Service Projects
Service projects are the backbone of our commitment to community improvement. From education and healthcare to environmental conservation and social justice, our initiatives cover a wide spectrum of issues. Through hands-on involvement and community engagement, we empower our members to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities alike.
The GFWC Florida President's Project
Flight to Honor with GFWC Florida President Sara Dessureau
President's Project Chairman: Ronda Carney presidentsproject@gfwcflorida.org
During each GFWC Florida administration, the President has the wonderful opportunity to choose a President's Project. For this term, GFWC Florida President, Sara Dessureau has chosen to honor our GFWC Florida Women Veterans through a Flight to Honor. Veterans are such an important part of not only our history, but in the continuing sacrifices they make for our country. While we honor all of our veterans, Sara wanted to pay special tribute to female veterans in the GFWC Florida organization. As such, GFWC Florida is sponsoring an all-inclusive flight to Washington, DC. for 172 GFWC Florida veterans in October 2025. This will be the first ALL female veterans Flight to Honor in Florida. Her goal is to raise $150,000 to cover the costs of not only the flight itself, but all of the hotel and food expenses for both the veteran and their guardian. ​
The GFWC Florida Director's Project
Building Families with GFWC Florida Director Racquel Sturgis
Director's Project Chairman: Beth Reed jradvocates@gfwcflorida.org
Racquel Sturgis, GFWC Florida Director of Junior Clubs for 2024-2026, has chosen One More Child as her Director's Project. Having personally navigated fertility treatments and adoption, she aims to raise awareness and support for others facing similar challenges. One More Child, established in 1904 and based in Lakeland, is a child welfare agency serving foster and adoptive children, trafficked youth, hungry children, single mothers, and struggling families across more than 50 locations worldwide, including over a dozen in Florida. Partnering with GFWC Florida, they offer various service opportunities such as fundraising, drives for diapers and food, collecting school supplies, and supporting local foster and adoptive families.
Our Signature Community Service Programs
GFWC Signature Program: Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention
GFWC leads the nation in combating domestic violence, aiming to raise awareness and prevent abuse through partnerships with national networks, support for existing programs, and educational initiatives for members and communities. This signature program underscores GFWC's commitment to advocating for victims and raising their voices against domestic and sexual violence.
Chairman: Tamica Thomas-Simpson dv@gfwcflorida.org
Junior Chairman: Amber Treat jrdv@gfwcflorida.org
GFWC Juniors’ Special Program: Advocates for Children
GFWC Juniors’ Special Program: Advocates for Children inspires Women’s, Junior, Juniorette, and International Affiliate clubs to champion children’s causes worldwide. Through community projects, members promote child protection, advocate for healthy lifestyles, and influence policies to enhance children's well-being locally and globally.
Chairman: Nancy Crawford advocates@gfwcflorida.org
Junior Chairman: Beth Reed jradvocates@gfwcflorida.org
Our Community Service Projects
Arts and Culture
The GFWC Arts and Culture Community Service Program inspires members to promote and support arts activities in their clubs, schools, and communities. By engaging in projects related to music, literature, dance, drama, and other arts, clubwomen aim to make the world a more beautiful place. GFWC Florida Clubwomen actively design and support arts initiatives, fostering creativity and cultural enrichment in their local communities. As Edgar Degas said, “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”
Chairman: Julia George arts-culture@gfwcflorida.org
Junior Chairman: Illene Narvaez jrartsandculture@gfwcflorida.org
Environment
The GFWC Environment Community Service Program promotes environmental awareness and protection. It encourages activities like recycling, litter cleanup, wildlife support, energy conservation, and tree planting. GFWC Florida Clubwomen actively engage in local conservation projects, fostering environmental stewardship and enriching their communities.
Chairman: Judy Quail environment@gfwcflorida.org
Junior Chairman: Nicole Hahn jrenvironment@gfwcflorida.org
Education and Libraries
“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” – John Dewey. Literacy is a fundamental right and essential for participation in society. GFWC has a long history of supporting education, having established over 474 public libraries and 4,655 traveling libraries in the 1930s. Libraries remain crucial, with 90% of Americans recognizing their community impact. GFWC Florida Clubwomen continue this legacy by designing and supporting local educational activities.
Chairman: Georgia Browning education@gfwcflorida.org
Junior Chairman: Betty Medina jreducation@gfwcflorida.org
Health and Wellness
The GFWC Health and Wellness Community Service Program educates members on health and wellness issues affecting individuals, families, and communities. It provides resources for clubs to create projects promoting healthy lifestyles, disease awareness, prevention, and treatment. The program also addresses hunger, inadequate housing, homelessness, and financial difficulties. GFWC Florida Clubwomen actively design and support health and wellness initiatives in their local communities.
Chairman: Lee Kraus healthandwellness@gfwcflorida.org
Junior Chairman: Kay Taylor jrhealthandwellness@gfwcflorida.org
Civic Engagement and Outreach
Civic and social responsibilities are essential to our lives. The GFWC Civic Engagement and Outreach Community Service Program connects members with projects and activities related to these responsibilities, including citizenship, supporting military personnel, emergency preparedness, and crime prevention. GFWC Florida Clubwomen design and support civic engagement initiatives in their local communities.
Chairman: Jennifer Hawkins civicengagement@gfwcflorida.org
Junior Chairman: Xylina Green jrcivicengagement@gfwcflorida.org
Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention
The goal of GFWC’s Signature Program is to increase awareness and prevent violence against women worldwide, with a focus on human trafficking. GFWC Clubwomen create awareness campaigns to educate communities about human trafficking. We also advocate for legislation to hold traffickers accountable and oppose laws that decriminalize human trafficking.
Chairman: Sarah Anthony humantrafficking@gfwcflorida.org