-Bear to make bears for children who have suffered a traumatic situation and may need comforting.  To date we have contributed to the Lemont, Lombard, Schaumburg, West Chicago, Westchester and Wheaton police departments, as well as, to Family Shelter Service and other social service groups.

We have worked with Family Shelter Service since 1989.  We began with a holiday party for all clients which has evolved into a shelter specific dinner and party. 

We participated in the FSS mentoring program which provided one -on-one interaction.

Suburban Chicago provides support for the annual fundraiser in the fall of each year. 

We  did a "room makeover" project for one of the shelter locations. 

Some of our members work on the 24/7 hotline at the shelter.           

We hosted dinner and bingo parties in the shelter.  Small prizes go to the lucky winners and a good time is had by all.

Constance Morris House 

We host dinner and  bingo events.  Small prizes go to the lucky winners and a good time is had by all.  

Suburban Chicago voluntters at the food bank annually.  We pack food items for distribution like meat, canned goods and bread. When not packing, we perform other duties to help get things ready for distribution..

Midwest Region

  Virginia Wagner Award  for any woman pursuing her bachelor, masters or doctoral degree.  Named for a past Regional Governor who believed in higher education for women.  This grant is based on academic achievement and financial need.  Local award is $500.00. More information and the downloadable application available at the Midwestern Region web site,   www.simwr.org  Just click on Awards.  Applications must be submitted to the local club by January 15th.  Any questions may be directed to (708) 865-0145 or  www.siofsuburban.chicago@soroptimist.net

 International

  Live Your Dream Award

The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards (formerly the Women’s Opportunity Awards) assists women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects.

Local award is $500. Additional information available on the Soroptimist International web site, www.soroptimist.org  Applications must be submitted to the local club.

Questions may be directed to www.siofsuburban.chicago@soroptimist.net 

   Dream It, Be It :  Career Support for Girls              Under development              

Targets girls in secondary school who face obstacles to their future success.  Provides girls with access to professional role models,  career education and resources to live their dreams.  Topics covered include career opportunities, setting and achieving goals, overcoming obstacles to success and moving forward after setbacks or failures.

Additional information is available at the Soroptimist International web site, www.soroptimist.org . 

Use the "contact us"  link for the local Soroptimist club.

The President's Appeal is an annual interrnational fundraiser that occurs on December 10th.  Each president of Sorotimist International  of the Americas chooses the cause that members will support.  For 2020-2021, all Soroptimists will focus on the "Road to Equality".

Previous President's Appeals include:                                                                                                               See Solar, Cook Solar                  (introduce economical solar cooking)                                               Birthing in the Pacific                    (reduce the mortality rate for mother/child)                                     Restoring Education to Nepal       (After natural disaster)                                                                     Women, Water and Leadiership   (5 international water projects managed by women                         The Road to Equality                    (Gender Equality focussing on women's issues)