Welcome to Soroptimist International of Bend, Oregon

Soroptimist International of Bend Announces Two $2000 Live Your Dream Winners

February 25, 2021: Soroptimist International of Bend is pleased to introduce the two winners of the annual “Live Your Dream Award” for 2021. Each woman will receive $2000 that she can use to further her educational pursuits. The recipients are chosen with much thought given to their circumstances, challenges, intended goals and financial needs. Both of this year’s winners have demonstrated determination, persistence, purpose and grace while dealing with personal challenges.

Jasmine, a single mother of two, moved to Central Oregon after accepting a position as a Community Engagement Coordinator for a non-profit organization that deals with childhood trauma. During her time with the organization, she coordinated and managed awareness events around ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trauma-Informed) approaches. She is currently training to become a certified Peer Support Specialist in order to use her lived experiences with domestic violence, racial trauma, and adverse childhood experiences to be of support and empower others who are dealing with those issues with patience and compassion. She is also studying to become certified in the field of human services in order to work as an advocate to be of support to those who are facing homelessness due to leaving domestic and other adverse experiences. Enrolled at Portland Community College, she is the recipient of the Live Your Dream Award which is underwritten by a grant from Central Electric Cooperative.

Aimé Maxwell, a single mother of one, is a Licensed Massage Therapist in the process of completing her AAS in Massage Therapy at Central Oregon Community College. As a Licensed Massage Therapist, Ms. Maxwell has become aware that many people do see massage as therapy and use the time to speak of their feelings. This has prompted her to make additional goals. Her next step will be to enroll at Eastern Oregon University to obtain a degree in Business and then at the University of Oregon for a Master's in Psychology. Her goal is to become a Mind/Body Therapist via massage and psychotherapy.

LYDA applications are available each fall online at www.sibend.org. Women who are pursuing their education, financially needy, head of household and enrolled in a certificated educational program are encouraged to apply. A separate local Soroptimist “Live Your Dream Award” is underwritten by Central Electric Cooperative for women who meet the above criteria and who are CEC members in good standing. For more information – www.sibend.org.

ANNUAL EDUCATIONAL AWARD APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED NOW

SPONSORED BY SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF BEND (SI BEND)

BEND, OR, September 22, 2020: Applications for the “Live Your Dream Award" offered by Soroptimist International of Bend, will be taken from October 1 until November 15, 2020 Applications for the $2000 awards are available online at www.sibend.org.

To qualify, the applicant must be a financially needy, head of household woman who is pursuing higher education. “LYDA” applicants must be entering into or enrolled in a college certificate/degree program. The money may be used for any educational expense including tuition, childcare, and/or transportation by the awardees.

In addition, one of the scholarships is underwritten by Central Electric Cooperative and specifically set aside for a CEC member in good standing. She must also meet SI Bend’s award criteria. To be clear, a CEC member may apply for either award.

For over 30 years the SI Bend women’s service club, has awarded $70,000+ to local women in educational assistance. The annual SI Bend Holiday Wreath and Evergreen fundraising sale, currently in progress at www.sibend.org, supports these awards.

Visit www.sibend.org to view and download applications, or contact Soroptimist member Jan Swander at j.m.swander@gmail.com for more information. The deadline for award entries is November 15, 2020.

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Celebrating 75+ Years of Service

Service never goes out of style . Soroptimist International of Bend (SI Bend), has been providing community support serving women and girls of Central Oregon since 1943. SI Bend is the longest, continuously running women’s service organization in Bend, offering educational awards to local students, plus, supporting Bethlehem Inn, Head Start, Grandma’s House, Kids Center, The Loft and more. Internationally, SI Bend’s outreach programs“Bras from Bend” assists women rescued from human trafficking especially from the sex slave trade through the campaign “Free the Girls.” For more information, please contact info@sibend.org.] Soroptimist International of Bend, OR | Est. 1943 www.sibend.org

39th ANNUAL SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF BEND

HOLIDAY WREATH & EVERGREEN SALE OCTOBER 1-29

Bend, Oregon: September 21, 2020: Please join Soroptimist International of Bend in helping financially needy women pursue their academic dreams. This year marks 39 years of holding SI Bend’s Annual Holiday Wreath and Evergreen Sale which supports this effort, as well as helping a number of non-profits in our community, such as Grandma’s House, The Loft , HeadStart and more.

