SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL of VISALIA

Battered Women's Shelter Project Offers Something for Every Soroptimist

The women of Soroptimist International of Visalia have taken the Battered Women's Shelter Project to heart.

It has received regional attention - taking home the prestigious Catherine Dean Award at the Regional Conference last year. It has received cooperation from local merchants, Home Depot, to name one. But, most important, it has found a place in the hearts of many of the members of SI Visalia as one of its most rewarding hands-on projects.

With October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we thought it a good time to increase awareness among our own club members as to just look how far this project has come in a little more than a year:

Phase I equipped every bedroom in the shelter with sheets, comforters, valances, shams, curtains, closet closures, bulletin boards for bedrooms and office, and pictures. The backyard was landscaped for the residents and their children, and is used constantly. Goal: Help the women feel comfortable in their new environment so they could concentrate on their safety, getting better, and not on their surroundings. · Monthly collections at club meetings provided cleaning, school and bathroom supplies, food, female products, and brushes - to name a few.

Budget Basics - The bankers and financial experts among us gave past and present residents the basics on setting up and sticking to a household budget.

Dress for Success 101 - Past and present residents learned how to create a resume and interview for a new job. They all received a makeover, learned how to apply professional makeup, and received samples of products. Every participant was outfitted with a minimum of three professional outfits.

A Night Out - Residents of the shelter are taken out to a movie and coffee afterwards once a month, while the children are cared for at the shelter. Many have never been to a movie, and it gives them a chance to catch their breath and relax. This is a wonderful, positive experience and they appreciate every minute.

Mother's Day - With the help of Home Depot, children were able to give Mom a most-special Mother's Day gift - hand-painted plant holders. The day before Mother's Day, Soroptimists went to the Shelter and helped the children cook breakfast, decorate the dining room complete with special favors, and serve their mothers a special brunch. Every child received a cookbook - in English and Spanish - to help them practice what they learned.

What's ahead? Some of the highlights for this year include:

• a barbecue celebrating the installation of playground equipment purchased through the help of proceeds from the Catherine Dean Award
• movie nights on predetermined nights each month
• monthly supply drives
• completion of Phase II - all wanna-be painters and installers of ceiling fans welcome; the development of a resource directory of donors; job search/financial planning classes; Mother's Day II; and Let's All Go to the Drive-In Nights for the Kids.

Monthly Collection Dates

• What: Monthly drives will be held beginning this month for the Shelter
• October - Kitchen cloth items (new or gently used) - towels, potholders, sponges and washcloths
• November - Hair Affaire - brushes, combs, picks, shampoo & conditioners, gel, hair spray, clips, bobby pins, barrettes, headbands, and elastic hair ties
• January - Nails and Toe Time - nail clippers, nail files, tweezers, polish, polish remover, cuticle sticks, cuticle cream, and lotion
• February - Paper Products for the kitchen - paper plates, paper cups, plastic wrap, foil bags, wax paper, and lunch bags
• How: Bring the designated items to any club meeting held during the month. Items will be delivered to the Shelter by committee members