Programs

11/8/11: The guest speaker at our November evening meeting was Lori Brown, Riverside County Deputy Director of Children's Services and Independent Living. Lori said 5,000 call per year are received about alleged abuse, and there are 3,000 children in foster care per year. Lori also shared information about the services provided in the Independent Living Program to help prepare kids for transition out of foster care.
5/24/11: Three representatives from Health Education Students of America (HOSA) and their advisor/teacher from Vista Del Lago High School were the guest speakers. HOSA is a student organization whose mission is to promote career opportunities in health care and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people. Nine HOSA students at Vista Del Lago High School have qualified to participate in competitive events at the national level during the 2011 HOSA National Leadership Conference.
5/17/11: Guest speaker was Barry Foster, Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Moreno Valley. Barry's presentation included recent economic development actions and areas of opportunity in our city.
5/10/11: Golden West Region District 1 Director, Carol Duncan, was guest speaker during our club's May evening meeting. Carol gave important information about our Golden West Region Spring Conference, Soroptimist International Convention and 2011 Leadership Training.
4/12/11: Nancy Wolfe, program director of Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN) Team at Riverside County Regional Medical Center, was our program guest speaker during our club's April evening meeting. The services provided at the CAN unit include medical exams, consultation, medical follow-up, forensic interviews, counseling, and case review. The unit is involved in about 900 exams and forensic interviews each year, and 71% of those cases involve children under the age of 6 years.
1/25/11: The guest speaker was Deputy Aaron Wolf from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. Deputy Wolf explained his involvement in a task force which focuses on the exploitation of children in Moreno Valley. He also provided information about the work being done to educate the community about human trafficking and progress being made to assist victims of this form of modern day slavery.
11/23/10: Program meetings for the month of November focused on education. Our guest speaker was Nick Ferguson, Superintendent of Moreno Valley Unified School District. His presentation provided detailed information about the school district's goals, educational and business services, ethnicity and academic performance trends and revenue deficit factors.
10/19/10: Richard Smith, Executive Director/TRIP Program General Manager, and Ivet Woolridge, TRIP Program Operations Manager, served as guest speakers. TRIP is one of the special services in Riverside County that complements public transportation by reimbursing volunteers to transport seniors and persons with disabilities where no transit service exists or when the individual is too frail, ill, or unable to use public transportation for other reasons. Additional information is available on the Independent Living Partnership website at www.livingpartnership.org
10/12/10: Our first program speaker for the 2010-2011 was Dot Reed, President of the Board of Directors for Soroptimist House of Hope. Dot's presentation focused on the history of Soroptimist House of Hope and the programs offered in the residential recovery homes for alcoholic and/or chemically dependent women. More information is available at www.recoveryhouseofhope.org
5/18/10: The final program meeting for 2009-2010 term involved a presentation from Barry Foster, Economic Director for the City of Moreno Valley. Barry's slide show shared information of the challenges faced with the current state of economy and new development projects completed or planned fin Moreno Valley to create 2,000 new jobs.
5/11/10: The program meetings for May were dedicated to Economic and Social Development topics. Officer Mushinskie served as guest speaker. He is assigned to the Burglary Suppression Team of Moreno Valley Police Department. He showed a video of a burglary under surveillance, shared statistics of the number of arrests, property recovered and cases closed, and identified steps we can take to minimize home burglaries.
4/20/10: Larry McAdara, Executive Director of Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center, gave a presentation about support given to victims of sexual assault and the outreach programs in place to promote positive social skills.
4/13/10: To kick off April's Program of Service focus on Health, our guest speaker was a volunteer from Michelle's Place, the woman's breast cancer research center in Murrieta. The center offers information and support services about breast cancer and breast health. Free mammograms are offered to women under 40 years old without insurance coverage.
2/16/10: The program meeting guest speaker was Paula Almanza-Fulton, partnership specialist for Census 2010. Paula explained the importance of an accurate census count to maximize the allocation of federal funds to our community.