Oregon based Teufel’s Holly Farms, which was founded in 1890, assures us that they will have ample supplies of fresh evergreens to create their products, even in this difficult fire season. To make shopping for gifts during Covid-19 less stressful, Teufel’s has added more to their direct order selections. It is easy to select, order and have a gift sent directly to your family or friends’ home. You don’t need to wrap or ship a present yourself! Prices of these specific items include the cost of shipping..

For local delivery, Soroptimist members, of course, continue to personally bring your order to your home after Thanksgiving.

It’s easy to order a beautiful wreath or centerpiece via PayPal after viewing the choices at www.sibend.org. Holiday sales information is also available through e-mail at wreaths@sibend.org or by calling 541-420-3296. Sales are from October 1 to October 29, so please place your orders soon.

15th ANNUAL COMMUNITY BABY SHOWER FOR BABIES OF BEND

BEGINS FEBRUARY 1 to MARCH 31, 2020

SPONSORED BY SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF BEND, OR (SI BEND)

Bend, OR, January 20, 2020

Want to help keep the babies of Central Oregon warm and clothed? Get involved in the annual Community Baby Shower hosted by Soroptimist International of Bend. Since 2005, SI Bend has been collection gently used or new baby & toddler clothing and hygiene items. With the cooperation of local businesses, retirement homes and a generous community, we make it a priority to ensure our little ones will be warm. Through the Deschutes County Department of Human Services, all items collected by SI Bend are distributed in Central Oregon to local families in need who cannot afford basic baby care supplies.

Beginning February 1 through March 31, donations such as diapers, unwrapped clothing, blankets, hygiene items, bottles and pacifiers may be dropped off at the convenient locations below. (Unfortunately, used car seats cannot be accepted.)

Bella Studio Salon – 2150 NE Studio Rd, Bend, 97701

BJ’s Quilt Basket -20225 Badger Road, Bend, 97702

Central Oregon Locavore – 1841 NE 3rd St, Bend, 97701

Harcourts, The Garner Group – 2762 Northwest Crossing Drive, Ste.100, Bend, 97703

Hopscotch Kids – 1303 NW Galveston, Bend, 97701

Jake’s Diner – 2210 US Hwy 20, Bend, 97701

Lovejoy’s Market – 19530 Amber Meadow Dr., Bend, 9770

For more details on the SI Bend Community Baby Shower please contact the co-chairs Arlene Hendrix at 541-617-0079 and/or Shari Anderson – 541-678-5779. web site: www.sibend.org

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Celebrating 76+ Years of Service 1943 – 2020

Service never goes out of style. Soroptimist International of Bend (SI Bend) has been providing community support serving women and girls of Central Oregon since 1943. It is the longest, continuously running women’s service organization in Bend offering educational awards to local women, and supports Bethlehem Inn, Head Start, Grandma’s House, Kids Center and more. Internationally, SI Bend’s outreach programs “Bras from Bend” assists women rescued from human trafficking, especially from the sex slave trade, through the campaign “Free the Girls”. More info is available at – www.sibend.org A non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization ---Foundation Tax ID #27-0010575

Sex Trafficking In Central Oregon – Update Your Knowledge – January 22 Discussion

Sex Trafficking is a booming industry. And, YES, it occurs in Central Oregon. It thrives because there is a serious demand. The buyers fuel the market with their money. Defined:

Sex Trafficking occurs when someone uses Force, Fraud, or Coercion to cause a

commercial sex act with an adult or causes a minor to commit a commercial sex act.

A commercial sex act includes prostitution, pornography, and sexual performance done

in exchange for any item of value, such as money, drugs, shelter, food or clothes.

