On Tuesday, March 22, Susan Imelli received a $200 Ruby Women Helping Women Award from Soroptimist International of Fallon for her dedicated efforts to improving the lives of women and girls in the community. She has chosen to donate the full award amount to the Room for Ruth program here in Fallon, a program offering women in transition a safe and stable short-term home free from drugs and alcohol.
The Ruby Women Helping Women Award honors women who, through their professional or personal efforts, are making extraordinary differences in the lives of women or girls. Honorees are women who have worked to improve the lives of other women or girls, and where their work inspires and encourages other women in their community.
Susan was nominated for the Ruby Award by her daughter Heidi Imelli, who wrote a glowing letter about how much of a positive influence her mom has been, not only to her and her brother but to all the other women and girls she has interacted with over time. Heidi shared how, when she was growing up, her mom's house was “affectionately known as Imelli's House for Wayward Children” for the way Susan cared for their friends, always showing them a little extra love when she sensed they needed it.
Nine years ago, Susan, her husband Gary, and Heidi all became Court Appointed Special Advocates. This was something special to Susan, being able to represent the best interests of children victims of abuse or neglect as they go through the court process. As a CASA, Susan invests the time necessary to listen to each child to ensure the child's best interests are served by the court. Her ability to easily talk with the children, and truly understand them provides a level of comfort to them in what can be a whirlwind situation.
Heidi's nomination letter included many other examples of how Susan “goes above and beyond to help someone in need, never bringing attention to herself, and always very satisfied with just doing for others without acclaim or attention.” It is a well-deserved award for a lovely woman who will continue helping women and girls, serving her community as naturally as she breaths.
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