GFWC Delaware
Volunteer Community Service Non-Profit Organization Since 1898
"Embracing Lives" for 125 Years
CLICK HERE to learn about the History and Mission of GFWC.org
GFWC Delaware is a 125 year old 1000 member strong volunteer community service organization with 21 clubs in Delaware communities and a member state organization of the General Federation of Women's Club (GFWC).
The Mission is "to enhance the lives of others through volunteer service".
The 2022-2024 theme is "Embracing Lives, Star by Star".
The 2022 - 2024 symbol is the Starfish.
Human Trafficking Awareness is the State President's Special Project.
The first club in Delaware was the New Century Club of Wilmington, Delaware.
The second club's were The Dover Century Club and the Avon Club of Felton.
The General Federation of Women's Clubs is a 60,000 member strong volunteer community service organization with Headquarters located at 1734 N. Street NW, Washington, DC.
The GFWC motto is “Unity in Diversity.”
In 1889, Sorosis (the first professional women's club in the United States) members proposed a conference of women’s clubs to pursue the cause of federation. A conference was held in New York City on March 29, 1889, with the goal of preparing a constitution for ratification the following year. On April 23-25, 1890, 63 delegates from 17 states met in NYC. On April 24, 1890, the constitution was ratified.
We invite you to explore our site to learn more about us!
Who We Are - A Volunteer Community Service Organization
What We Do - Provide educational opportunities to women
GFWC Delaware “WE CARE” Convention – Speakers
Wednesday , May 1st 2024
Mary Goggin - Keynote Speaker
Actress
Six months after the death of her mother, “Runaway Princess,a Hopeful tale of Heroin, Hooking and Happiness” was written. Work-shopped in early 2017 at Matt Hoverman's “Go Solo,” it premiered, sold out, at Solocom at The PIT November 2017, directed by Vanessa Bombardieri. Under the direction of Dan Ruth, it moved Off Broadway to United Solo (Theater Row) in September 2018, winning “Best Storyteller” and “Critics Choice.” And then it took off by itself.
Sara Poore
Executive Director
Delaware Anti-Trafficking Action Council
Criminal Justice Council
Sara is the current Executive Director for The Delaware Anti-Trafficking Action Council, also known as DATAC. Ms. Poore was born and raised in Delaware; she continues to have close connections to the community. Her work was instrumental in the passage of SSI for SB 43 also known as the "Signs of Hope." This piece of legislation added 15 mandated locations that were deemed high risk on both a state and federal level. This will result in thousands of awareness signs throughout the state, providing not only public awareness but also resources for victims. Sara has worked closely on several pieces of legislation that have successfully passed the General Assembly. DATAC is actively partnering with all state agencies to be as effective as possible to combat human trafficking. Sara is honored to be on the Wilmington University Human Trafficking Advisory Board. She successfully coordinated and implemented a three-day Human Trafficking conference, with nationally renowned experts. There were over 150 attendees from various state and federal agencies. DATAC is currently scheduled for human trafficking awareness training, across the state equaling thousands of Delawareans having a new understanding of trafficking.
Dustin Yencer
Detective, State of Delaware Human Trafficking Coordinator
I was hired as a Delaware State Trooper in February 2014. I was assigned to Delaware State Police Troop 4 Patrol in Georgetown, DE. In 2020, I became a human trafficking investigator for Sussex County. In February 2021, I was assigned as a detective in the major crime unit, and in August 2023 I was selected as the State of Delaware Human Trafficking Coordinator. As the human trafficking coordinator, I have had the opportunity to work with state, local, and federal agencies to combat human trafficking. I have had the opportunity to coordinate successful proactive human trafficking operations. I have also had the opportunity to teach new recruits at numerous Police academies on human trafficking and what to look for on patrol.
GFWC Delaware “WE CARE” Convention – Speakers
Thursday, May 2nd 2024
Kerriann Otaño, Opera Delaware - Luncheon Speaker
Kerriann Otaño began her international career at 17 with a tour of the musical Godspell in Ireland. After completing high school she attended the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory in Milan, Italy, and received her operatic education at Indiana University and Mannes the New School for Music.
