Tennessee Federation News December 2002 page 7

“Saving Our Sisters - Project SOS” is off to a great start, thanks to the efforts of District V and GFWC Germantown Woman’s Club of District IX. As the momentum builds, Project SOS has the potential to significantly impact the lives of victimized women across the State of Tennessee.

District V was the first district to step up to the plate in establishing an SOS fund to assist victims of domestic violence. At the District V fall meeting, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to expend $2000 to establish the SOS fund. Through various individual club projects, funds will be added throughout this administration.

SOS funds are used to assist victims in paying legal fees and to relocate to a safe location. Funds will be administered by the District officers after receiving a bona fide referral from local domestic violence shelters or law enforcement agencies. Funds will only be expended when there are no other community financial resources available to the victim.

The majority of domestic violence victims and their children flee their abuser hurriedly, leaving with only the clothing on their backs. In response to the need of clothing and personal items, the GFWC Germantown Woman’s Club held a clothing drive. The items collected were delivered to the domestic violence shelter in Shelby County for distribution to the residents.

At the Fall Conference District Presidents received a list of domestic violence shelters in their community. District and Club Presidents are encouraged to meet with shelter representatives to determine the immediate needs in your respective communities.

The President’s Special Project, Saving our Sisters - SOS is a two year project. Please report any projects or programs regarding domestic violence that your club sponsored. Information from the first year’s reports will be shared at the 2003 Fall Conference to showcase the innovative “Best Practices” in each District. Send reports to:

Sherri Carroll, Chairman
Number 78 Lion’s Head
4487 Post Place
Nashville, Tennessee 37205-1624

Domestic violence is present in all socio-economic groups. Death by domestic violence claims the lives of four women each day. As we begin the 2003 New Year, decide to be part of the solution as to how we can Save Our Sisters.

from JOHNNIE HILL, 2nd Vice President

Greetings to all my GFWC of TN friends!!!
After you read all of the wonderful articles in this edition of the TF News, I want you to consider how your club could possibly function without its members...All the projects, all the dollars, all the good works...

Without members it would be impossible!! Membership recruitment and retention has to be your FIRST priority. So read this newsletter and inspire your members to use enthusiasm and friendship to recruit new members. Use tools of friendship and caring to retain those members you already have.

GFWC of TN has a great deal to offer its members, and YOU are the key to spreading the word!!! Begin the new year with a firm resolution to make your club grow!! Happy prosperous new year!!!!

Please, SEND your articles and pictures
for the next issue to the Editor by March 5th.
DEADLINE is March 10, 2003.
You always need to Allow 3-5 days for
regular Mail Delivery.