Join us Wednesday, January 22, 2020, at the Bend Senior/Larkspur Center, 1600 Reed Market, Bend from 6-8 PM to listen to local experts in the field of sex trafficking. The speakers will hold a panel discussion on what is currently taking place in our community. The event is sponsored by Soroptimist International of Bend which is part of a worldwide service organization dedicated to the mission of improving the lives of women and girls {www.sibend.org}. Each of the participants is deeply engaged in responding to trafficking and advocating for the support of survivors.

Amy Martin, J Bar J Anti-Trafficking Program Manager, will speak about their program serving survivors. She has 25 years of experience working in the field of Social Services, 15 of those years working in Central Oregon. Currently, she is the program manager for the “at:project”, a program through J Bar J serving survivors of human trafficking. Previously, Amy was Housing Programs. Manager at NeighborImpact and supervisor of Nancy’s House Family Shelter. She recently was employed as a Child Protective Services Investigator for State of Oregon.

Monica Desmond, Deschutes Co. Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) Response Team Coordinator, will address their work. CSEC works to ensure a comprehensive response to exploitation and human trafficking in our region. A member of the State of Oregon Attorney General Trafficking Intervention Advisory Committee, she also has 20 years of experience working in direct social service, community organizing, with non nonprofits, as well as serving with such organizations as the Homeless Leadership Coalition and the Housing Workgroup of the Central Oregon Health Council.

Andrea Perry, the Guardian Group, will explain their mission of how to prevent and disrupt the sex trafficking of women and children while enabling partners to identify victims and predators in the United States.

She has a degree in Psychology from California Polytechnic State University. Her efforts have been focused in the adolescent counseling sector and working with youth in multiple different capacities. Moving to Oregon in 2015, she was introduced to the Guardian Group, began volunteering and later joined the team full time.

Sara Hunt-Perkins is a Survivor, abolitionist, mentor, public speaker and advocate for Human Trafficking awareness and prevention. Sara uses her own experiences as a survivor of 2 1/2 years in the game to educate men, women and children on the realities of sexual exploitation, how/where it happens and how we ALL can change the game together.

The event is free. Refreshments will be provided. www.sibend.org

Definition provided by Shared Hope--- https://sharedhope.org/the-problem/what-is-sex-trafficking/

ANNUAL EDUCATIONAL AWARD APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED NOW

SPONSORED BY SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF BEND (SI BEND)

BEND, OR, September 20, 2019:

Applications for the “Live Your Dream” Awards offered by Soroptimist International of Bend, will be taken from October 1 until November 15, 2019.. Applications are available online at www.sibend.org. A minimum of two $2000 educational awards will be given. One of the scholarships is specifically set aside for a Central Electric Cooperative (CEC) member in good standing meeting the award criteria.

To qualify, the applicant must be a financially needy, head of household woman who is pursuing higher education. “LYDA” applicants must be entering into or enrolled in a college certificate/degree program. The money may be used for any educational expense including tuition, childcare, and/or transportation by the awardees.

For over 30 years the SI Bend women’s service club, has awarded $65,000+ to local women in educational assistance. The annual SI Bend Holiday Evergreen fundraising sale (going on now at www.sibend.org) supports these awards.

Visit www.sibend.org to view and download applications, or contact Soroptimist member Jan Swander at j.m.swander@gmail.com for more information. The deadline for award entries is November 15, 2019.

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Celebrating 75+ Years of Service

[Service never goes out of style . Soroptimist International of Bend (SI Bend), has been providing community support serving women and girls of Central Oregon since 1943. SI Bend is the longest, continuously running women’s service organization in Bend, offering educational awards to local students, plus, supporting Bethlehem Inn, Head Start, Grandma’s House, Kids Center, The Loft and more. Internationally, SI Bend’s outreach programs“Bras from Bend” assists women rescued from human trafficking especially from the sex slave trade through the campaign “Free the Girls.” For more information, please contact info@sibend.org. ]Soroptimist International of Bend, OR | Est. 1943 www.sibend.org

38 th ANNUAL SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF BEND

HOLIDAY WREATH & EVERGREEN SALE OCTOBER 1-31

Bend, Oregon: September 15, 2019:

The local women’s service club, Soroptimist International of Bend (SI Bend) is holding its 38 th Annual Holiday Wreath and Evergreen sale. Purchasing a “fresh from the Northwest” item will help SI Bend help a local financially needed women acquire an education.

