Soroptimist hosts speaker from Mary Graham Children’s Foundation
Soroptimist International of Lodi recently asked Emily Ballus, the executive director for the Mary Graham Children’s Foundation, to speak to the club. The local Soroptimists have been supporting the Foundation through scholarships for several years and has even developed the Achievement Award for foster children.
Ballus shared what happens when foster children are aged out of the system at the age of 18, as well as the many ways the foundation tries to assist them. Ballus said that over 1,400 youth in San Joaquin County are in foster care due to neglect, abuse or abandonment each year.
The foster children are dependent on scholarships and local funding from various organizations to help with the costs of college or trade school. The foundation provides life skills and educational support to the youth. In addition, mentors provide direction and moral support. The government provides funds for basic living expenses at the shelter, but there are no funds for childhood enrichment, birthdays and other special events they may enjoy. The foundation awards over $200,000 yearly in funding to former foster youth for college, training and student support programs. They still need money for an emergency fund to help these students as they transition into training for a lifetime skill.
The evening ended with a question and answer session. The Soroptimist Club voted to donate $500 to the foundation in addition to the $1,000 scholarship presented in March at the annual awards ceremony.
This year’s awards night will be March 25 at the Parkview Terrace club house at 6 p.m. The club will also be presenting the Live Your Dream Award to a woman who is the primary support for their family. The award is to provide the resources they need to improve their education.
Soroptimist welcomes new members. Anyone interested in joining can visit lodisoroptimist.org.
Donations to Mary Graham Children’s Foundation are welcome and can be sent to the Foundation at P.O. Box 792, Stockton CA 95201. They can also be reached at 209403-5654 or mgfoundation01@gmail.com.