Founded in 1921, Soroptimist is a global organization of women who provide volunteer service to their communities. Soroptimists in more than 120 countries and territories contribute time and financial support to community-based and international projects that benefit women and girls.
Soroptimist International of Greater Bremerton Area was chartered on June 1, 1944 and is a part of this global organization. Our members volunteer to help improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Our club is particularly concerned with providing women and girls access to education, as this is the most effective path to self-determination. Since inception, we have successfully been meeting our mission of improving the lives of women and girls right here in Kitsap County.
In addition to providing women and girls with access to education, we sponsor or support programs and projects that benefit low-income women, homeless families, teenage girls, victims of abuse and domestic violence, and anti-human trafficking efforts. The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award assists women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects. Since the programs inception in 1972, our club has provided education awards to assist hundreds of women achieve their dreams of a better life for themselves and their families. In the last 12 months, we have provided Live Your Dream education and training awards totaling $6,000 to very deserving young women.
The name, Soroptimist, means "best for women", and that's what we continually strive to achieve. Soroptimists are women at their best, working to help other women and girls to be their best.