Z Clubs and Golden Z Clubs
To truly change the lives of women and girls globally now and for generations to come, we must invest in youth development and mentor young leaders for gender equality. Zonta International believes young people are critical to achieving gender equality and ending violence against women and girls around the world.
Through the Z and Golden Z Club program, Zonta members work to bring Zonta International’s mission to students around the world and to stimulate new and meaningful student-led service and advocacy projects.
Z clubs are formed on secondary school campuses or in communities, and Golden Z clubs are formed on college and university campuses. These student clubs are designed to provide opportunities for young adults to develop communication and leadership skills, explore career alternatives, and increase their international awareness and understanding through service.
Cookie Baking for FYI 2025
Thank you to all Zontians who helped bake and bag cookies for the annual FosteringYouth Independence holiday party. Each FYI Youth was so excited to take home a bag of freshly baked holiday cookies and brownies. And special thank you to the volunteers who packaged cookies at the home of Zontian, Gisele Noll.
FYI Holiday Party 2025
With holiday spirit in full swing, members of the Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley and the SCV Boss Ladies came together to brighten the season for young women in the Fostering Youth Independence (FYI) program. The groups donated 55 Target gift cards to help fill Christmas stockings and spread holiday cheer. The Zonta Service Committee also delighted in creating 75 festive goody bags filled with home-baked cookies and brownies, along with donating essential items such as body soap, shavers, and feminine hygiene products. Adding to the joy of the day, members Maria Slotsve, Oriana John, Gisele Noll, Jackie Howarth and Lois Bauccio volunteered at FYI’s 6th annual holiday program, warmly welcoming guests, assisting with beverages, and lending a helping hand throughout the morning.
Zonta Service Committee Donates Emergency Hygiene Bags to SCV Sheriff's Station
Under the leadership of Jackie Howarth and Maria Slotsve, the Zonta Service Committee donated 40 emergency hygiene and essentials bags to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station. These bags were crafted with care: fabric generously donated by fellow Zontian Cathy Gundy and each bag sewn by the talented Solidarity Sewing Workshop, resulting in sturdy, reusable carriers filled with full-size essentials. Each bag includes:
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste and toothbrush – donated by Carolina Orozco Hernandez
- Comb and hairbrush
- Cosmetic bag
- Hand towel
- Feminine hygiene products
This initiative reflects Zonta’s ongoing commitment to supporting survivors of domestic violence. By providing immediate necessities, the partnership with the SCV Sheriff’s Station helps survivors begin their transition to a safer and more secure future.
Zontians, Z Clubs, and Golden Z Members Unite for the District 9 Purple Purse Packing Service Project
On Tuesday, October 21, nearly 20 Zontians, Z Club, and Golden Z members met at the Child and Family Center to take part in a meaningful service project. Together, they packed 31 beautiful purses with donated toiletries for women living at Bridge to Home. Each purse, graciously donated by a local Lean In group, was filled with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, a loofah sponge, Q-tips, a hairbrush, and a heartfelt note of encouragement with messages like “You are enough.”
This initiative was part of the Zonta District 9 Conference Service Project, encouraging every club across the district to support women in shelters during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Research shows that domestic violence is one of the main drivers into homelessness for the over 18,330 homeless women and their children in Los Angeles County, making this effort especially meaningful.
The following day, the purses were delivered to Bridge to Home, where Zontians Cherise Moore, Oriana John and Jackie Howarth had the honor of presenting them to four mothers residing in the shelter. Their gratitude and joy were deeply moving.
Thank you to the many Zontians, Z Club and Golden Z Club members and advisors who donated and/or showed up to pack purses! And to the Lean In Zontians who invited us and the Lean In Group who donated the purses.
The event was an amazing example of collaboration, compassion, and community impact. It was a true reflection of Zonta’s mission to empower women and build a better world for women and girls.
Zonta Supports WISH Education Foundation
Zontians were out in full force support at the Wine Under the Roof event from volunteering as servers, directly donating monetarily to the Wish Foundation, providing food (Eggplantation), organizing and managing the event, and overall sistership.
Zonta Serves Dinner at Bridge to Home
Zonta members banded together to support Bridge to Home by providing and serving a hot chicken dinner, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables and bread with butter. We were humbled by the experience and grateful for this opportunity to nourish our neighbors.
Zonta Attends Chamber Event
Zonta sisters attended the SCV Chamber of Commerce event in April to learn about Nonprofit Volunteer Development at the Bella Vida Senior Center. Information and ideas about recruitment, retention, engagement and conflict resolution of members were discussed. It was very beneficial!
