> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.langleyunion.ca/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Soroptimist International Offers $1,000 Grants to Langley Women - URL: https://www.langleyunion.ca/soroptimist-international-offers-1-000-grants-to-langley-women/ - Published: 2025-09-18T22:29:32.000Z - Updated: 2025-09-18T22:29:32.000Z - Description: Nearly 40 years of supporting women and girls makes Soroptimist International of The Langleys a cornerstone of community empowerment. Their flagship Live Your Dream Awards program offers $1,000 grants to women pursuing education, with applications accepted until November 15. - Author: Rainer Fehrenbacher - Tags: Community 💚 ****Support Local News—Spread the Word** The best way to help **The Langley Union* grow is simple: share this newsletter. Forward it to a friend, mention it to your family, or post it on social media and encourage others to subscribe. Soroptimist International of The Langleys stands as one of Langley's most impactful yet underrecognized organizations, quietly transforming lives through education and economic empowerment since 1986\. With their flagship Live Your Dream Awards program accepting applications until November 15 , this remarkable group of women continues their nearly four-decade mission of helping local women overcome obstacles and achieve their educational goals. ## Sign up for The Langley Union Get daily news updates and feature community stories from the only independent source that is 100% owned and operated in Langley, BC. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. No paywalls. Unsubscribe anytime. The organization's impact extends far beyond their average $1,000 annual scholarships. They've become integral to Langley's social fabric, supporting everything from the Douglas Park Community School Breakfast Program serving immigrant families and refugees, to the Langley Community Health and Hospital Foundation's mammography equipment. "The Live Your Dream Award was the lifeline I needed," explains Julia Douglas, a program recipient who left a restrictive religious group at age 36 to pursue education as a single mother. "This award not only helped me afford tuition, but it also gave me the belief that my dreams were worth pursuing." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4c/c4/4cc4e4f9-b586-4a72-8664-0bd9dc7aec41/content/images/2025/09/Julia-and-Jake-Soroptomist.webp) Julia Douglas, past "Live Your Dream Awards" recipient, via LiveYourDream.org ([source](https://yourdream.liveyourdream.org/the-lasting-impact-of-the-live-your-dream-awards/?ref=langleyunion.ca)) ## Historic leadership and local pride Soroptimist International of The Langleys holds a unique distinction in the global organization. Charter member Sharon Fisher, who joined when the club formed in 1986, made history in 2019 by becoming the first Canadian President of Soroptimist International in over 50 years. As the sole surviving charter member after nearly 40 years, Fisher represents both continuity and innovation in an organization serving over 118 countries worldwide. Their signature Power of the Purse fundraiser, which successfully returned in 2024 after a COVID hiatus, exemplifies this community connection. ## Awards that change trajectories The Live Your Dream Awards target women who provide primary financial support for their families and face significant obstacles while pursuing education. Local success stories illuminate the program's impact. Brandi Ranger of Brookswood, the 2023 Live Your Dream recipient, completed her education degree at UFV while raising children as a single mother and secured employment with the Langley School District. Her journey from struggling student to employed educator exemplifies the program's transformative power. The award structure offers multiple opportunities for recognition. Local winners receive a minimum $1,000 from Soroptimist International of The Langleys, but can advance to regional awards of $3,000-$5,000, and potentially international recognition worth $10,000\. With applications due **November 15** , eligible women shouldn't delay. ## Deep community roots through consistent partnership Beyond individual scholarships, Soroptimist International of The Langleys demonstrates remarkable breadth in community support. Their Dream It Be It Career Support program mentors girls aged 12-17 about career possibilities. They've co-hosted a Candlelight Vigil for over 20 years on November 25th for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Their financial support extends throughout Langley's social service network. Gaming industry grants they've secured benefit the Douglas Park Community School Breakfast Program, serving immigrant families and refugees. Historically, the Langley Soroptimists have also supported Encompass Support Services Society, Best Babies of the Langleys, and contributed to the Langley Community Health and Hospital Foundation's mammography clinic equipment, including a crucial breast ultrasound probe. ## Recognition flowing both directions While Soroptimist International of The Langleys celebrates community members through their Ruby Awards, recently honoring Langley City Councillor Teri James and volunteer Karen Long, the organization itself receives significant recognition. Their consistent media coverage in the Langley Advance Times and Aldergrove Star reflects community appreciation for their transparency and effectiveness. Regular meetings occur the first Tuesday of most months at Andrea's Restaurant at 5:30 PM, welcoming women aged 18 and above interested in community service and networking. ## Conclusion Soroptimist International of The Langleys represents something increasingly rare: an organization that has deepened rather than diminished its community impact over nearly four decades. From Sharon Fisher's historic international leadership to Brandi Ranger's educational success, their story interweaves personal transformation with community strengthening. With applications for Live Your Dream Awards closing **November 15**, eligible women shouldn't miss this opportunity for educational support. More importantly, Langley residents should recognize and celebrate an organization that embodies the community's values while working quietly to ensure that every woman and girl has the opportunity to live her dream. For information about Live Your Dream Awards or membership opportunities, contact silangleys@soroptimist.net or visit silangleys.ca. In a world that often feels divided, Soroptimist International of The Langleys proves that consistent, focused community service can create lasting change one dream at a time. Live Your Dream Award ****Interested in learning more and/or applying?