Soroptimist International hosts inspiring women
Soroptimist International of Lodi hosted speakers at its February and March meetings.
Cheryl Francis, the founder and director of Grace and Mercy Charitable Foundation was the guest speaker at the February program meeting. The Foundation is located at 425 N. Sacramento St. in Lodi.
Francis was inspired by her parents to help those in need. She volunteers her time to run the foundation. It provides meals to families and people of low or no income on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. It serves hot meals to 100 to 150 people. It also provides clothing, food boxes and a place to clean up and relax.
The foundation relies on donations from individuals and businesses in the area. If you would like to make a donation, mail checks to Grace and Mercy Charitable Foundation of Lodi, P.O. Box 2236, Lodi, CA 95241. For more information visit or to volunteer to help, contact Francis at 925-864-0183.
The speaker at a March meeting was Confidence Coach Erin Summ. whose goal is to help shy and introverted women to step past their fears, into confidence to make a bigger impact in the world. Summ encourages women to learn ways to build their confidence and courage, and acquire tools to diminish their fears and feel safer being themselves.
If you would like to inquire about Summ speaking at your event, contact her at or call 707-529-5159.
The Soroptimist Awards Night will be held April 25 at Parkview Terrace at 7 p.m. “Live Your Dream” scholarships will be awarded to women who are re-entering the workforce and are the sole support of their families. Another scholarship will be awarded to a worthy young woman recommended by the Mary Graham Foundation.
Soroptimist is a service organization for professional women. The group meets the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. Guests are welcome to attend. You can visit the club’s website at
or visit the Facebook page at Soroptimist International of Lodi.