After college, Kerriann embarked on a career that would see the young soprano take the stage at Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap Opera, Opera Memphis, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and even the Metropolitan Opera. She can be heard as the soprano soloist on the 2018 Naxos American Classics recording of Bernstein's Songfest (available on Spotify). When a mental health crisis caused her to reevaluate her priorities, Kerriann's passions turned to artist advocacy and audience empowerment. Kerriann prides herself on her ability to connect with diverse audiences, advocate for artists and audiences, and create a sense of belonging in the arts community that transcends age, race, education, or socioeconomic status.
Babs Condon - Banquet Speaker
Babs Condon was our 50th GFWC International President, serving during the 2014-2016 administration. She is a third-generation clubwoman who has been an active clubwoman for almost 40 years. While in office, Babs focused on reenergizing clubwomen and was known for focusing on membership, friendship and perhaps a little dancing during breaks in the business sessions. The Legislative Action Center was a huge priority during her administration, as well as re-connecting with DC organizations, our legislators, and the White House.
Babs is still very active on all levels of GFWC, and tells me that volunteering is her way to pay it forward… to share her love of GFWC and her many blessings with the world around her.
🌟 GFWC Delaware Mindset Tips !
It is noted that If you learn to master your mindset, you hold the keys to a life well lived with satisfaction. Changing the way you think can be the key to getting the results you want in your life.
Too often, what holds us back our goals and dreams -- is US ! …our negative thoughts, our self-limiting beliefs and our fragile mindsets. Yet, when you work on your mindset, everything changes for the better.
(8) mindset TIPS that can possibly change your life to a positive mindset.
The CHECK LIST TIPS are:
Your thoughts shape your life. Everything starts with a thought, which impacts your feelings, actions, and ultimately, your results. If you’re not happy with the results in your life, you have the power to change everything simply by changing your thoughts.
Identify your thoughts. Are your thoughts negative or positive? Do they support the results you want in life?
You can’t change the past. What’s done is done. Accept that you can’t change events of the past (although you can learn from them) and stop wondering “what if”.
Worry is a waste of time. Worrying is one of the most useless, wasteful emotions we can experience, yet it is one of the most common. If we learn to let go of this emotion, our lives will be so much easier.
Embrace what you can control. Focus on the areas of life that are within your control -- the things that you can affect and have power over changing.
People vs your mindset. Be mindful of the people with whom you surround yourself. Keep your distance from people who plan to bring you down, take the energy from you and from your goals, make you feel bad or don’t serve any value to you or to your goals.
Ask questions. Ask questions that support the results you want in your life. How can you feel happier? How can you achieve your goal? What can you do today to move forward with your vision?
Enjoy the ride. Once you get to a milestone, another one appears…and then another…and another. We tend to keep moving our eyes forward, never fully allowing ourselves to enjoy the process and celebrate key victories along the way. Enjoy the ride; it’s all about the process.
With a deep and solid gratitude to each of you for your committed leadership in GFWC Delaware and to you for your desire to lead while your club is “Embracing the Lives” in each of our 20 communities.
Thank YOU "STARS",
🌟
“Trish" Rodriguez
Gfwc Delaware State President 2022 - 2024
The GFWC Federation Guild Bus Trip to DC & the GFWC Holiday Reception
Wednesday, DECEMBER 6 th. 2023
Departing - Bridgeville - Rt 404 - Food Lion - am
Departing - Dover - Rt. 13 - Rodney Village - am
$40.00 per person
Send Check & List Attendees (- name - address - cell #)
To:
Peggy Long
103 Stuart Drive
Dover, DE
19901
302 538 6871
Checks Payable - GFWC Guild
Memo - DC
GFWC DELAWARE
“Embracing Lives”
Patricia “Trish” Rodriguez
October 9, 2022
Report to the GFWC Middle Atlantic Region Conference - New York
The GFWC Delaware State Federation of Women’s Clubs is excited! First and foremost to be holding meetings and events IN PERSON again.
“Embracing Lives Star by Star” is the theme because our clubs throughout the state have been embracing the lives of those in their communities for 125 years. We are continuing to celebrate the 125th anniversary through our Carolyn Forbes and the Women’s History & Resource Center club chairman and she is chairing the Dover Century Club 125th Gala.
