HOME LIFE
The GFWC Home Life Community Service Program is designed to inform members of issues that affect the well-being of individuals, families, and communities by providing opportunities and resources to meet and address needs through volunteering.
Recognizing the extensive need for assistance in our community, the home life committee aims to help in as many ways as possible through the following organizations:
CAPE HENLOPEN HIGH SCHOOL (CHHS)
We support CHHS in three ways:
-
Food Bank: 40% of Cape students are currently enrolled in the school's free and reduced lunch program. The food bank is made available to in-need students and their families who need help supplementing their basic food needs. Z Club assists in stocking and managing the CHHS food bank.
-
Clothing Closet: School appropriate clothing and warm outerwear is collected for the CHHS
on-site clothing closet throughout the year. Two clothing distribution days are held each school year, usually in the fall and in the winter. Click here to see what items we collect.
-
The Baskets of Basics: This program assists college bound students during their transition from home to dormitories and apartments. The baskets contain everything the student needs to comfortably settle into their dorm room. CHHS students who participate in the free/reduced lunch program are eligible to apply for the baskets. The application includes a written essay on their volunteer experiences and how those experiences enriched and impacted their lives.
COMFORT CASES
In March 2018, the membership voted to add Comfort Cases to our list of supported organizations.
On any given day, nearly 437,500 youth are in the foster care system in the United States. Of the thousands of youth who enter the system each year, most arrive carrying little more that the clothes on their backs. If they are afforded the opportunity to collect any personal belongings, many are then given a trash bag in which to place and carry their personal items. It is a time of great upheaval and instability, and their first foster home placement is unlikely to be their last. Many Youth in foster care will be moved from home to home multiple times, carrying their life’s treasures in a trash bag.
Comfort Cases believes that every child deserves to pack their belongings in a special bag that they can call their own. It is their mission as a charity to provide a proper bag, filled with comfort and essential items, to these brave Youth in foster care on their journey to find their forever home.
On December 5, 2018 the GFWC Zwaanendael Women’s Club hosted Lunch with a Purpose to benefit Comfort Cases. The 254 attendees helped to raise $5,000 and donated over $13,000 worth of backpacks, totes, blankets, clothing, books, and personal care items.
Rob Scheer, the founder of Comfort Cases, shared his personal story about being raised in foster care and how he came to start this organization whose mission is to inspire communities to bring dignity and hope to youth in foster care. It was considered to be one of the most moving stories heard by a Lunch with a Purpose audience and ended with a standing ovation. Rob, who has appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and is a CNN Hero, wrote about his experiences in his book "A Forever Family." www.ComfortCases.org
HARRY K BABY PANTRY AT THE COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER, Rehoboth Beach
Hands-on volunteer opportunities are available twice a month to help distribute diapers, wipes and clothing for families on the WIC program.
We collect new and gently used books appropriate for children newborn to 5 years old. A book is given to children visiting the Baby Pantry in an effort to promote literacy.
IMMANUEL SHELTER, Rehoboth Beach
Z CLub members prepare and serve meals over the winter months to this Code Purple Shelter.
LITTLE GRACE KIDS CLOSET, Georgetown
Little Grace Kids Closet is a ministry that provides resources for in-need families with babies and young children.
We collect the following items for this organization:
-New and gently used clothing from newborn to size 10
-Hats/gloves/coats
-Diapers (all sizes)
-Baby bottles& pacifiers
-Shampoo & wash for babies and kids
-Wipes & diaper creams
-Children’s toothbrushes & toothpaste
-Baby furniture
-Receiving/baby blankets
-Fleece blankets
-New and gently used books and small toys
LIGHTHOUSE FOR BROKEN WINGS
Lighthouse for Broken Wings is a transitional house for the homeless, dedicated to helping those without housing regain their status in the community while having a place to call home. It is a direct personal development program to improve the quality of life for all individuals in the home. It is managed by Toni Short(R.N.) who herself has experienced homelessness.
Our goal is to assist the residents in their goal to live a more productive and independent life.
HARBOR HEALTHCARE, Lewes
Each Christmas, members donate a small gift for residents of the Harbor Healthcare facility located in Lewes, many of whom otherwise would be forgotten.