TRUST
Soroptimist International of Stuart's newest Project--TRUST (Teen Relations Using Safe Tactics),is a teen dating violence prevention program. The mission is to: "Provide opportunities to build healthy relationships among youths in Martin County by using strategies to reduce relationship violence.”
The project was started due to the growing concern that an alarming number of young women are becoming victims of dating violence. Forty percent of girls aged 14 to 17 know of someone their age who has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend. And, boys are not the only perpetrators. Along with this statistic comes a long list of reasons that prompt violence and an even longer list of current and future problems the abuse instigates.
TRUST was formed after Soroptimist took a productive step by inviting Brandy Carlson from the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence to speak to Soroptimists,local representatives from the school system, children's advocacy groups, domestic abuse shelters, state government and the press.
Dr. David Anderson Middle School was the recipient in 2011 of a $5,000 grant from Soroptimist to institute the Safe School Ambassador program. This program trains students to be mentors for their peers so that they can intervene or report bullying behaviors. A pizza party at the school to thank the student participants was given by Soroptimist in February 2012.
The project was started due to the growing concern that an alarming number of young women are becoming victims of dating violence. Forty percent of girls aged 14 to 17 know of someone their age who has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend. And, boys are not the only perpetrators. Along with this statistic comes a long list of reasons that prompt violence and an even longer list of current and future problems the abuse instigates.
TRUST was formed after Soroptimist took a productive step by inviting Brandy Carlson from the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence to speak to Soroptimists,local representatives from the school system, children's advocacy groups, domestic abuse shelters, state government and the press.
Dr. David Anderson Middle School was the recipient in 2011 of a $5,000 grant from Soroptimist to institute the Safe School Ambassador program. This program trains students to be mentors for their peers so that they can intervene or report bullying behaviors. A pizza party at the school to thank the student participants was given by Soroptimist in February 2012.
On Valentines Day 2012 Dinner with Your Daughter was hosted by Soroptimist International of Stuart. The event was presented to approximately 75 young teens and their parents. After a free dinner in an elegant setting, a professional counselor led discussions, a power point presentation, and showed public service videos that illustrated teen dating abuses. The event was well received and the club plans to host another one in the fall.
A third component of the TRUST project is Done in A Day. The purpose of this event is to distribute bookmarks to as many teens as possible at a location. The bookmarks tell of positive and negative attributes of teen relations.
Spotlights
Soroptimist International of Stuart
Women of Distinction
Mission Statement
A commitment to enhance the lives of others by promoting friendships, providing community service and applying our skills, talents and resources toward the betterment of women and their families.
