GFWC and Club History
GFWC and Club History
About GFWC
The GFWC Paradise Valley Junior Women’s Club is affiliated with GFWC Arizona, a state federation belonging to the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Inc. GFWC, one of the world’s largest and oldest nonpartisan, nondenominational, women’s volunteer service organizations, was founded in 1890 and chartered by the 56th United States Congress in 1901. Headquartered in a National Historic Landmark building in Washington, D.C., GFWC has a long history of philanthropy, social and political advocacy, and community leadership. More than 90,000 members in affiliated clubs in every state and more than a dozen countries work in their own communities to support the arts, preserve natural resources, advance education, promote healthy lifestyles, encourage civic involvement, and work toward world peace and understanding.
About GFWC Arizona
Email: gfwc-az@cox.net
GFWC Arizona, Inc. was organized in 1901 and became a state federation of GFWC in 1912. Currently, the state has 39 clubs and just fewer than 1100 members. GFWC Arizona clubs were instrumental in building many of the first libraries in the state and were credited with outfitting an entire hospital during WWI. GFWC Arizona is a qualified 501(c)3 charitable tax-exempt organization, EIN #86-6052930. The GFWC Paradise Valley Junior Woman’s Club is a subordinate group of the state organization and is qualified under the IRS to be tax-exempt.
About GFWC Paradise Valley Junior Women’s Club
GFWC Paradise Valley Junior Women’s Club was reorganized in 1977 in Phoenix, Arizona. The club has been an active member of the Paradise Valley Community since that time. The club focuses on projects that benefit their community and the world, while strengthening and building leadership and friendship among its’ members. Club membership is open to all women aged 18 years and older.
Some Notable Projects:
*On going support for Community Food Banks
* Collection of snacks and food for First Responders at local hospitals during COVID-19
* Promoting programs for Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention
* Construction of Spray Pad at Alta Dena Park
* Establishment of Reading Is Fundamental Program at Larkspur Elementary School
* Creation of Building Blocks Learning Center at St. Vincent de Paul Family Dining Center
* Letter-writing campaign to build Mesquite Library in the community
* Letter-writing campaign to build local hospital (Paradise Valley Community Hospital)
* Purchase of playground equipment and swing set for Coyote Basin Park
* Purchase of paint-sprayer donated to City of Phoenix to fight graffiti
* Establishment of Veteran’s Appreciation Day for Homeless Veterans
* Partnership with Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) with making comfort pillows
* Literacy program, which has contributed thousands of books to local schools and public libraries
* Support of families at Vista Colina Shelter through art projects in daycare and cleaning supply baskets for clients
* Purchase of storage shed for Physicians Alliance for Community Health
* Support of Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Seminars (HOBY)