1/19/10: Betty Gibbel, from Eastern Municipal Water District, gave an interesting slide show presentation about our sources of water, ways to save water indoors and outdoors, available rebates, and water rate changes effective February 2010.
1/12/10: January Program of Service was dedicated to Environment. The first guest speaker of the month was Eliza Echevarria, Community Relations Manager for Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC). Eliza gave a presentation about the commission's history and structure, and provided details about current RCTC projects impacting our vicinity.
11/17/09: The second guest speaker for "education" focus month was Faye Arco, lead counselor at Badger Springs Middle School. Faye described several programs available to over 500 students, including: self respect; personal body care; girls empowerment; and groups to combat alcohol, tobacco and drug use. She is hoping to begin a program called "Because I Love You" (BILY), which helps parents take back their parental roll.
11/10/09: Kim Kruger, MVUSD director of secondary education for middle school and high school alternative education, was the first program speaker for November's focus on education. Kim 's presentation described actions taken in the district to improve the drop out rate, revamp the alternative education program, and accredit the adult education program.
10/19/09: Meaghan McConaghy was the guest speaker to kick off October's program of service focus on Human Rights and Status of Women. As a behavioral health specialist for DPSS for the past 9 years, Meaghan serves as a case manager and substance abuse counselor,. She assists her clients with individual and group counseling and training in parenting skills.
5/12/09: Economic and Social Development is the Program of Service focus for May. Our guest speaker was Godwin Aimua, Program Manager for the Community Action Partnership of Riverside County. Focusing on the partnership's energy program, Godwin explained how low income U.S. citizen can benefit from utility assistance and home weatherization. Visit www.capriverside.org for more information.
4/21/09: Kathi Salley Randall served as guest program speaker for April's meeting focus on "Health." Kathi gave an interesting presentation about the work of Breast Cancer Fund, which engages in public education and outreach that advocates reduced exposure to chemicals and environmental toxins linked to breast cancer risk. We discussed positive ways we can reduce our exposure to toxins (i.e., avoid products containing parabens and phthalates; choose organic products when possible). Visit www.breastcancerfund.org to learn more information.
4/14/09: April's program focus is Health. President Sue served as program speaker and provided information about the CPR class she recently attended at the YWCA in Riverside. Members are encouraged to consider taking the course as a club group project.
2/17/09: The club's program of service for the month of February is dedicated to International Goodwill and Understanding. Committee members Ardith, DeAnn and Crystal gave a creative presentation about Project SIerra: A Family And A Future, a four year partnership between Soroptimist International and Hope and Homes for Children. Sierra Leone is one of the poorest nations on earth; life expectancy for women is 42 years and nearly a third of all children die before their fifth birthday. To give a better insight into a typical day in this country, DeAnn portrayed a Sierra Leone woman and served as guest speaker. Club members were given a portion of Joloff rice, a traditional native meal. More information about Project SIerra: A Family And A Future is available at web site address www.projectsierra.org
1/27/09: John Christopher Terell, Planning Director for the City of Moreno Valley, served as program speaker. John shared information about how the city's planning department evaluates new development projects for environmental impacts to air, water, plant and wildlife.
1/20/09: The club's program focus for January is "Environment." Julie Reyes, Manager of Community Relations for Waste Management, served as program speaker. Julie gave an interesting presentation about waste collection and recycling processes for our area, and she explained simple things we can do each day to protect our environment.
1/13/09: Today's program focused on the problem of human trafficking in honor of January 11 National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness. Club members viewed a video presentation of "Chains," a fictional portrayal of sexual trafficking of women.
11/18/08: The Program of Service focus for November is Education. The guest speaker for this program meeting was Maureen Chavez, Project Director for Title V at the Moreno Valley Campus of Riverside Community College. Maureen explained that 90% of students enter the college with only basic skills, and they are unable to read or write at college level. Grant programs are geared to help students get a better start to succeed college curriculum. To date, the program has resulted in a 30% gain in student success rate and 50% gain in student persistence.
