Civic Engagement and Outreach

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The GFWC Civic Engagement and Outreach Community Service Program reminds GFWC
members that each of us is a part of a larger society and is responsible for undertaking actions
that will create a better quality of life and foster a sense of community—locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. This Community Service Program highlights and encourages citizenship; crime prevention, safety, and disaster preparedness; the needy, hungry, and homeless; and our military personnel and veterans.

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Here are some of the ways in which we fulfill the goals of this program.

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LIGHTHOUSE FOR BROKEN WINGS / SHELTERING HEARTS

Lighthouse for Broken Wings is a transitional house 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. 

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The Sheltering Hearts program assists those experiencing homelessness
over the winter months. 

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Guided by the organization's needs, we assist through monetary
donations for housing; gas and store gift cards; and providing daily
lunches over the winter months for those in the Sheltering Hearts
program.  We have also played Santa and Easter Bunny for the children.

 

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FOOD INSECURITY

Cash and food donations are made to various organizations who assist
those in our community suffering from food insecurity including the Food Bank of Delaware. 
Our latest food drive helped fill the pantries at Lighthouse for Broken Wings and What is Your
Voice, Inc. (Voices Against  Domestic Violence)

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WARM HEARTS CAMPAIGN

In early 2022 the Warm Hearts Campaign was launched to assist the needy in our area by collecting new clothing and personal care items.  Micha Seto, owner of the Blooming Boutique stores allowed us to place collection boxes in 7 of her stores.  Community members who dropped off donations received store coupons.   Cash donations were also accepted.  Collected items and monies are being distributed through the Cape Henlopen School District Homeless Liaison Office and the Sheltering Hearts program.

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FIRST RESPONDERS 

         Since our first donation of $10 in 1956, we have supported the Lewes Fire Department with an
         annual donation.  Compared to our first donation, our 2022 donation of $500 demonstrates our longevity             and growth.  

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CELEBRATING SUFFRAGETTES

        The year 2020 marked the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment granting women the                right to vote which Z Club celebrated in a variety of ways including participation in the Zwaanendael                  Museum's 22nd Annual Chautauqua Tent Show where members presented profiles of notable women who          worked toward suffrage.  

 

​Additional past Civic Engagement and Outreach initiatives have included a community-wide program on human trafficking; a community bike safety and maintenance program; annual collections for Stocking for Soldiers-Delaware; financial support for the Home of the Brave Foundation; and donations to USO Delaware including a popcorn machine, gaming system, and a trunk load of snacks for their canteen.