Soroptimist American River partners with CASA for inspiring youth event

Soroptimist of the American River of Auburn partnered with CASA Placer, Yuba, Sutter on March 10 to host an inspiring and joyful "Dream It Be It" event centered around the theme "Discovering Your Dreams." The evening brought together girls ages 8-18 and their Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers for a program designed to spark confidence, creativity and hope for the future. Representing the Soroptimist club were members Heather Dwelle, Christina Wilson, Karen Quinlan and Kim Williamson, who led the activities and encouraged the girls to explore their passions and possibilities. The Dream It Be It program is a signature Soroptimist initiative that provides career support for girls by giving them the tools they need to pursue their education and career goals. The program focuses on empowering young women to overcome barriers and break cycles of poverty, violence and abuse through mentorship, skill-building and encouragement. The event began with a lively icebreaker game that quickly filled the room with laughter and helped everyone feel comfortable and connected. From there, participants dived into an engaging activity inspired by the Japanese concept of ikigai, titled "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," the girls explored meaningful questions such as: What does the world need? And, what do you admire in other people? These thoughtful prompts encouraged the girls to reflect on their strengths, dreams and the impact they hope to make in the world. With guidance from Soroptimist volunteers and their CASA advocates, the participants shared ideas, discovered new perspectives and supported one another in a positive and uplifting environment. The reflective portion of the program was followed by a vision and dream board activity, where the girls used magazines, images and creative materials to design boards that represented their future aspirations. From careers and travel to education and personal goals, each board became a colorful representation of possibility and ambition. Of course, no great event is complete without great treats. Pizza, brownies and ice cream with sprinkles were a big hit with everyone in attendance, providing the perfect opportunity to relax, laugh and celebrate the evening together. The girls also enjoyed fun prizes and swag that added even more excitement to the night. The event highlighted the powerful impact mentorship and community support can have on young people. By creating a space where girls feel seen, heard and encouraged, Soroptimist and CASA volunteers helped plant seeds of confidence that will continue to grow long after the event. Soroptimist of the American River is already looking ahead to the next opportunity to continue this important work. The club plans to host a second Dream It Be It module event in July, offering even more inspiration and resources for local youth. Community members interested in learning more about the organization or finding ways to get involved are encouraged to visit www.siamericanriver.com.