Live Your Dream Award

For the Live Your Dream Award nationally every year, Soroptimist distributes more than $2.9 million in education awards to over 2,000 women all over the world. Over half of the recipients are survivors of domestic violence, trafficking or sexual assault. Nearly all of the women and families we serve have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, teen pregnancy, and drug or alcohol addiction. Recipients may use the cash award to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, such as books, childcare, tuition and transportation. 

The club is thrilled to award two deserving recipients – Filecia Davis and Salina Bartholomew.

Filecia Davis Wins 2024 Award

Filecia Davis (center) was recipient of the SIRV 2024 Live Your Dream Award, presented by LYD Chair Vera Sunada (left) and Women’s Rights Committee Chair Jean Santry.

Soroptimist International of Rio Vista (SIRV) honored our 2024 Live Your Dream Award recipient Filecia Davis. Ms. Davis, a Rio Vista resident, received a $2,500 check to help her further her education in pursuit of her goal to open a long-term care facility for seniors in town.

She has her Bachelor of Science in Health Administration Degree and recently received her Resident Care for the Elderly (RCFE) Certification from the California Department of Social Services. As she explained in her application, “This award’s financial support could allow me to secure the necessary resources, licenses and certifications required to establish and operate a state-of-the-art RCFE facility. This facility would be a place where elderly individuals can find the care, compassion and sense of belonging they deserve in their golden years.”

Her goal is to initially operate an in-home care facility, and then in the long term after receiving all the proper certifications and a suitable location, open a facility that would not only offer elderly day care but also a vocational center for at-risk youth.

Ms. Davis was particularly well suited as an applicant not only because she has a goal that will benefit the Rio Vista community, but also because she is the primary breadwinner of her family, the mother of three adult children, grandmother to three young children, and an above-the-elbow amputee.

“My personal journey has given me a unique perspective, enabling me to relate to the challenges that elderly individuals often face in their daily lives,” she explained in her application. “This award would empower me to turn my personal struggles into a source of strength, allowing me to connect with residents on a deeper level and provide them with the compassion and encouragement they need.”

Salina Bartholomew Wins 2024 Award

Salina Bartholomew (right) receives the SIRV 2024 Live Your Dream Award from LYD Chair Vera Sunada (left).

Nursing student Salina Bartholomew was selected as the second recipient of the Soroptimist International of Rio Vista’s 2024 Live Your Dream Award. She was given the award and check by LYD Chair Vera Sunada at her office, because Salina was unable to attend the award ceremony on Jan. 17.

Those interested in learning more about the Soroptimist organization should contact Membership Chair Kathleen Moran at (530) 570-2463 or check out our website at siriovista.org. Find them on Facebook at @SIRioVista or on Instagram at @si_riovista.