Soroptimists Raise over $11,000 to Fight Human Trafficking
VISTA, California, February 19, 2021—Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland recently presented checks totaling $11,700 to two organizations fighting human trafficking in San Diego County. During a club Zoom meeting on February 19th, club president Assly Sayyar welcomed guest speakers from Alabaster Jar Project and North County Lifeline. Each organization will receive a check for $5,850 representing equal halves of the total funds raised from the club’s monthlong “30 Miles in 30 Days” Walkathon to Fight Human Trafficking held in January.
First to speak was Susan Johnson, Director and Co-Founder of Alabaster Jar Project, which operates Grace House, a safe house in Vista for trafficking victims. “Thank you so much Soroptimists,” she said. “This will help with paying our staff and making sure that the bills are paid and the rent is paid for the women in our housing program.” Grace House currently houses five trafficking survivors. “They are doing well,” she reported. “Two of them are already working in the community–they actually, during Covid-19, got employment on their own. One earned her high school diploma. We’ve got three that are in college continuing education virtually.”
Representing North County Lifeline were Stephanie Gonzalez, program manager of Project LIFE, and Melissa Haupt, director of programs. Project LIFE supports human trafficking victims on their path to recovery and self-reliance. “The Soroptimists have always supported our program,” Gonzalez said. “I just want to say thank you for always thinking of us…Since we started Project LIFE in 2011, we’ve served a total of 387 clients,” Gonzalez noted, “and that number has continued to grow because we’ve expanded. When I first started, I was the only case manager. Now we have five case managers, a therapist…we’ve really grown. It’s great to be able to serve more clients with their emergency needs, so for example, when we head out on an Emergency Response a lot of times trafficking victims don’t have anything, we’re able to purchase clothing for them and any other basic items that they’re in need of, and can place them in safe housing. So all of these funds are definitely going to contribute to all of that.”
Melissa Haupt said “Collaborations like this like with Alabaster Jar and the other great community partners has allowed us to grow.” She said they now have eight independent units for housing, and provide parenting support to survivors who have children or are pregnant to make sure that they are successful and able to safely parent. “It is a result of collaborations like this and we are incredibly grateful, so thank you,” Haupt said.
When asked what else Soroptimist members can do in addition to monetary donations, all three women agreed that donations of gift cards are most welcome, because the funding they receive is usually restricted to food, clothing and housing. “There are a lot of things that our survivors might need that maybe don’t fit into the box of food, clothing or shelter but are imperative in their case plan as they make progress towards their own personal goals,” Haupt said.
Johnson agreed. “We’ve seen an increase in the need for, for instance, gas station gift cards, grocery store gift cards, Uber, Lyft and Instacart. We’ve been using Instacart a lot.”
Interested in donating gift cards? Please consider purchasing gift cards from our Soroptimist Club’s SCRIP fundraising program. Pickup or delivery available. Order gift cards from our club by registering and ordering online at shopwithscrip.com using our club’s Enrollment Code: BC2862E5961. QUESTIONS? Call or email us at 760-683-9427 or soroptimistinternationalvista@gmail.com.
Another thing they all agreed on: they are all exhausted, staff and clients alike. At the top of Susan Johnson’s wish list was “self-care for staff.” The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough, she said. “Because of the Covid measures, we’ve been really spread thin. For the women it would be nice if somebody has some sort of Big Bear cabin or Julian little space that they’d be willing to allow us to use for a weekend retreat for either staff or for the residents…that would be lovely,” she said.
“The pandemic has taken a toll on all of us,” agreed Haupt. “We had to shift in the way we are providing services, and while we do still have in-person services, we have also had to be selective in protecting our clients and protecting our staff. We had to shift gears. How do we provide basic needs to everybody and make sure that we’re keeping everybody safe? So for the basic needs, that meant that we were picking up and doing a drop-off on doorstep and then giving clients a text or call when we get there so that we can do the exchange, wave to them through the window.”
Other needs mentioned included a possible daylong financial literacy workshop and mentoring one-on-one, both things Soroptimists are planning to do in the future to help. Members were cautioned that mentoring would require 40 hours of training. Information about volunteering can be found at the respective organizations’ websites: alabasterjarproject.org and nclifeline.org.
Kaye Van Nevel, who has chaired the Soroptimist club’s anti-human trafficking efforts for over a decade, gave special credit to the North County San Diego Anti-Human Trafficking Collaborative, a group formed and run by Soroptimists in North County which until last year met every other month at the United Methodist Church of Vista. Both Alabaster Jar Project and North County Lifeline were members of the Collaborative and guest speakers at some of their meetings.