10/28/08: Rita Wuelfing spoke to our club about Habitat For Humanity, a non-profit, ecumenical Christian organization with the mission to assist people in need with home ownership in partnership with the community. Habitat For Humanity, Riverside, founded in 1988, is an affiliate project of Habitat For Humanity International, with its own board of directors and committee structure. Rita serves as its Director of Volunteer and Community Services. To date, the Riverside organization has built 29 homes, 9 of which are located in Moreno Valley. Rita provided information about client eligibility, program processes, and volunteer opportunities to support the organization. For additional information, visit their web site at www.habitatriverside.org
10/21/08: We were fortunate that Annamarie Megrdichian, Golden West Region District 1 Director, scheduled SI Moreno Valley as one of her first stops of official club visits for the new Soroptimist biennium. Annamarie shared information about District 1’s Fall Meeting (11/7-11/8), the next GWR Spring Conference (May 14-16), and miscellaneous region strategies.
10/14/08: The club’s program focus for the month of October is “Human Rights and Status of Women. “ Club member Becky, supervisor for Riverside County Department of Social Services GAIN program, served as program meeting speaker on the the role of Domestic Violence Advocate for Riverside County Department of Social Services GAIN program. She explained the processes when clients come forward with domestic violence concerns. She also told us that two new safe houses associated with Alternatives to Domestic Violence (ADV) will be opening somewhere in Riverside County.
5/20/08: Continuing with May's focus on Economic and Social Development, club member Becky, supervisor for Riverside County Department of Social Services GAIN program, served as program meeting speaker. GAIN assists clients with job interviewing skills, job search, interview-appropriate clothing, and expenses associated with job-related childcare and transportation. With the current local economic conditions and $15 Million in social service budget cuts, Becky explained the resulting impacts to her clients and the GAIN program.
5/13/08: The Program of Service focus for May is Economic and Social Development. The guest speaker for this program meeting was club member Robin. With her extensive background in commercial property management and her first-hand knowledge of several commercial development projects along the local 215 corridor, Robin gave an informative presentation about plans for local commercial growth.
4/15/08: The Program of Service focus for April is Health. The guest speaker at this program meeting was Robin Robinson, service coordinator for Integrated Care Communities. Robin shared information about the center's in-home care program and the building plans for a 99-bed skilled nursing facility adjacent to the existing center.
3/25/08: The guest program speaker was Adonis Phillips, Regional Director of Career Services for Devry Institute. Adonis shared information about educational opportunities to fit anyone's lifestyle schedule, and he provided helpful job resource information.
2/19/08: The Program of Service focus for February is International Goodwill and Understanding. Our guest speaker, Sellyna, spoke of the difficulties in Kenya caused by the civil uprising. The Republic of Kenya has a population of over 34 million people, and approximately 28 million of these are beggars. Kenya is comprised of 42 tribes, and each speak a different language. With the ethnic cleansing that occurred within 2 tribes after the 2007 election, 600,000 people were displaced, 400,000 lost their jobs, and crimes of rape and sodomy increased. The presentation was emotionally charged, considering the fact that Sellyna is from one of the villages that were victims of the uprising atrocities. Some of her family members were murdered and others have been forced to live in extreme poverty. The livelihood of many Kenya people relies on sales from homemade jewelry, baskets and purses, but tourist trade has been greatly impacted from the civil unrest. Soroptimist has plans to hold a fundraiser, whereby proceeds from the sale of Sellyna's brother's handcrafts will directly benefit his family and tribe.
1/22/08: The guest speaker at this program meeting was Merrill Heim, school counselor at Badger Springs Middle School. Merrill brought with him two students, Vanessa and Nichole, to assist him in a presentation about their school's "Once-a Month Lunch Time Career Club program. During the Career Club meetings, guest speakers from all walks of life speak to the students about their careers (i.e., necessary attitudes, skills, and rewards of the profession . . . and recommended educational curriculum to help pave the way for success. Soroptimist members are experienced in many of the desired career topics, and members agreed to participate in the program in an effort to meet our club's objective to increase youth mentoring opportunities.
