In the years before television, Camden's social life was shaped significantly by its many active social, service, and fraternal organizations. While many of these groups have since disappeared, one notable example was the Soroptimist Club — later known as the Soroptimist Club of Camden County — which played a prominent role in the city from its founding in 1930 until its eventual departure.
This was the first Soroptimist club established in New Jersey, formed in 1930 with support from the Philadelphia chapter. Initially, its service area covered Camden and a 22-mile radius, but in 1951, its boundaries were redefined to align with Camden County. Membership was by invitation and limited to professional women and those managing businesses or governmental organizations.
The Camden Soroptimists were deeply engaged in community service. They supported local healthcare projects, contributed to the war effort during World War II, and, before government funding was available, provided scholarship loans to young women pursuing careers in teaching or nursing. The club remained active at least through January 1964.
One of its distinguished members was Hazel Beaty Hackett, owner of Arlington Cemetery in Pennsauken. She served as club president from 1934 to 1936, later as director of the North Atlantic Region (1936–1938), and as president of the American Federation of Soroptimist Clubs from 1946 to 1948.
The Soroptimist movement itself began in 1921 in Oakland, California, founded by women who were excluded from male-dominated service organizations. The name "Soroptimist," derived from the Latin soror (sister) and optima (best), was chosen to reflect the goal of being “best for women.” The founder president was Violet Richardson-Ward.
By 1923, clubs began appearing in Europe, and in 1928, the North American clubs formed a federation — now known as Soroptimist International of the Americas. Early members included pioneering women such as Bertha Knight Landes, the first female mayor of a major U.S. city (Seattle, 1925), and Mercy Ellen Crehan, Canada's first female certified accountant.
In its early decades, the organization emphasized local community support, often focused on helping women during the hardships of the Great Depression and World War II. Projects included international aid, such as assistance to China's Lanchow Nursing School, and support for women entering the workforce.
After World War II, the organization expanded into Latin America, forming its first club outside North America in Rio de Janeiro in 1947. Members contributed to the Founders Week fund — now the Program Service Fund — which provided fellowships to women in pioneering fields. The group also supported institutions like the Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania and funded research on women in the workforce.
In the 1960s, Soroptimist expanded further into Asia and developed new programs. One major initiative was the Women's Opportunity Awards (established in 1972), offering financial support to women who were the sole providers for their families. The 1975 International Women's Year and the U.N. Decade for Women inspired the launch of the Making a Difference for Women award, recognizing those who improve women’s lives.
In 1991, the organization underwent a structural overhaul to ensure broader international representation and enhance professional support for its volunteer leaders. During the 1990s and into the 21st century, Soroptimist sharpened its focus on improving the lives of women and girls. Major efforts included the Violet Richardson Award for young female volunteers and programs addressing domestic violence globally.
Efforts to combat domestic violence included legal advocacy, funding for services in countries like Ecuador and the Philippines, and support for recovery programs in lower Manhattan after 9/11. The organization also launched the Workplace Campaign to End Domestic Violence, recognizing it as a pressing employment issue.
Today, Soroptimist International of the Americas, headquartered at 1709 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, continues its mission to support women and girls worldwide through grants, community programs, and global advocacy — proving itself, as ever, "best for women."
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