Soroptimist International of Ceres has named Arlene Vilas as its "2005 Soroptimist of the Year" Arlene was honored at the Club's annual installation dinner on June 3rd at Alfonso's. Arlene has been a member of SI of Ceres 1991 and has actively participated on all programs.

Arlene's work with the SEW - Soroptimist Encouraging Women - program has received tremendous attention. Initially, the program was designed to offer monthly resource sessions for the clients of the Stanislaus Recovery Center in Ceres. By its second year, the need became evident and the SEW program also began offering workshops at the Redwood Family Center. The Redwood Family Center is an excellent program run by Interfaith Ministries to help women and their families in need to become independent and active members of the community without the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Through its infancy and now into its 3rd year of the SEW program, Arlene Vilas has been a constant force to promote the programs success and help offer the challenges to both SI of Ceres' members and to the ladies the program serves. Arlene has carefully identified the needs of the respective centers and has scheduled monthly workshops using the Soroptimist as facilitators for these workshops. All workshops are well attended by both SI members and clients. In fact, the numbers of clients continues to grow as word spreads about how wonderful the SEW program really is.

As proud of the SEW program as SI of Ceres can be, it recognizes that its own members benefit from taking time and sharing with those who are struggling for the normalcy of daily life. Arlene Vilas is a tireless advocate of these individuals and works to ensure that each program offers something for everyone. SI of Ceres is proud to have Arlene Vilas as a member and is delighted to recognize her efforts. In fact, Arlene is the first member who has been twice named Soroptimist of the Year. This year's award was presented by the 2004 recipient, Lisa Mantarro Moore.