All About the GFWC Home Life Community Service Program

THE GFWC HOME LIFE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM deals with  issues that affect the well-being of individuals, families and communities  by providing opportunities and resources to meet and address needs through volunteering. Clubs may develop and imple-ment projects that promote a healthy lifestyle, increase awareness, prevention, research, and treatment of  disease; target personal development; address the issues of  hunger, inadequate housing, and homelessness; and/or prevent  or correct 􀀀inancial dif􀀀iculties, women’s health, theft prevention, service dog programs, people with disabilities, healthy lifestyles, and childcare.

IDEAS

• Research problems in your community that are largely unaddressed and identify those who are underserved.   Work on programs & projects that focus on the identified needs.
• Promote the acquisition of correct health and safety information from the Centers for Disease Control and  Prevention at www.CDC.gov.
• Plan programs on women’s heart health. Expand the programs beyond the club level to in-volve the community. Utilize information located at www.hearttruth.gov for program ideas.
• Sponsor a National Wear Red Day® celebration (First Friday in February each year).
• Learn the basic facts about gynecologic cancer, including risk factors and screening options. Establish information sharing sessions and utilize resources located at http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/knowledge/.
• Plan programs on breast cancer awareness.
• Offer free mammograms to the needy.
• Organize and/or participate in health fairs and forums.
• Learn about proper medication utilization and the issues with prescription drug addiction.
• Create a resource list of local women’s clinics and health centers and distribute it in public areas such as shelters, places of worship, and libraries.
• Educate club members and the community regarding the “Make the First Five Count” Initia-tive.  Visit www.Makethefirstfivecount.org for information.
• Visit the autism website to learn more about autism. Utilize the knowledge to educate others within  the community.
• Incorporate fitness activities into your club and community activities, including walking or yoga.  Sponsor a fun run.
• Start an exercise group in your club, then initiate a weight loss challenge in your club and keep  track of pounds lost.
• Promote healthy self-esteem and self-worth.
• Organize financial workshops for women, retirees, single parents, and/or college students.
• Work with local food banks and homeless shelters to provide needed donations, stock shelves,  and provide other volunteer services.
• Work with local agencies that provide supportive services to the homeless and mentally chal-lenged  by volunteering at fundraisers and local events.
• Partner with a local nursing home or mental health facility to enhance the quality of life for the elderly  and disabled.
• Organize clothing drives. Partner with other local agencies to dis-tribute to the needy.
• Participate/ donate to Canine Companions for Independence (Dog Fest)