Our History
Today and the Future
Today and the Future
The Frederick Woman’s Civic Club, Inc., has served the local community since 1911. What distinguishes FWCC from other civic organizations is the breadth of our volunteer outreach through our community service programs and outreach.
In 1912, FWCC became part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), a congressionally-chartered organization with headquarters in Washington, DC. We are also a member of the GFWC Maryland Federation of Women’s Clubs, Inc.
Our founding members were critical to the success of major benefits to our city and county including:
- Working to include women in jury duty
- Women's right to vote
- Promoted better lighting and sanitation in schools
- Helped sponsor the first public library
- Organized the first playground and day care center
- Campaigned for a cleaner city
- Urged the purchase of the city watershed to protect and improve the water supply
The ways FWCC has improved the lives of local residents is long and impressive, reflecting the changing needs of the Frederick community over our first 100 years.
Today and the Future
Today and the Future
Today and the Future
The Frederick Civic Women's Club continues to have an instrumental impact in Frederick. Throughout its time to be a driving force in major changes:
- Establishment of a barrier-free community, including accessible sidewalk ramps, special parking areas and accessible doorways
- Creation of a program for victims of domestic violence in Frederick County that led to the establishment of Heartly House
- Incorporation and establishment of a non-profit organization to support the Frederick County Child Advocacy Center.
Just like the members before us, we continue to work in creating a better Frederick through:
- Investment in education
- Conservation of natural resources
- Advocacy of health and wellness
- Investment in education
- Civic engagement and outreach
- Preservation of historic community treasures
- Support of the arts
Domestic violence is our signature project. Club members work tirelessly to end domestic violence through greater awareness while providing support to survivors in partnership with Heartly House. We also work to end child abuse through involvement with the Child Advocacy Center of Frederick County.
Today and the Future
Our members represent a diverse cross-section of the Frederick community. Some of our members have lived in Frederick County all of their lives; others have more recently moved into the area. Our members have a wealth of talents and skills, expertise, and compassion. What unites us is our dedication to enhancing the lives of others in Frederick through volunteer service.
We are always seeking new and varied ways to make good things happen. Consider joining us in that effort. Click Join to learn more.
FWCC, Inc. is part of a large network of caring women
GFWC Maryland Federation of Women's Clubs
There are three districts in the State of Maryland. Each is made up of a group of clubs serving their individual communities. In addition, members of these clubs initiate and support efforts, goals and activities of the GFWC Maryland, as well as the national/international General Federation of Women's Clubs.
From the President
As a new administration begins for FWCC, I first want to thank our outgoing administration -- our President Carol Feser, Executive Committee, Community Service Program chairs, Board members, and especially the membership for their hard work and cooperation over the past two years.
As the incoming president, I am honored to join the ranks of those who have come before me. You may know that I am a historian, a preservationist, and someone who appreciates the past. I recognize the long history and myriad accomplishments of this Club and want us to continue to serve our community as we have for more than a century.
But I also look ahead. And we need to look ahead as well. These next years will definitely be challenging for us as an organization and as a non-profit. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on our community and our nation. But I look on it also as an opportunity -- an opportunity for us to join together to support and assist our community, to look at new ways to work with other community organizations, to examine what we want to be and where we want to go.
There will be changes in how we operate. That's a given. We don't know when or if we will be able to meet at Steiner House over the coming year, to hold fundraising events, etc. We will function virtually at least for the near future as we await guidance from city, county, and state officials. We want to be sure we are as safe as we can be before we re-open.
Over the next month, your new Executive Committee will begin to meet and plan. We will be reviewing the membership survey that was conducted in the last Administration and sharing what was found. We will be contacting individual members personally to talk about any concerns and also how they want to help in moving forward in these troubled times.
I think we can make a difference in our community during this time of need. Do you?
If you do, consider taking an active role as we examine how we can best serve our community and add to our "century of serving Frederick." I'm looking forward to working together as a Club and as sisters in Club.
I'd love to hear from you!
Jennie Russell