For more information visit soroptimistvista.org or email soroptimistinternationalvista@gmail.com.
PHOTO: Zoom meeting in February. Clockwise, from top: Assly Sayyar, President of Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland, Kaye Van Nevel, Chair of the club’s Anti-Human Trafficking program, Susan Johnson of Alabaster Jar Project, Melissa Haupt and Stephanie Gonzalez of North County Lifeline.
Two Events in March
We’re Nominated!
The Vista Chamber is holdings its 2021 Heroes of Vista Virtual Auction, Awards & Gala virtually this year as a livestreamed event on YouTube. Our club, Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland, is one of three finalists in the nonprofit category!
The Heroes of Vista Gala can be viewed live on the event bidding page. Register for Free HERE
This will be a free, live streaming event on Saturday, March 20 at 5:30 p.m. filled with entertainment along with awards for the many amazing leaders in the Vista community. The program and silent virtual auction will be free to access and view from the event page beginning at 5:30 p.m. and ending at 7:00 p.m. You can optionally enjoy a Gala Box with snacks and treats while you watch the ceremony for $75. Register as a bidder and view the event for free, online. No purchase necessary to enjoy this virtual gala!
NOTE: Be sure to pre-register for the event by March 15 with your credit card to donate or bid the night of the event. Everyone pre-registered for the event will be entered into an opportunity to win a certificate for a large charcuterie box for two (to be used on a future date of your choice). The online silent auction opens on March 15.
It’s Our Birthday!
Come join us on Tuesday, March 23 at 6 pm via Zoom to celebrate Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland’s 68th birthday! Our club was chartered on March 23, 1953. That’s 68 years of service to our local community and to issues affecting women and girls locally and around the world. Drinks and Bingo are optional (Donation $10 per Bingo Card). Email us for more info: soroptimistinternationalvista@gmail.com.
Monica Dean Speaks at Jan. 30 Webinar
Human Trafficking was the focus of a free Zoom webinar presented by Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland on Saturday, January 30, 2021 from 1-2 p.m. Keynote speaker Monica Dean, NBC7 News Anchor, gave us a behind-the-scenes account of the NBC7 documentary series, “STOLEN: A Year-Long Investigation Into Child Sex Trafficking and Exploitation.” Her talk included the inspiration behind the seven-episode documentary series, how the project evolved and the major findings to come from this year-long investigation. The series is available to stream online at nbc7.com/Stolen and debuts nationally this month on NBC LX/Peacock. In addition, Jaimee Johnson, CEO/Founder of Sisters of the Streets, spoke, reading a poem and answering questions during the question and answer period following both presentations. Also joining the panel were Soroptimists Assly Sayyar, president of the Vista club, Kaye Van Nevel, Chair of the club’s Human Rights/Status of Women Committee and Jackie Piro Huyck, the club’s Public Awareness Director. The webinar will be edited and posted online for viewing in February.
January was Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and during the month the Soroptimists hosted a “30 Miles in 30 Days” Walkathon fundraiser, raising over $10,000. All funds raised will be donated to Alabaster Jar Project‘s Grace House, a safe house for survivors of trafficking, and North County Lifeline’s Project LIFE, which provides prevention and intervention services.
The Vista Soroptimist club has been at the forefront of raising awareness about human trafficking since 2006.
Painting Class Fundraiser Feb. 11, 2021
Any questions contact:
Eden Weinberger or Aleta Dirdo”
at email in flyer above (click on flyer)
Proceeds benefit Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland’s Dream programs helping women and girls get the education and training they need to succeed.
WHAT: ZOOM Watercolor Painting Class Fundraiser
WHEN: Thursday, February 11, 2021
TIME: 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
PRICE: $40 includes all supplies delivered to your home
Carlsbad artist Ronni Rosenberg will lead us step by step to create our own beautiful watercolor painting, suitable for framing or for making into greeting cards. $40 registration fee INCLUDES all art supplies delivered directly to your home. (Local addresses only). Funds raised will go directly to Soroptimist Dream programs to benefit women and girls.
All spots have been filled for this class
Walkathon to Fight Human Trafficking Raises Over $10,000
VISTA, California, February 1, 2021—Our “30 Miles in 30 Days to Fight Human Trafficking” Virtual Walkathon raised over $10,000. All funds raised will be split equally between two local non-profits active in the fight against human trafficking: Alabaster Jar’s Grace House, a safe house for trafficking victims, and North County Lifeline’s Project LIFE, a human trafficking prevention and intervention program.
