The Women’s Club of Gulfport is dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others. Through volunteer service, the club promotes and supports education, women’s health, civic involvement, arts and culture and the environment. President Jana Owen tells us more.
SHARE A BIT ABOUT WCG’S BACKGROUND
In 1915, 19 women came together to create the Women’s Club of Gulfport. Their philanthropic purpose was to maintain a children’s ward at the hospital, to procure and maintain children’s playgrounds, to look after sanitation and food conditions, to promote children’s welfare, to help beautify the city of Gulfport and to promote art and culture in schools. The club incorporated in September 1917; later that year, the club was federated and became a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs-Mississippi Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC-MFWC). Since becoming a federated club, WCG strives to follow the structure and utilize resources provided by GFWC community service programs and special programs while addressing the local community’s needs.
WCG’s founders referred to themselves as a “culture” club, holding afternoon meetings followed by a formal tea. After 82 years, the teas became morning coffee meetings to accommodate mothers of school-age children. Over time, the morning meetings have become evening meetings.
WHO ARE YOUR MEMBERS?
WCG has 33 members ranging in age from 30s to 70s. They are career women, retired women and part-time working women. Women who are 21 and over and interested in actively “living the volunteer spirit” are eligible for membership.
WHAT’S NEW AND EXCITING WITH WCG?
We were excited to award our first $1,000 college scholarship in May. The Chris Smith Scholarship was named for a member who passed away suddenly.
This year, we also started assisting with the Safe Harbor Room in the offices of Harrison County District Attorney Crosby Parker. This room is for young people who are awaiting court proceedings in domestic and sexual-violence cases. We have provided snacks, books, coloring books/colors, pillows/blankets, puzzles, stuffed toys and video games.
Some other initiatives:
- Members are contacting state legislators requesting funding be restored to Mississippi libraries after recent budget cuts.
- Last December, we supplied Elijha’s Closet (for foster children) with 50 pillows and beautiful handmade, children’s/teen’s theme pillowcases. We plan to do this again in 2025.
- We held an ice cream social for veterans at the Armed Forces Retirement Home.
- We provide pajamas to the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence, along with “Purses with Purpose.” These are purses filled with toiletries and feminine products, as well as makeup, nail polish and cologne when available, for the center’s residents.
- We have an annual pumpkin-painting Party for special-needs children and young adults.
- We help fund Thanksgiving and Christmas meals for the Gulfport Fire Department and bring donuts and pizza to the Gulfport Police Department.
- We observe Teacher Appreciation and Library Appreciation weeks with baskets of treats and fruit.
- Several years ago, we created a garden area at the downtown public library and continue to maintain it. We are now doing a garden at the Orange Grove Library.
- We stock clothes closets at two Gulfport Schools.
- We have three main fundraises each year: a high tea and silent auction on the first Saturday in December, a summer rummage sale and BUNCO that is open to the public-four times a year.
- We donate new and gently worn clothes and shoes for women to wear to work and employment interviews.
- We provide feminine products for school nurses to give to students.
- We promote healthy lifestyles and personal growth in women.
WHAT HAVE YOU GAINED BY BEING PART OF WCG?
One of my favorite parts of this organization has been the opportunity to travel throughout Mississippi to district and state conventions, gaining friendships, learning what other clubs are doing to improve their communities and implementing new programs in Gulfport. The smiles and thanks we receive make me feel that my life has been worthwhile.
WHAT ARE WCG’S GOALS AND HOPES GOING FORWARD?
We strive to continue to grow our membership so that we can increase our community service. We are working to increase the number of scholarships we give annually and are planning to increase the number of programs/projects we provide for special needs children and young adults. We want to provide a clothes closet for another school.
WHAT DOES WCG DO WELL?
Our organization is a team, we work together to reach our goals. We seek to tackle larger projects with more community impact.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD OUR AUDIENCE KNOW ABOUT WCG?
We are a service organization, not a social club. However, many of us have become close friends and do things socially. We also attend fun events as a group, including theatre productions, Art in the Pass, Jazz in the Pass, holiday celebrations, karaoke, Canvas and Cocktails, the Peter Anderson Festival and more.
We have a wine and cheese membership drive every September, but new members are accepted any time.