SIM's Newsletter - 2023 Year In Review

Want to read the newsletter offline? Click here to download the PDF file.

SI of Manhattan’s 2022 Heart-to-Heart Campaign

Click here to download and print only the tear off section.

Meet SIM's "Live your Dream 2021" Award Winner

The 2021 Live Your Dream Awardee is Jennifer.

Joy Thompson, our Live Your Dream Chair, briefly described the Live Your Dream award, a unique Soroptimist education award for women who provide the primary financial support for their families and have overcome obstacles in meeting their goals and responsibilities. The Live Your Dream awards give women the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects. Joy spoke of the competitive selection process this year.  Among other strong candidates, Jennifer impressed Joy and the judging panel with her goals for the future, with the importance she placed on setting an example for her children, and with her desire to make a difference for other women in setting a path toward leadership.

Jennifer then spoke to us about her family, her goals, and her impressive progress toward meeting those goals, even in the face obstacles during the past year. A single mother of a 12-year-old son and a seven-year-old daughter, Jennifer recounted how challenging it had been to complete her last semester of an associate degree during Spring 2020, with the pandemic suspending in-person learning for her as well as for her children. Despite the challenges, she managed to maintain a high grade-point average.  Fortunately, she had already completed her applications to four-year undergraduate programs by the time the pandemic changed their lives. Jennifer was thrilled to be accepted into the New York University’s Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies, where she is now pursuing her bachelor’s degree with a major in Business Management and Leadership. Her goal is to work hard and someday achieve a position as CFO or COO, setting a good example for her children and to other women to take their place in positions of power in organizations, with a voice at the table. She also wants them to know that although they may sometimes have to take a break in pursuing their goals, they should never give up.

ACTION ALERT: 30 Days of Affirmation + Action for DVAM

This Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), we're going #FearFree! There's already enough fear in the world to make you crawl under the covers for-ev-er. This October, we're on a mission to generate hope, bravery and a deeper sense of community. What if, instead of focusing on heartbreak, we named ways in which we can keep our hearts strong? Julia, follow us for 30 Days of Affirmation for DVAM to honor women's courage, strength and resiliency. This October, we'll join together to affirm our right, and the rights of survivors everywhere, to live #FearFree. Each day this October we’ll share ONE new affirmation of empowerment. Say it, share it, or write your own! This month, commit to activism that comes from a place of hope, not fear. STEP 1. Take the Pledge to End Domestic Violence — affirm your commitment to making a positive difference. STEP 2. Like us on Facebook if you haven't yet to follow the 30 Days of Affirmation! We're all in this together. Thank you for your dedication!  Pledge to End Domestic Violence Even if you've taken the pledge before, October is the time to renew your commitment to ending violence against women! Pledge Now>> 30 Days of Affirmation for #DVAM

SIM's Awards Night - April 4, 2017

Last night, SIM  honored our club's 2017 Live Your Dream Award winner and the high school age winner of the TRENA Community Service Award for volunteer service.
(submitted by SIM member Toni Aiello, April 5, 2017 9:33 pm)

Jillian Louallen, who is pursuing an undergraduate degree at Columbia University, receives her Live Your Dream Award check and certificate from SIM President, Eileen Jackson.

Defne Levine, a high school student honored with the TRENA Community Service Award for her volunteer service work with Native Americans in the West and for organizing students in her school to engage in this work, speaks to the group about her volunteer activities.

March 14, 2017 SIM Annual Awards Ceremony

March 31, 2016 SIM's Annual Awards Ceremony

2015 "Live Your Dream" participant

SIM's 2015 "Live Your Dream" Recipient is Installed as a Member.

On May 31, 2015, SIM held their annual “Hats Off To You” Sunday Brunch and Annual Awards & Installation of Officers event at Lorenzo’s Restaurant, Hilton Garden Inn, Staten Island.

On this day, we had the privilege of installing Mrs. Valerie Coleman as a SIM member. Valerie was our very own "Live Your Dream" recipient this year and we delighted that she has chosen to make SIM a part of her bright future. 

The following is Valerie's acceptance speech:

"Hello Soroptimist Women:

   My name is Valerie Coleman. I am very honored and proud to become a sister of the Soroptimist Women’s Club; and to be instated in Staten Island where I spent my childhood growing up. Moving from a house on Arnold’s Street to the Mariners harbor projects was probable the start of my hardships.  

I thank and appreciate this organization for choosing to award me for my effort to continue my education.  Many life’s disturbances has caused me to be a late bloomer; achieving a degree at age 50, and I am still seeking higher education.  You have also inspired me to apply for other scholarships. 

I also thank you for welcoming me to become one of you, Soroptimist Women.  Whatever role I can play to repay the club for the way you have inspired me and lifted my spirit please inform me. "