11/13/07: Program of Service focus for November was Education. Jesus Holguin, Moreno Valley Unified School District School Board Member and Chair of Moreno Valley Promise, was guest speaker. Jesus gave a presentation about Moreno Valley Community Promise, which strives to inspire and motivate youth to achieve the full potential through delivery of The Five Promises: Caring Adults, Safe Places, Effective Education, A Healthy Start, and Opportunities to Serve Others.
10/16/07: Katie Gilbertson, Client Advocate of Alternatives to Domestic Violence (ADV) for the Moreno Valley and Perris area, provided a detailed explanation of ADV's outreach program. An average of 60-80 clients are seen each month; 80% are CPS mandated.
10/9/07: To help kick off the Program of Service focus on Human Rights/Status of Women and bring emphasis to October domestic awareness month, Dwayna Barron, Assistant to Executive Director of Alternatives to Domestic Violence (ADV) was guest speaker. Dwayna provided updates on the strategies and programs used to help end the cycle of domestic violence.
5/15/07: Tony Godlewski, director of inpatient pharmacy at Kaiser Permanente in Fontana, gave a creative presentation about the selection process and distribution of medicines, and he shared useful strategies to help maintain drug costs.
5/8/07: To kick off May's Program of Service focus on Health, Dr. Traci Williams, a pediatrician and doctor of internal medicine with Loma Linda University Health Care in Moreno Valley was guest speaker. Dr. Williams updated the club on the progress of the “Reach Out and Read” program in her clinic. About 30 books each week are distributed to her young patients (6 months to 5 years old) during their physicals and well-checkups. She believes that poor reading skills lead to lower self-esteem and poor school performance, which in turn leads to higher health costs. By introducing books to pre-schoolers and encouraging parents to read to their children, Dr. Williams hopes to positively impact these issues. To increase the program's effectiveness, volunteers from AmeriCorps VISTA donate time to read to Dr. William's patients. The club presented Dr. Williams with a supply of books and $300 for purchase of additional books.
4/17/07: Dwayna Barron, Executive Assistant of Alternatives to Domestic Violence (ADV) served as guest speaker. Dwayna provided an update about the Casa de Paz shelter and various programs offered to help end the cycle of violence. Some of these programs include: transitional housing; training in job skills, financial management, anger management and English as second language; community outreach.
4/10/07: To kick off April's program of service focus on Human Rights/ Status of Women, Jane Roberts, author of 34 Million Friends of Women of the World, shared information about Americans for UNFPA - 34 Million Friends. UNFPA helps the most vulnerable women in the world plan their families, give birth safely, and protect themselves from HIV/AIDS. It promotes the rights of women by encouraging equal access to food, education, and healthcare. UNFPA works worldwide to eliminate gender-based violence including female genital cutting and rape used as weapons of war. For more information about this project, click here to link with the project's website at www.americansforUNFPA.org
3/27/07: Jeri Vaughan, Foundation Assistant Director of Riverside County Regional Medical Center (RCRMC), shared information about various RCRMC Foundation fundraising events, including the 2007 Annual Spring Garden Tour to benefit the hospital's child abuse and neglect unit.
3/20/07: Kicking off March's program of service focus on Economic and Social Development was guest speaker Barry Foster, Director of Economic Development for the city of Moreno Valley . Barry shared information about many new housing, retail, restaurant and industrial projects for Moreno Valley.
2/20/07: Amanda, a student who the club sponsored to attend the Summer Institute of the Gifted at UCLA, gave a presentation about her experiences during this three week program.
1/30/07: Professor Lisa Shiner, representing the Department of Social Work at California State University San Bernardino, gave a presentation about the university's Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program. Additionally, Lisa shared information about career options in social work professions
1/16/07: January's program of service focus is education, and Karla Doonan, coordinator of technical career education for Moreno Valley School District, was the guest speaker. Her department is proactive in promoting women in non-traditional careers for sustainable income.
