Soroptimist of Fort Collins was very proud to present awards to seven outstanding women at our annual awards night dinner on February 21.
The Ruby Award for women helping women was given to two winners:
Louann DeCoursey, Executive Director of SAVA (Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Center) and to Fran Richburg of Project Self Suffiency (PS-S).
Louann DeCoursey has served as the Executive Director of SAVA since 2008, and during that time has worked hard to ensure that victims of sexual assault are able to access the services they need. Louann has led SAVA in an emergency expansion to reach victims in Weld County when the Secual Assault Resource Center in Greeley was forced to dissolve. She has also established SAVA as the sole partner to the Colorado Dept. of Corrections to ensure that the state complies with the Prison Rape Elimination Act. Louann has not only upheld SAVA's mission, but has established it as a competenet business partner in Northern Colorado.
Fran Richburg of Project Self Sufficiency has become beloved to staff members and program participants alike during her 16 year tenure. Fran goes the extra mile for each and every program participant she assists. She has been the champion of the PS-S Mental Health Fund since its inception. The caring she exhibits for families she serves, along with her extensive knowledge and skills, has made Fran an invaluable asset to the organization.
The Violet Richardson award recognizes teenage girls for outstanding contributions to the
community through volunteer work. This year's first place award of $500 was given to Angela Natrasevschi for the outstanding work she's done with the Colorado Meth Project. A matching donation was also awarded to the Colorado Meth Project.
The second place award of $200 was given to Karen Perez, who has worked diligently speaking to high school students about awareness of sexual assault, creating awareness in young women about their rights.Our club honored three young women who are working toward financial independence with educational and career goals. All have overcome significant difficulties in their lives and have reached out by volunteering in their communities and are making a difference in others' lives as they work toward overcoming their own obstacles with the help of Project Self Sufficiency.
Lisa was the first place winner of our Women's Opportunity Award and was awarded $1,000. She has two daughters, and is working toward completing a nursing degree. She has an exemplary academic record, and gives back by volunteering in her community.
Rebekah was our second place winner, receiving $500. She is the mother of a six-year-old and is also working toward a nursing degree.
Jeni was our winner of the Living Her Dream Award and received $1000.
She has overcome many obstacles but has persevered and will be graduating in May
from CSU with a degree in Political Science. She has a daughter, and volunteers for her church with a cheerful attitude. She also has become a mentor and support system for many of her neighbors, providing child care so they can study for exams, assistance with resume writing, or just moral support as they work to better their lives.