We have chosen the “Starfish”. There are 2000 varieties of Starfish in all colors, sizes, shapes and talents; just as our members. And, we consider every member to a Star. GFWC Past President, Babs Condon created the “Starfish Installation and Installed our officers, May 19th. And, remained to conduct “Starfish Leadership Workshop” the morning after.
The State Project is “Human Trafficking” and advocate, Mitzi Perdue is the Chairman. The Delmar and the Laurel Clubs have held Seminars with the DOJ and State Police plus a Crisis Center as speakers. Five clubs have invited the Domestic Violence Awareness Chairman to speak.
Our Bylaws and Nominating Committee has been busy due to the resignation of an officer and we have a Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer in office. Vicky Ann Trimmer of Pennsylvania assisted the committees and I have the distinct pleasure of announcing that the Delaware organization can now be referred to as GFWC DELAWARE. A DBA was granted by the Kent County Superior Court and signed by me on September 27th 2022.
Emme Miller agreed to return to the purse size Directory and has emailed our News & Views Newsletter filled with state and club events.
We continue the use of Zoom with our State Chairman.
Delaware Technical Community College has agreed to collaborate volunteer services with GFWC Delaware and State Membership Chairman, Carole Suchanek with her “Jessie the Giraffe” logo is planning a DTCC Club at the Owen’s Campus, Georgetown.
Our state membership had decreased to 789 and Carole and her committee are insisting that we climb on the “Jessie the Giraffe” to 1000 members before 2024 and we are on our way with 12, 14, and 18 new members reported.
We mourn the passing of two leaders Anne Groo and Maxine Ungerbuehler; both great ladies.
“Drum Roll Please” we have a new club named, the GFWC Blue Hen Chicks growing every day and founded by Phyllis Milano
We are increasing our State Scholarship this year.
LEADS Represent, Mindy has organized an “Embracing Lives Leadership” Workshop to be conducted by GFWC Babs Condon and Rosemary Thomas to be held at our Fall State Board Meeting, October 20th. Every CLUB has been asked to nominate a LEADS representative to attend.
We continue to honor our Jennie Awardee, Carla Pyle and Chairman Diane is encouraging all clubs to nominate a Jennie.
Christy Swiger has announced Boscov’s, “Friends Helping Friends”, our 30x30 and the 2023 Federation Day at Harrington Casino as our fundraisers.
You are invited to the Wilmington Hilton / Christiana, May 16 – 18 for our annual State Meeting.
And, Congratulations to our Carolyn Forbes as GFWC Middle Atlantic Region Treasurer.
Our Delegation from the GFWC Delaware is pleased to have attended this fabulous GFWC Middle Atlantic Region Conference hosted by New York. Thank YOU.
Please Stand!
With the Volunteer Spirit,
Patricia “Trish” Rodriguez
GFWC DELAWARE, State President, 2022 - 2024
GFWC Delaware (4 minute) Report
GFWC Delaware State President
Trish Rodriguez 22-24
GFWC Middle Atlantic Region Conference
Sunday, October 1, 2023
Showboat Hotel
Atlantic City, New Jersey
“Embracing Lives STAR by STAR” our theme has been acknowledged by the Delaware State News who named our GFWC Delaware “Organization of the Year” - A DELAWARE STAR.
The expanded four-member Membership Team announced that GFWC Delaware has 55 new members and a new club celebrated their first ANNIVERSARY.
Our Initiative is to become a GFWC Delaware household name and branded WE have appeared in newspapers 29 times in the past year … and with five WBOC Delmarva Life TV interviews with:
-Our Human Trafficking Event – our President’s Special Project
-GFWC Delaware Domestic Violence Event – “What’s Your Voice”
-The Kidney Plenary and 2.0 Events
-Our National Day of Service
-Our Ukraine Tapestry with Mitzi Perdue and Deborah Johnson
Another Initiative is visits to Delaware City Councils, the State and County Governments and we have had the following:
-Delaware Governor, John Carney invited us to his office
-Our NDS Resolution was approved in the Senate and then the House
-We were asked to be present when the House opened with our COLLECT
-Kent County Levy Court honored our 8 Kent clubs
-The Dover City Council Members honored our clubs with a proclamation
-The City of Rehoboth Beach named a day of the month for the VIA
-The City of Milton honored the Women’s Club of Milton with a proclamation
We are so proud of our Jennie Awardee, Mindy Goss and Bonnie Fischer our LEADS both are here today!