11/21/06: International Goodwill and Understanding was the club's program focus area for the month of November. Bill and Diane Boone, founders of Touch of Home 4R Deployed Military, served as guest speakers. Touch of Home 4R Deployed Military is a nonprofit community service corporation that supports deployed military in Iraq with morale-boosting "love packages" containing correspondence, recreational supplies and personal care items. Bill and Diane shared personal experiences about how the project evolved and the lives it has touched since the project's inception.
10/17/06: Ruth, our club committee member of Program of Service for Environment, gave a presentation about Global warming and shared many ways we can help reduce emissions and use energy more efficiently.
10/10/06: To kick off October's program focus area (environment), guest speaker John Gieger, owner of Recycling Service Providers (RSP), provided insight about the benefits of recycling. For example, recycling 3,000 pounds of paper can save 26 trees, 11,000 gallons of water, or 90 pounds of air emissions. He offered some easy ways we can make a positive impact: use white paper versus colored paper; use products contained in clear glass versus colored glass; dispose of old computers, batteries and dried paint cans at designated collection sites.
4/18/06: Environment was the club's program focus area for the month of April. Guest speaker was Dick Hiel, retiree from Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD). Dick described the different ways water is made available to Moreno Valley, and he shared information about EMWD's desalination and recycled water programs to help the environment.
2/21/06: Our Soroptimist program focus area featured in the month of February was education. Guest speaker was Harvest Riggio, who shared information about the various programs offered through Moreno Valley Youth TRUST. Its mission is to provide quality services in the area of skills training, career development and workforce preparation for youth participants aged 14 to 21 years old. Harvest, a former member of AmeriCorps VISTA, manages two of Moreno Valley Youth TRUST programs: Project L.E.A.D. (Linking Education Advocacy and Development) provides free tutoring and career guidance; T.E.A.M. (Teen Encouragement and Mentoring) strives to build caring relationships between adults and youth that empower the youth to achieve academic success, develop positive future and career goals, and maximize their personal potential.
1/24/2006: Our Soroptimist program focus area featured for the month of January was economic and social development. Guest speaker was Barry Foster, Economic Development Director of Moreno Valley. During his presentation, Barry shared information about Moreno Valley's plans for quality housing, jobs and shopping opportunities, neighborhood cleanup, loan fair, and youth build program.
11/29/2005: Guest speaker was Amanda, a Moreno Valley student ambassador for People to People 2005 in Canada. Besides thanking SI of Moreno Valley for their sponsorship, Amanda described her 14-day experience and shared information about how People to People evolved. As stated in "A President's Lasting Legacy" by Mary J. Eisenhower, President and CEO of People to People International, People to People is a peace initiative conceived and established in 1956 by her grandfather, President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It was founded on the belief that "ordinary citizens of different nations, if able to communicate directly, would solve their differences and find a way to live in peace." By visiting each other's homes, schools and places of worship, people could come to know and understand that while we are all very different, our values, goals, and day-to-day issues are much the same. The Student Ambassador Program of People to People evolved in 1963 with hope that if children came together peacefully, adults will follow suit.
11/15/2005: Guest speaker was Rosemary Cervantes, Executive Director of YWCA, Riverside. The Riverside YWCA is one of 300 associations nationwide, and has been serving the Riverside area for 99 years in an effort to eliminate racism and empower women. Rosemary described a myriad of YWCA programs, including exercise classes, cooking classes, pregnancy prevention in middle schools, parenting classes, anger management, Born Free (mother's free from substance abuse during pregnancy), and preschool for children of ages 3 and 4.
11/8/2005: Guest speaker was Christine Gailey, Chair of the Department of Women's Study at the University of California, Riverside. Professor Gailey teaches courses on gender and sexuality, kinship and social change, feminist methods in research, reproductive policy and politics, and violence against women. During the program meeting, she described a UCR intern program, whereby junior and senior students devote 10 hours a week to community service programs (i.e., advocates against child abuse and domestic violence), journal and report their experiences, and submit an end of term portfolio for a grade. Besides providing the students with responsible training on the empowerment of women, the program often becomes a career pathway in community service.