President’s Welcome

Since 1904, The Woman’s Club of Raleigh has been an organization of service to our community, and I am so honored to serve as its 60th president.  Through projects large and small, we have accomplished many goals.  In my administration, we will be leading with programs, projects and events that address problems prevalent in our communities, expressively with women and children.

Not only do we have a great tradition, but we are part of something bigger – The General Federation of Woman’s Clubs (GFWC) around the state and across the world.  We are the largest club in North Carolina, and we lead by example.  The overall theme for my term of office is ‘Building Bridges Within The Federation’.   Sharing camaraderie and growth with our local clubs in District 6, GFWC-NC, and on to the Southeastern Region makes us all stronger.  Building and sustaining relationships and culture is the heart of our Club and Federation.  The strength of our membership lies in the strength of connections that we have with each other.

Each president chooses a project of special interest – a Community Impact Project (CIP).  The area closest to my heart is the military – specifically recognizing the women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.  I was brought up in a military family.  My father served in the Army and my mother, the Air Force; hence,” Service to Others” is my mantra.

Women who have served in the military are a unique segment of our population. They are more likely to be the primary caregivers for their spouse, children, and parents.  On average, they are younger than their male counterparts and more ethnically diverse. It is also known that our female troops experience many barriers to receiving and utilizing benefits such as disability assistance.  They experience higher rates of physical and mental health problems, alcohol and drug abuse, and relationship difficulties, along with higher rates of unemployment and homelessness.

This administration’s CIP will fall under four pillars of programs and services we will provide to those who have served in the military.  Through our ‘Women in the Military Many Hands – One Heart’ programs, we will volunteer with local agencies that provide home modification services to ensure veterans with disabilities can live independently.  Another area includes hosting various projects and programs to assist those who suffer Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Among our projects will be manipulative blankets for those with ‘restless hands’, for whatever reason; music with our singers; collecting personal hygiene and clothing items for our homeless veterans; working with the local USO to provide snacks and travel items for soldiers being deployed and other programs.  We will also host pack and ship events for the shipment of blessing boxes to troops who are deployed overseas.  And we will support military and veteran families who are facing difficult times through the holiday season by donating toys, gift cards, and money.

I look forward to working with you and thank you for your time, talent, and dedicated volunteer service as we make it possible for more military individuals and families to have the support they need as they face life’s challenges.

Join The Woman’s Club of Raleigh in serving those who have served us.

Penny Lauricella, President (2022-2024)