Soroptimist is a global, volunteer, non-profit organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. Locally, SI Bend assists qualifying women through the “Live Your Dream Award”. With the award, they are able to pursue their education and become financially secure. Each year, the club’s goal is to award a minimum of two $2000 grants. In addition, SI Bend provides various amounts to local non-profits such as Grandma’s House, Head Start, The Loft, Bethlehem Inn, Back Door Cafe, FAN and more.

It’s easy to order a beautiful wreath or centerpiece via PayPal after viewing the choices at www.sibend.org. SI Bend partners with Teufel Holly Farms, Inc. of Portland, OR, (est. 1890) for this fundraising project. All Teufel products offered are Oregon grown and freshly handcrafted.

Holiday sales information is also available through e-mail at wreaths@sibend.org or by calling 541-420-3296. Sales are from October 1 to October 31, so please place your orders soon. All wreaths and evergreens are guaranteed fresh and will be delivered to your home after Thanksgiving.

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Celebrating 75+ Years of Service  [Investing in Dreams:   Soroptimist International of Bend (SI Bend),  has been providing community support serving women and girls of Central Oregon since 1943.  SI Bend is the longest, continuously running women’s service organization in Bend, offering educational awards to local students, plus, supporting Bethlehem Inn, Head Start, Grandma’s House, Kids Center, The Loft and more. Internationally, SI Bend’s outreach programs“ Bras from Bend” assists women rescued from human trafficking especially from the sex slave trade through the campaign “Free the Girls.” For more information, please contact www.sibend.org.] Soroptimist International of Bend, OR | Est. 1943 www.sibend.org

January is National Human Trafficking month and in observance, Soroptimist International of Bend will host a panel discussion by the Commercial Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) Response Team Panel of Deschutes County.The CSEC team, which recently was awarded certification from the Oregon Attorney General’s Trafficking Intervention Advisory Committee, will discuss issues related to the sexual exploitation of children in our local communities. Trafficking happens everyday in Central Oregon and it may not be what you think. Community members will learn what signs to look for and how to help.

The CSEC Response Team consists of four members, including:

• Ashley Beatty, the Program Manager for the Victims Assistance Program with the District Attorney’s Office;
• Josh Spano, a Detective within the Criminal Division of the City of Bend Police Department; Josh is currently assigned to the Human Trafficking caseload and is a member of the CSEC team;
• Melissa Parker, a Project Manager for the Cascade Youth & Family Center. Mel provides supervision to three federally-funded projects, including the Domestic Victims of Human Trafficking programs; and
• Monica Desmond, the CSEC Response Team Coordinator.

The public is welcomed and encouraged to attend this important noon time discussion at the at the January 24, 2019 SI Bend program meeting. Join us at the Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho, from noon to 1:00pm, on Thursday, January 24, 2019. Refreshments will be served. The event is free. More information at www.sibend.org or 503-519-5051.

7th ANNUAL “BRAS FROM BEND” TO FIGHT HUMAN TRAFFICKING

SPONSORED BY SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF BEND (SI BEND)

Bend, OR, March 2018: Starting April 1, 2018, Soroptimist International of Bend (SI Bend) will be placing their collection Bra Boxes around town at participating retail businesses to help bring awareness to the fight against international human trafficking. These garments will help create a pathway to a better life for a woman rescued from the sex slave trade in Africa and Latin America. SI Bend partners with Free the Girls (www. FreeTheGirls.org), a non-profit organization, to send the collected bras to these locations.

SI Bend’s outreach program “Bras from Bend” is a testament to the Soroptimist mission Best for Women. The “Bras” project is made of women in Central Oregon helping other women half way around the world. The simple act of a donation of a gently used (or new) bra will help a woman become an entrepreneur who sells these garments thus empowering her to create a better life for herself and family. Thanks to the generosity of the community, last year’s drive collected 1473 bras!

Bras may seem an ordinary item for women of Central Oregon. To women of sub-Sahara Africa and in some countries of Latin America, they are a luxury item, which improve lives socially and economically.