GFWC Delaware added a Scholarship for a NON-Traditional Student - women who plan to return to her Education that is in addition to our increased amount from $1000 to $2000 to our High School Graduate Scholarship.
A Strategic Planning Consultant has worked with our committee to bring forth soon the GFWC Delaware Strategic Plan. A generous donation was made to enable this fantastic addition to GFWC Delaware.
We are looking forward to our LEADERSHIP Training upcoming and the BUTTERFLY BOLT to raise funds for a Domestic Violence Shelter "What is YOUR Voice” and
We look forward to our virtual 30x30 in November and Federation Day March 2, 2023.
GFWC Delaware is engaged in creating a partnership with Bay health and with the State Alzheimer organization. (An Event is planned for October 25 th).
A TEA was held following Mitzi Perdue’s trip to the Ukraine where presented our Embroidered Tapestry with a flower made by the 20 clubs in GFWC Delaware and Perdue filmed the group and it was shown in the school that she has opened in the Ukraine building relationships women to women globally.
Human Trafficking is the Special Project for GFWC Delaware.
Report Prepared By: Trish Rodriguez, GFWC Delaware State President 2022-2024
Butterfly Bolt
Rehoboth Beach
October 6, 2023
Selbyville Community Club - National Day of Service
404 LBS of Food - $627.00 - Collected for the:
Community Lutheran Church in Selbyville, Delaware
Congratulations to Deb Hiob, Club President and each and every member who participated.
The Dover Century Club Day of Service 2023 - 40 The Green
Dover, Delaware - 2,198 lbs. of Food - $1,000 Donated By Bally’s.
Food collected for the Salvation Army of Dover, Delaware.
Delaware Senator, Eric Buckson volunteered to assist.
GFWC Blue Hen Chicks
National Day of Service 2023
Collected 1169 pounds of food Saturday, Sept 30th 2023 at 40 the Dover Green with 130 pounds donated to the Veteran's Pantry in Wilmington, Delaware!
$500 was donated by Bally's Hotel & Casino and donated to the "Home of the Brave”.
Eight "Blue Hen Chick" Members volunteered and the "Home of the Brave" truck left full of food.
Phyllis Milano, President
Gathered at Epworth Food Pantry are (l-r) Gwen Osborne, pantry representative; and Zwaanendael Club members Cindy DeEmedio, Nancy Phillips, Deb Cebula and Vickie Burrier.
Food drive to benefit Epworth pantry Sept. 30
September 15, 2023
SUBMITTED PHOTO
The GFWC Zwaanendael Women’s Club is sponsoring a food drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 30, for the food pantry at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach. Supporters can easily drive through and drop off donations.
Most-needed items are mayo, mustard, ketchup, Spam, tuna, canned chicken, pancake mix and syrup, ramen noodles, canned chili and Dinty Moore beef stew, pasta and sauce (no glass), soups (no tomato or chicken noodle), and potatoes and rice in boxes and pouches.
This food drive is part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs’ 2023 National Day of Service. The theme for this inaugural event is fighting food insecurity and hunger.
Delmar New Century Club
Food Drive
GFWC Delaware
"Embracing Lives"
Fall BOARD Meeting
Thursday, October 19, 2023
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Modern Maturity Center
Dover, Delaware
Rt. 8
Buffet Meal - Soup and Salad
Registration - soon
Incentive / a prize to the club with the most attendees & stay for the buffet !
October 6th, 2023
Butterfly Bolt
10 am gather - 11 am luncheon
Atlantic Sands Hotel on the Board Walk
To benefit “Whats your voice”
September 30 th, 2023
GFWC Delaware
ONE DAY of SERVICE
20 GFWC Delaware Clubs collecting and distributing food to the hungry …
September 28 - October 1, 2023
GFWC Middle Atlantic Region Conference
Atlantic City, NJ
Registrations closed September 5 th …
WE CARE
Trish
GFWC Delaware Tour of What is YOUR Voice … August 2023
The famous Butterfly Quilt presented to the organization by a dear friend.
