Who We Are

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs Pennsylvania (GFWC Pennsylvania) is part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) – one of the world’s largest and oldest women’s volunteer service organizations.  Members include business owners, teachers, homemakers, elected officials, corporate executives, college students, high school students and retirees.  Although there is considerable diversity in the ages, interests and experiences of GFWC members, all are united by a dedication to community improvement through volunteer service.

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Geographical Districts

Counties

Clubs

Members

Our Mission

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is an international women’s organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. The objective of the Federation is to unite the influence and interest of Pennsylvania women to promote legislative, civic, educational, moral and social measures.

Membership

GFWC Pennsylvania was organized on October 29, 1895, at the New Century Club in Philadelphia, and was admitted the same year to the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, which was organized in 1890.

Our State Federation with approximately 2, 500 members in 78 clubs has been the greatest force among women in the Commonwealth to create differences.  GFWC has thousands of clubs in communities large and small across the United States and internationally.

What We Have Achieved

Dollars donated to Women's Medical College

Dollars donated in 1950's to restore first floor of Independence Hall

Monies raised in 1990's that helped remove Independence Hall complex from the endangered list of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Acres of prime forestland purchased, now a part of the Allegheny National Forest.

Dollars donated to educate women to better care for themselves, both mentally and physically

Dollars contributed for Pennsylvania forest preservation

Dollars donated In the 1980's U.S. Olympics to train and prepare hopeful athletes.

Quilts provided to Operation Smile through a cooperative effort of the Arts and International Affairs Departments

  • Created an exhibit on women’s volunteer history at the State Museum, “Celebrate Women – 100 Years of Service”

  • Through CARE, financed construction of four schools in Central and South America.

  • Raised funds for childhood cancer research and education, the American Heart Association, learning disabilities and literacy.

  • Conducted a tissue and organ donor public awareness program entitled “The Power of One”.

  • Supported Habitat for Humanity throughout Pennsylvania and made contributions to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

  • “Enrich, Educate, Empower – Every Child Every Day”
    • Supported 2006-08 State President’s Project, “HUGS & KISSES”, which benefited children at risk.

    • Supported GFWC President’s Project, “Domestic Violence”, including donating of money and needed items to Domestic Violence shelters.

    • “Dangerous Invasions” educated members in controlling invading plant species.

    • Assisted food banks throughout Pennsylvania with financial support as well as providing needed items

    • Supported GFWC Pennsylvania State President’s Project, “Libraries: The Building Blocks of Tomorrow”, donating thousands of dollars to local libraries.

Why Belong to GFWC PA?

Membership in GFWC Pennsylvania is an excellent choice for any woman seeking to be involved in the volunteer movement.  GFWC Pennsylvania has an outstanding history of service in numerous areas providing many advantages to members, such as:

  • Opportunities for friendship

  • Change to: enrich our neighborhoods.

  • Diversified interests

  • Avenues for worthwhile service

  • Leadership training

  • Opportunities to mold public opinion

As in individual club, you are established in your community as a volunteer organization that has accomplished much but being a part of an international organization helps you have a greater impact, a broader scope and the ability to accomplish much more.

How Do We Work?

Individual clubs within their own communities accomplish most of the important achievements, with GFWC fulfilling its purpose of providing information, inspiration and leadership.

Through five Community Service Programs – Arts & Culture, Civic Engagement & Outreach, Education & Libraries, Environment, Health & Wellness and – we have worked successfully in such areas as:

Creative Arts & Arts in the Community

Resource Conservation & Beautification

Education, Libraries & Literacy

Helping Hands / Children at Risk

Habitat for Humanity

Women’s Health & Financial Issues

Food Banks

International Understanding

Operation Smile & Heifer International

Domestic Violence Awareness

Citizenship / Veterans / Our Troops

Safety Issues for All Americans

Substance Abuse Prevention

Invasive Plant Species

Through Special Projects and Committees we have worked successfully in areas such as: Leadership, Legislation & Public Policy, Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention, Fundraising and Women’s History.

2022-2024

GFWC Pennsylvania Officers

Heide joined GFWC in 1991. On the club and county levels, she has been a project chairman, board member, and held most all the offices.  Read more..

Heide Cebrick

President

Sara Ruppel is a member of the Federated Women’s Club of Hershey. A Lancaster County native, her teachers selected her to attend the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) seminar in 1998 as an ambassador. Read more...

Sara Ruppel

2nd Vice President

Karen joined GFWC West Side Woman’s Club in 1988 and has been a GFWC clubwoman for thirty-four years. She has held numerous board positions, beginning in 1993 as Club Federation Day chairman. Read more...

Karen French

Treasurer

Donna has been an active member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs for 32 years. She joined the GFWC Hollidaysburg Area Women’s Club in 1990. Read more...

Donna Malone

1st Vice President

JoAnn Propcheck is a 10-year member of the GFWC Hollidaysburg Area Women’s Club.  She has served as her club’s President and Treasurer.  She has served as chair and co-chair on many committees. Read more...

JoAnn Propcheck

Secretary

President’s Message

Dear Federated Sisters,

It is an incredible honor to serve as your president for the 2022-2024 Administration. We have a fantastic Executive Committee and Parliamentarian. We are all here to serve you and help in any way possible to ensure your club’s success. 

We can all agree that it takes a special heart to be willing to give of one’s time in the service of others. Each one of you possess that special giving heart and, as your president, it will be my pleasure to meet more of you face to face and to see old and dear friends again.

The President’s Project is very important to show our Veterans and Military that they are appreciated and their service is honored. The phrase, “We’ve got your six” means “We have your back.” The President’s Project, Operation “We’ve Got Their Six” – Supporting Military and Veterans, is very near and dear to my heart. Having worked with Veterans in our fly-fishing program for the last 14 years, the satisfaction of seeing the healing and transformation occur is so gratifying. Our Veterans became empowered and inspired to volunteer and help their fellow Veterans. This domino effect, triggered by total strangers reaching out and showing them appreciation and kindness, boosts their self-esteem and gives them hope. Those suffering from PTSD need hope sometimes more than anything else. Please check out the projects we will be tracking for the next two years.

The theme “Light the Way” encourages us that with each sunrise there is an opportunity to make a positive difference in someone’s life. The sunrise is a source of hope. Let’s all be that ray of sunshine for others every day. Encourage your friends to join our organization and share in the joy that comes with being of service to others and being a part of something greater than ourselves. Please take to heart this quote from Maya Angelou, “Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” 

So, GFWC Pennsylvania Clubwomen, let’s all “Light the Way” with Generosity, Friendship, Wisdom, Compassion!

Yours in Federation Service and Friendship,

Heide Marie

Heide Marie Cebrick

GFWC Pennsylvania President 2022-2024

It’s a volunteer thing!®

-GFWC

Join a Club Near You

Reach out to our membership chairman for help finding a club near you.

For general inquiries, contact Headquarters below or the Chairman of a specific program or advancement area.

GFWC Pennsylvania Headquarters

4076 Market Street, Ste 211
Camp Hill, PA 17011-4200

T: 717-901-5095
gfwcpaclubs@comcast.net

Membership Chairman

Diane Lake

 dianemlake@live.com

GFWC Headquarters

1734 N Street, NW
Washington, DC  20036

T:  202-347-3168
F:  202-835-0246
www.gfwc.org