Zonta Volunteers To Help Teachers
Zonta sisters volunteered at the SCV Education Foundation Teacher Tribute Night honoring teachers and giving out scholarships to deserving students on April 24th, helping set up and serving yummy Portos appetizers to a hungry crowd of educators, students, and supporters.
Zonta Partners with Circle of Hope
Zonta Service Committee partnered with Circle of Hope in creating comfort, goody bags for their clients on their Wellness Day on 4/27. Items such as cards of encouragement, fuzzy socks, hand sanitizer, crossword puzzles, and more were included to help them through those difficult days undergoing treatments.
Spring 2025 Service and Community Partner Support
The Zonta Club of SCV delivered a special donation of fancy & fun backpacks from Salty Mama Clothing Single Mothers Outreach for the benefit of girls and their mamas.
In support of our community partner Circle of Hope, Zontians Oriana John, Carolina Orozco de Hernandez, Jackie Howarth, and Danise Davis volunteered at the recent Vine 2 Wine event helping with their silent auction and pouring wine. Super volunteer and Zontian Maria Slotsve also contributed her skills to the event’s success.
Zontians and Circle of Hope board members Debbie Holbrook, Jenny Ketchepaw, Dawn Abasta, and Christy Grable solidified the connection between our amazing organizations. All members in attendance even got a chance to dance together as they enjoyed the evening in support of women in the community.
At our March business meeting we collected professional clothing for donation to the BaNC at College of the Canyons for their Thrift n’ Thrive event. This professional wear will help students step into their interviews with confidence and style.
Fostering Youth Independence Holiday Party December 2024
The theme for the annual Fostering Youth Independence holiday party on December 14th at Christ Lutheran Church in Valencia, was "Frosty the Snowman". For the fifth year, Zonta members attended the event as volunteers to help clear the dishes, replenish drinks, and assist the caterer in tidying the buffet area for the 160+ attendees.
Almost every one of the FYI youth, all of whom are transitioning out of the foster care system and who live, study, and work here is the Santa Clarita Valley, was in attendance together with their mentor allies. Our SCV Zonta Club is proud to support FYI as our annual holiday service project. Together with Z Club students and the Boss Ladies Team Network, we supplied more than 80 Christmas stockings with special needed toiletries and $20 Target gift cards, as well as packages of home baked holiday cookies and brownies to take home. (Please see photos with volunteers who packaged cookies at home of Zontian, Terry Kanowsky.)
The breakfast event is traditionally a pajama and breakfast party, a format selected by the leadership at FYI, because the youth have often not experienced this type of every day activity which most American children take for granted. Their lives have been categorized by upheaval, occasional violence, and with little or no stability. The youth and their allies celebrated like a big family, and Zontians enjoyed celebrating with them…especially, when work was done, dancing with Frosty himself!
Thanks to all Zontians, Boss Ladies, and Z Club members who helped to make this such a special holiday event for the FYI Youth. Thanks also to Oriana John, Jackie Howarth, Dinh Montane, and Lois Bauccio for volunteering for the event. Deepest appreciation must go the leaders at FYI, Carolyn Olsen and Gina Stevens, for the work they do every day to support and empower these very deserving young people.
Service During the 16 Days of Activism 2024
The Zonta Club of SCV donated gently used and new purses to the College of the Canyons Basic Needs Center (BaNC) in hopes that these purses will give students added confidence going on job interviews by having access to the supplies they need in a fashionable way. Additionally, a donation of feminine hygiene products was made simultaneously, safeguarding that women have access to these important health supplies. Supporting women and girls and ensuring they have access to all resources is one step towards gender parity as we build a better world for women and girls.
In service to the community, the Zonta Club of SCV filled and delivered 10 backpacks for children to assist the SCAR (suspected child abuse reporting) unit, Special Victims Bureau, and children of victims of violence. These backpacks provide comfort and help to affected children. We are thankful for Captain Justin Diez and victim advocate Nadine Teter for meeting with us and accepting the bags. We look forward to continuing to be of service to provide comfort and necessities to women and children affected by gender-based violence.
Lifeforward Workshops Are Redesigned
The redesigned Lifeforward workshops were created as learning tools to build a healthy relationship with ourselves as well as others. Each workshop worked on building connection, engagement, community, and increasing emotional intelligence.
The workshops were facilitated by Evelia Scanlon and Stephanie Garrison, who are experienced facilitators in AWBW (A Window Between Worlds), healthy relationships, issues pertaining to domestic violence recovery and prevention, and successful parenting.
The focus of each workshop spotlighted different learning tools, to help support overcoming challenges faced in life.
November 2023: self-awareness, self-care and recognizing the journey. Members experienced an intimate safe setting where they could share their challenges in life, openly without judgement. An art activity that reflected the topic allowed for members to open up and share with others their challenges and achievements on how they were able to manage their tough situations.
