Soroptimist-International

History of Soroptimist International

Soroptimist International is a volunteer organization of professional and business women working to improve the lives of women and girls worldwide through education, health, and economic programs.

The first Soroptimist Club was founded in California in 1921. More than 100 years later, Soroptimist International includes 65,000 members in over 120 countries. Clubs in the United States are part of the federation called Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA).

Soroptimist International is a volunteer organization of professional and business women working to improve the lives of women and girls worldwide through education, health, and economic programs.

The first Soroptimist Club was founded in California in 1921. More than 100 years later, Soroptimist International includes 65,000 members in over 120 countries. Clubs in the United States are part of the federation called Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA).

The Birth of Soroptimist Village

1956

In 1956, a group of Soroptimist clubs in southern California decided that they wanted to assist seniors who couldn’t afford to have a roof over their heads without some help. This was the beginning of an idea that turned into Soroptimist Village.

The group of volunteers, members of nine different Los Angeles County Soroptimist Clubs, developed a vision and established a 501(C)3 private foundation toward the mission. They raised money to purchase the land in Norwalk, and began the process of building homes for seniors.

1957

In 1957, Hilo Hattie performed at the Downey Soroptimist Club’s fundraiser, part of “Soroptimist Village Days” to raise $40,000 to complete construction.

1963

With a dedication ceremony in 1963, they completed the Soroptimist Village complex, and began serving residents right away.

Partnering with the City of Norwalk

2012

In 2012, the City of Norwalk Housing Authority partnered with the Village by designating Soroptimist Village as a Section 8 eligible residential project. This makes the Village eligible for rent support from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Funds from HUD are allocated by the Norwalk Housing Authority to help subsidize rents.

The organization has never looked back for the past 60 years. The Village has served many residents by providing shelter and compassion through the years.

The County of Los Angeles presented a proclamation recognizing 50 years of service to the community.