Latest News:

Annual Essay Contest is Open!

[posted October 17, 2024]

The Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimist Club is hosting its annual Essay Contest Scholarship Program. The topic is “How Optimism Has Paved My Road to Success”. Please view our Youth Programs page for more information and the application. Applications are due January 31, 2025.

Essay Application

Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimist in Action!

[posted July 17, 2024]

The Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimist Club volunteered at St. Anne's Meads Assisted Living, Extended Care and Memory care facility this past Saturday. They played games with the residents which will help to strengthen their cognitive health and provide a moment of fun!

Help Us Salute Them

[posted July 16, 2024]

The Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimist will be attending this wonderful event honoring the Hero's in our community.
Save the Date then Come and Join US... We are looking for New Members!! Are you Interested in learning more about who we are??

2024 Teen Mental Wellness Community Forum

[posted April 1, 2024]

The SLV Optimists are sponsoring again this year the Teen Mental Wellness Community Forum. This year it will be Sunday May 5th, 2024, located at the Metro Detroit Youth Clubs Field Zone in Southfield. Those interested in submitting an essay will need to fill out the application below and turn it in by Monday, April 22.

Essay Application

2024 Oratorical Contest Winners!

[posted March 20, 2024]

The Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimist Club had their annual Oratorical Contest on March 16. Congratulations to our two winners Jaidon & Jordan James! They will be moving on to the District Regionals. We had a special guest at the event, Oakland County Commissioner Linne Taylor.

Commissioner Taylor said, “I would only say congratulations to both young men and say continue the great work. They both are amazing and I’m sure they will do great things in the future. I am so honored to have met them and their parents who are also amazing”.

Double Good Popcorn Fundraiser

[posted March 15, 2024]

The Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimist Club has partnered with Double Good Popcorn to raise funds for the club’s Oratorical Contest, Youth Programs and Community Activities. Click HERE to order your delicious popcorn and support the Southfield community! Fundraising is from March 14 - March 18.

Join Us for President Obama’s Book Launch Gala

[posted February 12, 2024]

On February 29, Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimists, along with several other service groups, are hosting a Gala Reception and Book Launch of the publication: A Tribute to President Barack H. Obama: Your Story Inspired Our Story at the Southfield Public Library. Registration is available online.

Two options:

Zoom Participation - Click HERE to register via Zoom.
In Person Overflow to Large Meeting Room - You must register in advance to guarantee a seat - Only registered guests will be able to attend the event. Click HERE to register for the Overflow to Large Meeting Room next door to the Auditorium.

2023-2024 Oratorical Contest Applications are NOW AVAILABLE!

[posted February 8, 2024]

Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimists are hosting the 2023-2024 Oratorical Contest. The topic this year is “How to Change the World with Optimism”. Applications are due March 8, 2024. Applications and more information can be found on our "Youth Programs”

Help Us Celebrate International Optimist Day!

[posted January 31, 2024]

On February 1, the Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimist Club will be celebrating International Optimist Day at World Medical Relief. Come and join us!

If you have a group minimum of 10 and are interested in volunteering, please send an email to volunteer@worldmedicalrelief.org to schedule a day. We are open for volunteers Mon–Fri 9am–3pm and Sat 9am–12pm. The hours are flexible so you can come when it is convenient for you. Please note, we will be closed December 22 – January 1 for the winter holidays. Our volunteer page has more details about the hours available.

If you have the means, please make a donation to help support the World Medical Relief programs.

Making a Difference JOI Club Fundraiser

[posted December 4, 2023]

The Making a Difference JOI Club is sponsoring a Honey Baked Ham Gift Cards Fundraiser to support Children's Hospital of Michigan - Pediatric Patients' Care Cart. Click the link below to donate. Donations end December 31, 2023.

Last year they raised $250+ through gift card sales for their Socks for Those in Need project which helped them donate 700+ pairs of socks to Covenant House Detroit, Michigan and Alternatives for Girls. This year's goal is $300, and your support will be greatly appreciated.

2023-2024 Essay Contest Applications AVAILABLE!

[posted November 21, 2023]

The Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimist Club conducting the annual Optimist Essay Contest. Application can be found under our Youth Programs page. This year’s topic is “Optimism: How it Connects Us”. Applications are due January 31, 2024.

Mental Health Forum on Channel 7!!

[posted June 7, 2023]

Our community Mental Health Forum was featured on Channel 7 News. Special thanks to Anchor Mike Duffy to hosting and showcasing our Forum.

Click HERE to view the video.

Southfield-Lathrup Village student wins 2nd place in District Contest!

[posted May 24, 2023]

Zora Nunley, winner of the Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimist Oratorical Contest, went on to win 2nd place at the Michigan District Optimist Oratorical Contest!! Congratulations Zora!

A Message from Police Chief on Mental Health

[posted April 27, 2023]

Southfield Police Chief, Elvin Barren, promotes the Teen Mental Health Awareness Forum that is happening on Sunday, May 7! Click HERE to watch the video.

To attend the Forum, please register HERE.

A light lunch will be available beginning at 1:15PM.