In addition the Human Trafficking Awareness Zoom Webinar held on January 30, 2021 at 1 pm, with guest speakers Monica Dean, anchor/reporter for NBC7 News San Diego and Jaimee Johnson, trafficking survivor will be posted on our YouTube channel soon.
NBC7’s “STOLEN” Documentary Streaming Now
SAN DIEGO, C.A., August 25, 2020 – On August 20, 2020, NBC San Diego debuted “STOLEN,” an expansive documentary series about the sex trafficking and exploitation of children in San Diego County.
Told from the perspective of survivors, advocates — even pimps, and sex buyers, “STOLEN” also celebrates the strength of survivors and their families, as they struggle to break the bonds of sex trafficking. The seven-episode documentary is the product of a year-long investigation by NBC San Diego Anchor/Reporter Monica Dean and Executive Investigative Producer Tom Jones.
“STOLEN” details how Dean and Jones uncovered previously sealed jailhouse recordings of a trafficker manipulating two teen girls into selling themselves online. The recordings led to an investigation of how a wealthy San Diego businessman received immunity from San Diego County prosecutors, despite his admission that he had paid teenage girls for sex.
The case highlights gaps in the state justice system. Among the problems: the reality that sex buyers are rarely arrested and charged for their crimes, and when they are, they typically receive only a misdemeanor citation that can be disposed of by paying a small fine.
“The way the law works in California, a person can buy sex with a minor, say they didn’t realize they were under the age of 18, and walk away with little punishment,” Jones said.
In addition, Dean and Jones report for the first time evidence of child sex trafficking occurring at nearly every school district in San Diego County, and how thousands of teenagers are vulnerable to exploiters through their social media profiles. “STOLEN” explains why the illicit child sex market thrives in San Diego County, and across the United States, despite the heroic efforts of survivors, their families, and advocates to break that destructive cycle and reclaim their stolen lives.
“I’m a journalist but I’m also a mother,” said NBC San Diego Anchor Monica Dean. “It was our mission to help people understand these young victims could be your child, sister, neighbor, or friend. The desire for love, validation, and acceptance is often what makes someone vulnerable to exploitation. But there is hope and there are solutions.”
“STOLEN” includes exclusive interviews with young women and men who were sexually exploited in San Diego County. Throughout the ground-breaking documentary, survivors share their personal stories and reveal the risk factors and warning signs every parent should know.
“In the #MeToo era, there’s an opportunity for a real conversation about the dangers of these kinds of exploitative relationships that often draw teen girls and boys into sex trafficking,” Dean said.
“STOLEN” is streaming now at www.nbc7.com/STOLEN
The documentary is accompanied by a multimedia platform of content and a companion podcast series that showcases the findings of the year-long investigation.
“It is a difficult and uncomfortable topic but a must-see for parents, educators, youth groups, and community leaders,” said Dean. “Experts say young people’s lives are at stake. In this digital age, they are more vulnerable than ever.”
CONTACT:
Tom Jones, Executive Producer
NBC San Diego
(619) 618-9243 Cell Phone
TomJ@NBC.com
“It is a difficult and uncomfortable topic but a must-see for parents, educators, youth groups, and community leaders. Experts say young people’s lives are at stake. In this digital age, they are more vulnerable than ever.” –Monica Dean
Club Gears Up for 2020-2021 Year
Club Installs Incoming Board at Outdoor Brunch
On Saturday, June 27 we held our 2020-2021 “Free to Sparkle” patriotically themed Installation of officers in Sherry’s backyard, which was perfect because there was lots of space to social distance. Kudos to Sherry Luz, Jennifer Luz-Olson, Lani Beltrano and Karen Del Bene and everyone else who helped make it possible. The food and decorations were superb. We all liked Dyana Preti’s “Five Affirmations for Soroptimists” so much that we are reprinting them below:
Five Affirmations for Soroptimists by Dyana Preti
- We are AMAZING! We do more, think more, say more, feel more, love more and we act on it.
- We can do ANYTHING! We have strong values about the role and rights of women and girls in this world. We have causes and projects that we champion with courage, compassion and conviction.
- We make the choice to be POSITIVE! Adversity is no match for us. Our hearts are big and we make a positive difference in this troubled world.
Each of us is a UNIQUE individual! Each brings her own personal skills, time and talents to our club and gives of herself in her own unique way. Each of us is valuable, needed and appreciated by her sisters here. - We are EMPOWERED! Because of everything we are, everything we bring to this club, we are empowered and we empower each other as well. You’ve heard the saying, “As an individual you are but one drop of water.” But as Soroptimists working together we are a global ocean reaching out to women and girls on every continent. Our teamwork makes the dream work!
Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland
2020-2021 Board
President: Assly Sayyar
President Elect: Cherie Wilson
Secretary: Kaye Van Nevel
Treasurer: Pat Origlieri
Assistant Treasurer: Aleta Dirdo
DIRECTORS
1. Membership: Lani Beltrano & Karen Del Bene
2. Programs: Elizabeth Freed
3. Fundraising: Runa Gunnars
4. Public Awareness: Jackie Huyck
DELEGATES
President of the Club President: Assly Sayyar
2 year Delegate: Sherry Luz
2 year Alternate: Jennifer Luz-Olson
1 year Delegate: Nelly Jarrous
1 year Alternate: Runa Gunnars
May Letter
FROM TOP: Jaimee Johnson, Rochelle Orozco Vargas, Guadalupe Martinez and Xochitl Dybbro are just four of the six deserving women who received this year’s Live Your Dream Award and check via mail — we hope to celebrate with them some time in the future, when it is safe to do so!
President’s Message May 2020
by Assly Sayyar, President, SI Vista NCI
Soroptimists Don’t Quit
It is our club’s tradition to celebrate our educational awardees every year with a big party. In past years there have been luncheons and dinners to give out thousands of dollars in Live Your Dream awards.
This year our club gave out awards totaling $18,000 to SIX amazing women. We would have loved to celebrate with them, meet their families and loved ones and recognize them publicly but we could not do that this year. Still, awards were mailed out and that money is making a difference in the lives of those women as they further their education and make their dreams reality.
It is also an annual event for our club to join with other Soroptimist Clubs in our Desert Coast Region and attend the DCR Spring Conference. At Spring Conference all the clubs in our region meet, share ideas, remember those who have passed away, learn of how to better our clubs and our projects, and gain a greater understanding of what our federation is doing to invest in the dreams of women and girls across the globe.
We also meet the women from other clubs who have advanced to receive additional educational grants from the Live Your Dream Award program.
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| Thoralinda Soyland will be sworn in as Region Governor at Conference, which has been postponed to October 2020. |
This year we were especially looking forward to our very own Thora Soyland being sworn in as our Regional Governor. Sadly, the event has been postponed to October, 2020. But that does not mean we are cut off from our Region and our sister clubs. We stay in contact and in touch with their leadership and take part in creative fundraising that benefits all of our clubs and the women and girls in the Desert Coast Region.
This pandemic may change the way we do things but it won’t change what we do and what we are committed to: Investing in the dreams of women and girls.
Every two years, all clubs from the entire Soroptimist of the Americas (“SIA”) meet. Clubs from Asia, North America, and South America that are part of our federation were planning to meet in Washington State in July, 2020. During these bi-annual conventions, friendships are formed across borders and languages and cultures. Members meet with a common purpose. That event has been cancelled.
While we are not going to meet in person this year, we are still connected to those clubs and to our Federation. SIA remains in touch with us all, providing information and resources to help clubs working towards the mission during these very strange times.
So no, things are not the same. Plans have been disrupted. Parties and travel plans have been cancelled or postponed.
But we as a club and as Soroptimist members are more than the events we plan or the meetings we hold. We are part of every Live Your Dream recipient who receives a check from monies that we helped raise.
We play a part when every young girl thinks about her future and sets goals and dreams big while studying at home after taking part in our Dream It Be It program.
We are part of the solution when governments and communities build awareness and work to stop violence against women, domestic violence, and human trafficking. We continue to work towards our mission.
This pandemic may change the way we do things but it won’t change what we do and what we are committed to: Investing in the dreams of women and girls.
So, as we head into May and June, 2020, I invite you all as members and as our community partners to keep visiting our club’s website and reading our monthly newsletter to remember and keep in mind our mission.
Just like our Live Your Dream recipients, Soroptimists don’t quit.
Live Your Dream Awards Gala POSTPONED
MARCH 15, 2020–In response to community concerns and to support current California policies, we are POSTPONING our April 3rd Live Your Dream Awards Gala to a later date, to be determined. Please check back, more information is forthcoming. We will be contacting current ticket holders. Thank you for your understanding.
POSTPONED: Quartermania!
QuarterMania POSTPONED
Our QuarterMania Fundraiser, originally scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2020 has been POSTPONED due to Covid 19 concerns.
We hope to hold it at a future date to be determined. STAY TUNED! Those who attended last November’s Quartermania (see slide show below) had a great time! Check it out!