(Riverton, WY) – Soroptimist International of Riverton recently presented $2,250 in Live Your Dream Education and Training Awards for Women to three local women to help improve their financial situation.
First place award of $1,000 was given to a woman who, due to her personal situation, asked that her name not be released. Two additional applicants, Karlina Fighting Bear and Britney Edwards, were presented with awards totaling another $1,250.
The recipients were recognized earlier this month at a luncheon, attended by Soroptimist members and members of the Dream winners’ families. The three women have overcome daunting challenges and personal hardships to try to live their dreams.
One reference letter spoke: “…I would say that one of (name withheld) biggest strengths is resiliency. Her personal journey has tested her time and time again and she refuses to give in and give up.”
Three non-Soroptimists judged the applications based on clearly stated goals, whether the applicant is motivated to achieve the goals, financial need, applicant has faced hardships and shows resilience, she serves as an inspiration and role model to her dependents, and two references supportive of the applicant.
SI Riverton is immensely grateful to the three Riverton businesswomen who spent time and a great deal of sensitivity in making this very hard decision. All the applicants were worthy.
The Live Your Dream Award provides women who serve as the primary wage earners for their families with the financial resources to offset costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education or additional skills and training. The award can be used for tuition, books, childcare or any other education-related expenses.
The Live Your Dream Award provides over $2.5 million in cash grants to head-of-household women in need each year.
Founded in 1974, the Riverton club is part of Soroptimist International of the Americas, a global organization that works to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.
Riverton members join with almost 80,000 Soroptimists in about 120 countries and territories to contribute time and financial support to community-based projects benefiting women and girls. Soroptimist, a 501(c)(3) organization that relies on charitable donations to support its programs, also powers LiveYourDream.org—an online community offering offline volunteer opportunities in support of women and girls. For more information about how Soroptimist improves the lives of women and girls, visit www.soroptimist.org.