The Zonta ideal of service is one of the foundations of Zonta International. There is a two-fold approach to service for Zontians, monetary and personal. The International projects are supported almost exclusively by monetary means while the local projects are supported personally by the giving of an individual’s time as well as financially. The Status of Women Service Committee has charge of all local service projects of the club and initiates and develops these service projects in response to community needs.
Our club has funded such worthwhile programs as the SANE/SART program for victims of sexual assault at Toledo Hospital, the Kinship Navigator Program, Bethany House “Move Out” program, and Planned Parenthood’s HIV/AIDS testing kits for women. Members also give of their time through the making of Hospitality Bags for the World Oncology Camp at YMCA Storer Camps and for the YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, donations of items needed for the Bethany House “Move Out” program, and volunteering to support the Kinship Navigator activities.
Our main service project last year was SewHope. Our donation will be used for the work they are doing in the Peten region of Guatemala to address their goal of reducing the mortality and morbidity associated with cervical cancer. They are also working through several channels to find an individual who could come to the U.S. for training in cytopathology and are also developing plans for a community center that will house a lab where this work will be done. To see their progress, please visit their website at www.sewhope.org. They are currently in the process of sending 200,000 meals, two ultrasound machines, and 42 environmentally friendly stoves as well as medical supplies and equipment for their clinic in Guatemala.