January 2024: self-care and creating healthy boundaries. Information was shared on how to create healthy boundaries with others and ourselves. Information was shared on the importance of self-care and why it is necessary for us to fill our cup first before others. Through the workshop and the art activity members shared the challenges faced on managing self-care for themselves. Tools to assist in creating self-care activities were shared.
February 2024: importance of boundaries in our lives. This workshop covered the importance of setting boundaries with ourselves, our loved ones, and people in our lives. Examples were provided on how we teach others how to treat us by setting boundaries.
March 2024: assertive communication and understanding the importance of communication in our lives. How we listen to each other and our body language was demonstrated through the activity lead workshop where everyone worked in smaller groups. Listening skills were addressed and skills on how to listen were exercised. This workshop was based on “Nonviolent Communication” techniques by Marshall Rosenberg.
April 2024: coping skills, & resiliency to successfully navigate life challenges. Participants learned how to manage triggers that affect us and how to self-regulate. Different types of coping mechanisms were shared.
May 2024: recap of all five previous workshops, with tools learned and how to continue to build connected relationships. Information on love languages, types of communication styles, and creating a nonjudgmental relationship where we can foster acceptance was provided.
For a current schedule of workshops, please visit our Lifeforward page.
Service During the 16 Days of Activism 2023
We also completed three projects helping women and girls in the Santa Clarita Valley through service and outreach, ensuring women have access to supplies they need and helping kids and youth feel important and safe. We look forward to continuing to be of service to provide comfort and necessities to women and children affected by gender-based violence.
Donation of over two dozen boxes of menstrual products to the College of the Canyons Basic Needs Center (BaNC), giving menstruating students easier access to the supplies they need.
We filled and delivered 20 bags with necessities for domestic violence survivors and 10 backpacks for children to assist the SCAR (suspected child abuse reporting) unit with the LACSD-SCV to provide comfort and help to affected children.
Donation of 200 stuffed animal “beanie babies” to Samuel Dixon Family Health Centers that will bring comfort and joy to children during their visit at one of their health centers.
Fostering Youth Holiday Party Dec 2023
The Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley along with our Z Clubs (Canyon High, Golden Valley High, and West Ranch High Schools) collected items for Fostering Youth Independence’s (FYI) annual holiday party for the foster youth in their program. The Club provided $20 Target gift cards, while the Z Clubs provided lotions, lip balm, and packets of gum to be used as stocking stuffers. On November 30, 2023 Club President – Nicole Miller, Club Vice President – Beth Ryan, Service Committee Lead – Jackie Howarth, and club member Candace Hartshorn delivered the items to FYI.
In addition to the stocking stuffer items, club members as well as members of SCV Boss Ladies baked cookies for the FYI youth. Lois Bauccio graciously hosted a cookie bagging night at her home and on December 8, 2023, a handful of members from both groups gathered and created 80+ bags of cookies. Beth Ryan delivered the goodies to FYI the following morning prior to their holiday party.
The FYI Holiday Party was Saturday, December 9, 2023. Lois Bauccio serves on the board for FYI and was in attendance, while Beth Ryan, Jackie Howarth, Volunteer Committee Lead – Oriana John, and Advocacy Committee Lead – Christy Ferguson helped check in attendees and hand out pajamas to the youth.
Fostering Youth Independence is an amazing organization that helps youth leaving the foster care system feel safe, connected and loved. FYI’s mission is to equip foster youth to complete post-secondary education and become successful, independent adults.
Supporting Bridge to Home February 2023
Clockwise from top: Karen Maleck-Whiteley receives donations on behalf of Bridge to Home; Jackie Howarth and Beth Ryan volunteering at Soup for the Soul, Jackie, Oriana John, Beth, and Karen at the Soup for the Soul Event.
Cultivating our close ties with Bridge to Home. The Service & Advocacy Committee collected toiletries and coordinated a sock drive for the February 2023 Business Meeting where club members donated 100 pairs of socks. Club member Karen Maleck-Whiteley, who also serves as Bridge to Home's Board of Directors Vice President, happily received our donations.
On February 26th, Bridge to Home held their annual Soup for the Soul fundraiser. The club provided a Japanese themed basket for the silent auction, thanks to a generous donation from club member Darleen Lyons. We also had club members Jackie Howarth, Oriana John, and Beth Ryan volunteer during the event.