** Women who serve as the primary financial support for their families and are pursuing higher education or skills training should not let this opportunity pass by. The November 15 application deadline is approaching quickly, and these $1,000 grants can cover tuition, books, childcare, transportation, or any other education-related expenses that stand between you and your dreams. [Apply for the Live Your Dream award ](https://www.soroptimist.org/our-work/live-your-dream-awards/apply-for-the-live-your-dream-awards.html?ref=langleyunion.ca) ## References and Resources [Silangleys![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4c/c4/4cc4e4f9-b586-4a72-8664-0bd9dc7aec41/content/images/icon/rs-w-180-h-180-m-2)SilangleysSilangleys![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4c/c4/4cc4e4f9-b586-4a72-8664-0bd9dc7aec41/content/images/thumbnail/lyd-etw-2.webp)](https://silangleys.ca/about-us?ref=langleyunion.ca) [Soroptimist International Western Canada RegionVisit the post for more.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4c/c4/4cc4e4f9-b586-4a72-8664-0bd9dc7aec41/content/images/icon/cropped-cropped-colleen-header.webp)Soroptimist International Western Canada RegionSkip to the content![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4c/c4/4cc4e4f9-b586-4a72-8664-0bd9dc7aec41/content/images/thumbnail/6e690-colleen-header.jpg)](https://wcsoroptimist.org/?ref=langleyunion.ca) [Apply | Education Grant | Live Your Dream Awards | Live Your DreamApply for a Live Your Dream Award! Applications are accepted July 1 - November 15\. Each year, Soroptimist distributes more than $3 million in education grants to over 2,300 women.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4c/c4/4cc4e4f9-b586-4a72-8664-0bd9dc7aec41/content/images/icon/favicon-38.ico)Apply | Education Grant | Live Your Dream Awards![](http://www.liveyourdream.orghttp://www.liveyourdream.org/media/action-resources/LYDA/sharelydameta.jpg)](https://www.liveyourdream.org/get-help/apply-for-an-educational-grant/index.html?ref=langleyunion.ca) [Douglas Park: Breakfast and LunchVancouver Sun Kid’s Fund. Helping keep our kids fed, warm and learning.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4c/c4/4cc4e4f9-b586-4a72-8664-0bd9dc7aec41/content/images/icon/favicon-39.ico)![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4c/c4/4cc4e4f9-b586-4a72-8664-0bd9dc7aec41/content/images/thumbnail/Douglas-Park.jpg)](https://vansunkidsfund.ca/stories/douglas-park-breakfast-and-lunch/?ref=langleyunion.ca) [Langley Soroptimist appointed president of the international women’s groupSharon Fisher first Canadian president in more than 50 years![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4c/c4/4cc4e4f9-b586-4a72-8664-0bd9dc7aec41/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-180x180-29.png)Aldergrove StarBlack Press Media Staff![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4c/c4/4cc4e4f9-b586-4a72-8664-0bd9dc7aec41/content/images/thumbnail/17863737_web1_soroptomist-sharon-fisher-535x400.jpg;w=1200;h=799;mode=crop)](https://www.aldergrovestar.com/community/video-langley-soroptimist-appointed-president-of-the-international-womens-group-2222079?ref=langleyunion.ca) [VIDEO: Power of the Purse restoredSingle mom’s dream of teaching made possible by Langley Soroptimists fundraiser![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4c/c4/4cc4e4f9-b586-4a72-8664-0bd9dc7aec41/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-180x180-30.png)Langley Advance TimesRoxanne Hooper![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4c/c4/4cc4e4f9-b586-4a72-8664-0bd9dc7aec41/content/images/thumbnail/32658068_web1_230508-LAT-RH-PowerOfPurse-2023_1.jpg;w=1200;h=801;mode=crop)](https://www.langleyadvancetimes.com/community/video-power-of-the-purse-restored-2577169?ref=langleyunion.ca) [Candlelight vigil shines a light on domestic violence in LangleyAll ages welcome to attend at Fort Langley Community Hall, Monday, Nov. 25 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4c/c4/4cc4e4f9-b586-4a72-8664-0bd9dc7aec41/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-180x180-31.png)Langley Advance Times![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4c/c4/4cc4e4f9-b586-4a72-8664-0bd9dc7aec41/content/images/thumbnail/19367381_web1_46795langleyvigilcrowdsceneprocessed.jpg;w=1200;h=799;mode=crop)](https://www.langleyadvancetimes.com/community/candlelight-vigil-shines-a-light-on-domestic-violence-in-langley-2533534?ref=langleyunion.ca) [VIDEO: Langley support for women and girls is in the bagSoroptimists is a service club mandated to help women and girls![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4c/c4/4cc4e4f9-b586-4a72-8664-0bd9dc7aec41/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-180x180-32.png)Aldergrove StarHeather Colpitts![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4c/c4/4cc4e4f9-b586-4a72-8664-0bd9dc7aec41/content/images/thumbnail/purse_karen_dsc_7710.jpg;w=1200;h=800;mode=crop)](https://www.aldergrovestar.com/home/langley-support-for-women-and-girls-is-in-the-bag-7940248?ref=langleyunion.ca) --- ****What did you think of this story?** ****Take our quick 2-minute survey to let us know how we're doing and what topics you'd like to see The Langley Union cover next.** [Share your feedback ](https://app.formberry.io/en/Jm38pbVN?ref=langleyunion.ca)