Gail Paserba describes Soroptimist International of Butler County as a “go-to organization” because the community trusts her club to help in times of need.

Soroptimist International started in 1927 in California as an international organization for professional women, said Paserba, who is the Butler club president.

In its beginning, Soroptimist International focused more on helping women get into and gain respect in their professions. But as those conditions have vastly improved, the mission now is to “support women who are trying to make their way through the professional world,” said Paserba, who is the controller for International Quality Consultants.

“We want the women in our lives to be healthy and live up to their potential,” she said.

The club funds scholarships and helps women who need a career change because of divorce, death or other circumstances requiring them to go back to school.

Scholarship funding comes from member dues and from two annual fund raisers. Rose Day is held every fall and a fashion show is held in the spring.

It also receives other donations.

Paserba said, “When you’re a (Soroptimist) volunteer, donation is part of the process. But a huge part of volunteering is giving a lot of time to raise the funds.”

The club also is involved with a number of projects with the YWCA of Butler.

Teresa English, the club’s treasurer and co-chairwoman of the Angel committee, spends much of her time on YWCA projects.

The Angel committee provides entertainment for the YWCA. It has sponsored visits from the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus, craft projects and dance troupes. It also recently bought a Nintendo Wii for the YWCA.

“I spent the afternoon with them making Miis (people for Wii games) and showing them how to bowl,” English said. “We also worked pretty hard on the shower for Parker Personal Care.”

Parker Personal Care, an affiliate of the YWCA, asked the Soroptimists to help make the new care home in Parker a more comfortable place for its residents. So club members asked businesses to donate sheets, towels and other household items, and the Soroptimists held a housewarming party at the home.

The Soroptimists also honor women with the Woman of Distiction award, given to those who stand out for their community efforts.

Community grants are given in the name of Women of Distinction, and the honoree chooses the charity that will receive the grant.

Soroptimist International also funds projects for women in third-world countries, helping them start businesses.

The Soroptimists help women buy animals or equipment needed to become entrepreneurs. They also buy water filtration systems to provide clean water, Paserba said.

English, who joined Soroptimist International six years ago when she turned 50, said, “I just felt like I have been blessed and helped by a lot of people and I wanted to find a way to give back.

“I really enjoy the camaraderie and the projects we work on.”

In her time with the Soroptimists, English has been able to recruit several new members.

“There’s a time commitment, but it’s better than sitting at home watching TV. When you belong, you find out how much it brings back to you,” she said.

Soroptimist International of Butler County will have a membership drive meeting at 6 p.m. April 28 at the Brandywine Club House. For information, call 724-283-3246.

<b>Meeting Location: </b>YWCA of Butler, West Cunningham Street<b>Club president: </b>Gail Paserba<b>Number of members: </b>20<b>People served: </b>Women and girls in Butler County and around the world<b>Phone: </b>724-283-3246<b>Web site: </b> www.soroptimist.org