“Bras from Bend” runs annually only during the month of April. Bra Boxes are at the following locations in Bend. For more information, visit www.sibend.org.

Bella Studio 2150 NE Studio Road

The Cutting Club, 1335 NW Galveston

Deschutes Children’s Foundation – East Bend Campus, 2125 NE Daggett Lane

The Little Hair Shoppe, 2669 NE Twin Knolls Drive

Prosthetics by Lynda, 345 NE Norton

QuiltWorks, 926 NE Greenwood

Snap Fitness, 2753 NW Lolo

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[Service never goes out of style. Since 1943, Soroptimist International of Bend (SI Bend), has been providing 70 plus years of community support serving women and girls of Central Oregon. SI Bend is the longest, continuously running women’s service organization in Bend, Oregon, offering educational awards to local students, plus, supporting Bethlehem Inn, Head Start, Saving Grace, and more. Internationally, SI Bend’s outreach programs “Bras for a Cause” assists’ women rescued from human trafficking especially from the sex slave trade in Africa through the campaign “Free the Girls.” For more information, please contact www.sibend.org.]

Soroptimist International of Bend, OR | Est. 1943

13th ANNUAL COMMUNITY BABY SHOWER FOR BABIES OF BEND

BEGINS FEBRUARY 1 to MARCH 31, 2018

SPONSORED BY SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF BEND, OR (SI BEND)

Bend, OR, January 2018: Working to keep Central Oregon babies warm and clothed, Soroptimist International of Bend is calling on our community for donations of clothing and essential baby and toddler items. For the 13th year, making the babies warm and cuddly happens because of the generous community donations dropped into the SI Bend Community Baby Shower Baskets located, at businesses, around town, and by the various handcrafted items created by residents of area residential communities.

The 2018 SI Bend Community Baby Shower begins February 1 and runs through March 31, 2018. SI Bend is in partnership with the Deschutes County Department of Human Services who distributes the items to local families in need of clothing and basic baby care supplies. Last year’s collection was so significant that the Department of Human Services was able to share with other offices in the Tri-County area. This is truly spreading the warmth of the community to those who need it.

SI Bend is pleased to have the cooperation of local businesses which place a baby collection basket in their retail space for the general public to drop off donated items such as new or gently used baby clothing, diapers, unwrapped clothing, blankets, hygiene items, bottles and pacifiers. These baskets cannot accept large items such as a used car seat.

Business locations of the Baby Baskets are:

BJ's Quilt - 20225 Badger Rd, Bend 97702

Hopscotch Kids - 1303 NW Galveston, Bend 97701

Newport Market - 1121 NW Newport Ave, Bend, 97701 (Feb. only)

QuiltWorks - 926 NE Greenwood, Bend, 97701

Lovejoy's Market - 19530 Amber Meadow Dr, Bend, 97702  

Jake's Diner - 2210 US 20 Bend, OR 97701

Bella Studio Salon - 2150 NE. Studio Road #6, Bend, OR, 97703

Central Oregon Locavore - 1841 NE 3rd St., Bend, OR 97701

SI Bend is very grateful for the beautifully handcrafted items donated by residents of local residential homes. Handmade items include knitted blankets, booties, hats and sweaters to baby sized quilts and more. Participating area residences include: Aspen Ridge, Prestige High Desert, Stone Lodge, Touchmark and Whispering Winds.

For details, please contact the Soroptimist member co-chairs Arlene Hendrix at 541-617-0079 and/or Shari Anderson at 541-678-5779

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[Service never goes out of style. Soroptimist International of Bend (SI Bend), has been providing community support serving women and girls of Central Oregon since 1943. SI Bend is the longest, continuously running women’s service organization in Bend, offering educational awards to local students, plus, supporting Bethlehem Inn, Head Start, Grandma’s House, Kids Center and more. Internationally, SI Bend’s outreach programs “Bras from Bend” assists women rescued from human trafficking especially from the sex slave trade through the campaign “Free the Girls.” For more information, please contact www.sibend.org.]

Soroptimist International of Bend, OR | Est. 1943 www.sibend.org