Fostering Youth Holiday Party Dec 2022
The Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley teamed up with ITT Aerospace Controls, Canyon High School Z Club, and Golden Valley Z Club to provide gifts and goodies for the Fostering Youth Independence (“FYI”) annual holiday party held on Saturday, December 10, 2022. There were over 70 youth participating in the FYI program this year. ITT Aerospace Controls donated filled stockings complete with $20 Target gift cards for all FYI youth. Stocking stuffer items included phone battery chargers, keychains with an alarm, tissues, ITT Aerospace branded pads of paper and stress balls, nail clippers, hand cream, cozy socks, and a $20 Target gift card. The Canyon High School Z Club and Golden Valley Z Club students rallied their communities to collect chapstick and tic tacs to include in the stockings. Close to twenty baker elves baked homemade cookies and other goodies, which were then packaged up and given to each youth and ally at the Holiday Party. It was thrilling for our Zonta elves, Lois Bauccio, Cherise Moore, and Beth Ryan, to see how excited the youth were to receive these wonderful gifts and goodies. Zonta Club of SCV members, Golden Valley Z Club members, and TEAM Referral Network - SCV Boss Ladies all contributed to this community collection of goodies. A warm thank you to Christine Sexton for hosting the cookie bagging bonanza at her home!
Foster youth do not often have an opportunity to just “be kids” and to be given things like a holiday stocking or homemade cookies from people who care about them. Zonta SCV has partnered with FYI for several years to help make this a special party for these deserving young people.
We would like to send a huge thank you to everyone who contributed and made this project a success and so meaningful for the FYI youth.
Fostering Youth Independence (FYI) was founded in 2017 by three Santa Clarita women who saw a need and shared a passion to help the underserved population of foster youth leaving the Los Angeles County foster care system without having been adopted or reunified with their birth parents. Emancipated foster youth are often the target of sex trafficking and other crimes. The mission of FYI is to equip foster youth to complete a post-secondary education and become successful, independent adults, and Zonta SCV is proud to partner with them in their important work.
Single Mother's Outreach - Mother's Day Event 2022
Helping mothers feel special for Mother's Day!
Zontians Volunteer at the Child and Family Center’s “Taste of the Town” Event
On May 1st, a group of Zontians volunteered at the Child and Family Center's "Taste of the Town" fundraiser event at the Blomgren Ranch on Sierra Highway. What a wonderful event! Although it was very warm and sunny, the guests had an amazing afternoon. The food was incredible! A great time was had by all, and all for a great cause!
Zoe International's Road of Justice Finish Line Treats
On Saturday, April 2nd, members of the Service Committee, joined by Club President Nicole Miller and members from both Z Clubs (Golden Valley and Canyon High School), volunteered at Zoe International’s Road of Justice cycling event. On Monday, March 28th a group of 20 cyclists left San Francisco for a cycling journey down the California coast with Valencia Heritage Park in Santa Clarita as the finish line. Zontians and Z Club members cheered the cyclists as they crossed the finish line and then handed out ice cream bars and frozen fruit bars to everyone in attendance. It was a small event, but obviously a very special event to Zoe International. The organization’s founders and top executives were there as well as many staff members from the local facility in Acton. All participants and attendees enjoyed the frozen treats. It was a lovely afternoon and we were honored to be part of such a heartwarming event. Many thanks to everyone who volunteered!
Donation of Self-Care Items to Bridge to Home
We collected a donation of self-care items to donate to Bridge to Home. According to Bridge to Home representatives, the timing could not have been better because they were out of nearly everything!
We donated:
- 59 - Shampoo & Conditioner Items
- 49 - Dental Floss
- 47 - Lotions
- 34 - Soaps & Body Wash Items
- 8 - Toothbrushes
- 4 - Lip Balms
- + Several Other Misc. Skin Care Items
Thank you to all who made donations to help Bridge to Home!
Human Trafficking Survivor Backpack Project
Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world. Women and girls are overwhelmingly the victims of sex trafficking. Zonta International USA Caucus in connection with the United Nations is working to end human trafficking. Our club is contributing locally by working with local law enforcement to support survivors of human trafficking. This project will provide backpacks full of personal comfort items that will be distributed by law enforcement crisis responders to rescued human trafficking survivors.
LifeForward
Believe. Build. Be.
The LifeForward program offers monthly skill-building workshops that concentrate on topics useful to women and girls of varying ages and interests. These include job search and application topics, parenting, self-care, mental health support, and financial education. Subject Matter Experts provide their expertise, knowledge and skills to promote empowerment and self-sufficiency.
Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley Girls' Robotics Program
In partnership with the local Boys and Girls Club, Zonta sponsors Girls' Robotics. It is designed to foster interest and skills in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. Girls, ages 9-14, learn to design, program and control fully-functional Lego Mindstorm Robots.
Advocacy & Awareness
Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women
Check out our advocacy and awareness projects to see how we are advocating for women and girls.
"Through the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, Zonta clubs around the world are uniting to raise their voices to bring awareness to this issue and advocate on behalf of gender-based violence survivors."