GFWC WV President’s Special Project: HOME
The 2024-2026 Presidents Special Project “HOME” highlights three (3) areas:
Foster Homes, Nursing Homes and Our Home
Clubs are encouraged to create events and activities that benefit the needs within their
communities. Ideas for projects to support the Presidents Special Project include:
FOSTER HOMES
Supporting foster homes and families is incredibly impactful.
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Donate beds or other furniture, clothes, toys, and cleaning products to foster
families.Provide ready-to-bake or frozen prepared meals to foster families receiving
emergent placed children. Assist families who are fostering by running errands. -
Collect school supplies for foster children as they start a new academic year.
Encourage donations of backpacks, notebooks, pens, pencils, and other essentials. -
Create an online campaign through platforms like Donorbox or GoFundMe. Share the campaign with your network to raise funds for foster agencies.
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Arrange/Host a parents’ night out event in your community. Organize a night with games, food, and entertainment. Parents can enjoy a break while their children are supervised, and the proceeds go toward foster care.
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Remember, every small effort counts, and can make a significant impact in supporting foster children and their caregivers.
NURSING HOMES
Supporting local nursing homes is a wonderful way to make a positive impact on thelives of residents while fostering a stronger sense of community. Reach out to nursing homes in your area to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
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Organize learning classes or workshops within the nursing home. These could cover topics that include art, music, history, or technology.
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Host activities such as luncheons, group walks, movie nights or holiday parties.
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Spend time with residents, engaging in conversations, playing games, or sharing stories, ask about their experiences and offer words of encouragement.
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If you’re unable to visit a nursing home regularly, consider becoming a pen pal. Writing letters to residents can brighten their days and provide a sense of connection.
OUR HOMES
It is increasingly important, that individually we take steps to protect and prepare our homes. In addition to the basic emergency preparedness steps we take such as creating a family emergency exit plan, or assembling an emergency kit, additional ideas are:
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Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and keep them in working order with fresh batteries.
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Know where your electricity, gas and main water switches and valves are located and how to shut them off.
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Clear clogged rain gutters and keep them free of leaves and debris.
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Keep a list of all your medical needs/medications in your purse or wallet.
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Consider posting a copy in an accessible place such as on your refrigerator and/or sharing it with a family member.
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Review your home/renter insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage. If you’re not sure, talk to your agent. Know where these and other important papers are and how to access them.
It’s not every day that we think about preparing our homes for emergencies because who wants to contemplate the worst happening? However, there will be moments when the worst does happen. Disasters are stressful, but planning helps you stay calm andthink clearly.
Also, another important aspect of planning within OUR HOME is protecting ourselves and our loved ones. A Last will and Living will should be considered by everyone. Both can provide you and your loved ones the peace of mind that your wishes will be followed - in
the case of a last will, after your death, and with a living will, before. Creating them when you’re healthy allows you to consider your options carefully without immediate health concerns weighing on you. Pre-planning allows you to discuss your choices with yourloved ones ahead of time, so they are not left with difficult choices and without guidance as to your wishes.
Be sure to connect with the Presidents Special Project on facebook @gfwcwvpspHOME and JOIN THE GROUP PAGE to share what project ideas and events your club comes up with!
For more information, or if you have any questions, contact Deanna Tilley, Chairman, at (304) 993-3904 or DTilleyGFWC@gmail.com