Soroptimist International of Boise Recognizes JOAN CALDWELL with the 2010 RUBY AWARD
Each year a selection is made to honor a local woman for her dedication, who, through her professional or personal efforts, is making an extraordinary difference in the lives of women or girls. Their work has had a significant impact, and also inspires and encourages other women. Soroptimist club-level winner receives a monetary award, at our annual award banquet and a donation is made in her name to the charity of her choice. This monetary award totals $500.00.
Joan story is very personal, the following is an exert from the letter written by a college in nominating Joan for the RUBY AWARD:
There are those that turn personal adversity in to a commitment—a commitment to not be silenced by the pain that was inflicted upon them. Instead, they reach out to those who continue to suffer a similar fate and bring to them a message of courage, compassion ad hope. They seek to raise awareness and to educate individuals, the public, and, in doing so, actively participate in seeking a solution. It would have been easy, and less emotionally taxing, for Joan to walk away from her domestic violence experiences and to now, finally, enjoy the extreme happiness of a second marriage to a confident and caring man. But that was not the choice Joan made. Instead, she stepped forward to volunteer her time at the Women’s and Children’s Alliance in Boise in order to assist victims of domestic violence. For the past fourteen years, since 1995, Joan has assisted in a number of significant ways. She began as a volunteer on the Rape Crisis Advocacy Hot Line. She then became a Court Advocate volunteer wherein she went to court each week to assist individuals requesting Protection Orders. Joan continues, to this day, to be an active advocate in court. In addition, for the past
several years, every Monday morning she arrives at the WCA to spend the time needed to call back every potential client on the counseling wait-list. She schedules those counseling slots that are available and assures the rest that they have not been forgotten. Joan has participated in training officers about domestic violence at the Boise Police Department, Ada County Sheriff’s Office and the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office. She has appeared on several television news shows to speak about her personal experience and to raise awareness. Any call for action, Joan
responds. Joan’s positive attitude is contagious and her determination is absolute. Through all of the darkness that shadowed her thirty three years living with domestic violence, has emerged an inspiring woman whose spirit can never be denied.
Ellie Cook,
Ruby Award Chair
