Since 2008, Soroptimist International of Riverside has annually presented our “Live Your Dream: Dream It Be It Conference” to introduce 7th and 8th girls in the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program to various career opportunities and the way to achieve career goals. The conference includes workshops provided by successful women in many different professions, outstanding keynote speakers and activities aimed at setting goals and outlining the steps to achieve them. We want the girls to discover how to achieve their dreams, one step at a time, with the help and support of the amazing women in Soroptimist International of Riverside and other professional women from the Riverside area.
ARLINGTON TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE
Since 2005, prior to the start of school, SI Riverside has been providing backpacks to needy children from kindergarten through high school age at Arlington Temporary Assistance. The backpacks are filled with the supplies that the children need to start school. SI Riverside also holds food and toy drives throughout the year so Arlington Temporary Assistance can provide families with the canned goods they need to prepare meals and toys for their children. The mission of Arlington Temporary Assistance is to provide assistance to families and individuals in need and to encourage them in their struggle for self-sufficiency.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Since 2013, SI Riverside has annually donated $1,000 to Habitat for Humanity Riverside to be used for the purchase of home appliances such as washers, dryers, water heaters, etc., for a single woman who is moving into a Habitat home. In 2015, in addition to our annual monetary donations, the "HelpHers" program was developed in coordination with Habitat for Humanity Riverside to provide resources and support for women in Riverside as they meet the challenges of homeownership as head of household. Hands on program goals include light renovation, minor home repair or maintenance, painting, gardening and landscape work. Projects are one day or less in scope with up to four work projects per year.
TRANSITIONAL LIVING PROGRAM
Since 2000, SI Riverside has provided monetary donations, hands on activities and donated bicycles for transportation to the Transitional Living Program administered by Operation SafeHouse. The Transitional Living Program assists homeless young women in pursuing their education and provides a road map to start building a successful future while living in a caring and supportive environment. The Main Street Transitional Living facility is a 15 bed apartment complex with services available to older homeless youth ages 18 to 21 for up to 18 months. They receive continuing educational assistance, individualized therapy, financial education, employment assistance and access to medical and dental healthcare.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING CONFERENCE
Since 2017, Soroptimist International of Riverside and Soroptimist International of Corona have co-hosted a STOP Human Trafficking conference that includes a panel of speakers and a keynote speaker. There are experts on hand in the fields of human trafficking including law enforcement, educators, the District Attorney's office, survivors of abuse and trafficking, civic organization advocates and the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force. The purpose of this conference is to encourage and advise attendees on how they can make a difference in the fight against the exploitation and trafficking of young girls and women.