Artist: Deborah Johnson
The finalized “Embracing Ukraine Lives” Embroidered tapestry; an art gift to the Mitzi Perdue school for girls in the Ukraine, Created and designed by well known artist GFWC Blue Hen Chicks member Deborah Johnson!
American Red roses representing the USA, Sunflowers for Ukraine, the Peach Blossom for Delaware, Forget Me Nots embroidered by an Alaskan tribe American Indian friend plus pink roses by young mothers from a Delaware school were stitched to contribute to the gift from GFWC Delaware!
Ukraine silk was dyed by artist Johnson to match the blue color in the Ukraine Flag.
The embroidered art piece is a gift of love to embrace the lives of women in the Ukraine from Deborah, GFWC Delaware and Trish Rodriguez , State President of GFWC Delaware 2022 - 2024.
💐 GFWC Delaware State Convention 2024 💐
April 30, 2024
🎉 Pre Convention Social 🎉
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Thursday, May 2, 2024
🧜♀️
ATLANTIC SANDS HOTEL
GFWC The Dover Century Club honors members with long service
DOVER, Del. (July 6, 2023) – In a special ceremony, GFWC The Dover Century Club (TDCC) honored several members for their many years of service to the club and valuable contributions to community improvement projects that have enhanced the lives of others. Those recognized were left Retta Zimmerman, 20 years of service; Nancy Hall, membership chairwoman; Marge Locke, 15 years; Audrey Daniels, 35 years; Mary Jane McGinnis, 40 years; Joyce Waring, 15 years; Florence Frost, 25 years; GFWC Delaware President Trish Rodriguez; and TDCC President Jerry Travers. Not pictured: Esther Krueger, 35 years; Annetta Long, 35 years; Phyllis Petrosky, 40 years, and Betty Pazder, TDCC President (1982 - 1984), 55 years.
GFWC The Dover Century Club is celebrating 126 years of volunteer service dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others. Founded in 1897, the club is a member of the Delaware State Federation of Women’s Clubs and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, the world’s largest and oldest nonpartisan, nondenominational women’s volunteer service organization. Women interested in joining or learning more about the club are encouraged to contact TheDoverCenturyClub@gmail.com.
GFWC Delaware President Rodriguez addresses Delaware State Senate
The General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) Delaware was honored in June 2023 with Delaware Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 84, declaring Saturday, September 30, 2023, as GFWC Delaware "Step Up to End Hunger Day of Service". Both chambers unanimously approved the Resolution, sponsored by Senator Dave Lawson in the Senate and Representative Ruth Briggs King in the House.
The organization is partnering with the Food Bank of Delaware; the Salvation Army; Veterans organizations; Code Purple; and churches, food pantries and shelters in Delaware and invites other organizations to join GFWC Delaware, The Dover Century Club, GFWC Blue Hen Chicks Club, GFWC Round Table Club of Wyoming - Camden, and The Rising Sun Community Club in hosting a drive-by food collection and distribution at 40 The Green, in Dover on Saturday, September 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Organizations working in food insecurity are invited to join them in networking by setting up partnership tables on that date.
For more information, contact Kim Luton, State Chair for The GFWC Delaware Day of Service, at 302-270-0459.
GFWC Delaware is excited to announce the GFWC Delaware Jennie Awardee, Mindy Goss.
Congratulations Mindy!
GFWC Delaware Day of Serivce
GFWC Delaware Delegation on the Delaware Legislative Hall Senate Balcony celebrating the adoption of Senate Concurrent Resolution #84 to establish THE GFWC Delaware Day of Service, September 30, 2023to "Step Up to Hunger in Delaware”.
“Trish" Rodriguez, State President 2022 - 2024Kim Luton, Day of Service, State Chairman
Village Improvement Association
Saint Nicholas Tea
State Board Meeting 2022
Caesar Rodney H.S. ROTC
State Leadership Training 2022
Amanda & Peggy
Delmarva life WBOC
President's Special Project - Trafficking