As part of our monthly meetings, our club invites guest speakers to inform us of their community work or provide education for our members. This year we've had the following guest speakers: Family Hui, Attorney Lauren Jones, exchange student Rauhiya, Yolo Crisis Nursery, and Dignity Health.
Family Hui, a nonprofit, "focuses on early childhood development and on activities designed to encourage parents to reflect on their own childhood, dreams, trauma, and triggers. (They) combine evidence-based research, reflective inquiry, and peer-led conversations to create circles of support, hui."
Lauren Jones of Gallagher Jones LLP, also a Soroptimist of Woodland member, discussed estate planning. She covered the differences between wills and revocable living trusts. She also discussed many misconceptions about estate planning. She is half owner of a women owned law firm based out of West Sacramento. She provides free estate planning presentations for businesses and organizations all around Yolo and Sacramento County.
Exchange student, Rauhiya, discussed her life in Tanzania. As part of her exchange program, Rauhiya must make presentations to different community organizations about her life in Tanzania. The Council on International Educational Exchange coordinated Rauhiya's opportunity to study in the US. It is a non-profit organization promoting international education and exchange. It was founded in 1947 and is based in United States. The organization is headquartered in Portland, Maine. High schools students from all over the world are waiting for the opportunity to study in the United States. The experiences and life lessons are immeasurable and life-changing.
Yolo Crisis Nursery: "Day and night, 365 days a year, (they) provide safe, temporary care for children up through age 5. (They) help parents manage emergencies, keep up with their jobs, learn a new job, get medical care, or just get a break. (Their) services are voluntary and free." They assist those families in crisis by providing a safe place to leave their children as they work through the crisis.
Dignity Health, presented by Celeste Santoni, discussed human trafficking in our community. She discussed myths around human trafficking along with how they train providers in emergency rooms to identify characteristics of human trafficking victims. As human trafficking is occurring in Yolo county, it's important that community members be aware.
If you are interested in attending a Soroptimist of Woodland meeting, please contact us at siwoodland@soroptimist.net.