Soroptimist International of Peterborough (SIP) and the City of Peterborough have been working together to deliver the Dream It Be It (DIBI) program for 10 years.

Ellen Stewart, Youth Coordinator for the City of Peterborough, provided the following comments: The City of Peterborough Recreation Division established a partnership with the Soroptimist group over 10 years ago. The relationship has continued to flourish as the Soroptimist members and youth meet monthly during the school year at Downtown Youth Space. Over the years many young girls have benefited from this leadership program. The DIBI programs is an inter-generational leadership program that allows for connections and friendships to form. Each month the DIBI is a program highlight at Downtown Youth Space. The DIBI program offers more than just leadership skills, it offers, food, friendship, and fun all of which help build resiliency in our young girls. The staff and youth at Downtown Youth Space are grateful for the generosity of the Soroptimist group and the long standing partnership.

Terri Geerinck, DIBI program lead for SIP states: The Soroptimist volunteers develop positive relations with the participants. Many youth come back year after year and volunteers get to see them mature in positive ways, reflecting the effectiveness of the youth space and the DIBI program. The counsellors at the Downttown Youth Space are very supportive of our volunteers and program, helping with every session. 

The DIBI program is one of our signature programs that is offered by Soroptimist clubs in the American Federation. Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls gives girls the tools they need to achieve their education and career goals, empowering them to break cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse. Find out more about DIBI and the link below.

https://www.soroptimist.org/our-work/dream-it-be-it/index.html

Contact Terri Geerinck at tgeerinck1@outlook.com if your organization is interested in partnering with us.