GFWC Stone Mountain Woman’s Club’s Community Service Programs and Special Projects focus on major issues that affect our communities daily—supporting women’s health, preserving natural resources, promoting literacy and equality, citizen advocacy, and encouraging volunteer service—and fall into the following areas of focus: Arts & Culture, Civic Engagement & Outreach, Environment, Education & Libraries, and Health & Wellness.

There is something for everyone who becomes a member of the Federation. Each Community Service Program has an area where club members work to improve their communities through different projects. There are also organizations that Partner with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and provide resources and suggestions for each Program. 

Arts & Culture Community Service Program
The study of art and culture enriches the human experience. Art education improves problem-solving and critical thinking skills, builds focus and perseverance, and nurtures creativity, confidence, and collaboration. Cultural awareness promotes effective communication and profoundly increases the ability to appreciate and enjoy a variety of new people and experiences. 

“If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him”  John F. Kennedy

The Art Committee plays a vital role in supporting and celebrating the arts within our community through hands-on service, creative collaboration, and meaningful partnerships.

  • We serve as gracious hostesses for artist receptions at ART Station, providing refreshments and creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests at this local community theatre and art center.
  • We come together each fall to handcraft unique items for the Tour of Southern Ghosts gift shop. Members also set up, staff, and manage the shop—raising more than $5,000 in support of the ART Station.
  • We are co-sponsors a DeKalb County School System district-wide student art contest at the ART Station, culminating in a special reception honoring young artists. In 2024–2025, four student works advanced to General Federation of Women’s Clubs District and State competitions—all four won at the District level, with two receiving cash awards at the State level.
  • We contribute annually to the ART Station’s signature fundraiser, the “Raising of the Green,” by donating a featured auction item and providing delicious desserts for guests to enjoy.

Civic Engagement & Outreach Community Service Program:

The GFWC Civic Engagement and Outreach Community Service Program reminds GFWC members that each of us is a part of a larger society and is responsible for undertaking actions that will create a better quality of life and foster a sense of community— locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. The four “broad strokes” of this effort include: Citizenship; Crime Prevention, Safety, and Disaster Preparedness; the Needy, Hungry, and Homeless; and Our Military Personnel and Veterans. 

“True patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom and equality not only for Americans but for all people on earth.” – Eleanor Roosevelt (GFWC Member)

  • The Civic Engagement Committee is dedicated to strengthening our community through service, advocacy, and meaningful outreach—supporting those who serve, those in need, and the civic life of our community.
  • We share timely legislative updates with members and encourages engagement through the GFWC Legislative Action Center, empowering informed and active citizenship.
  • We support local fire and police departments by stocking their pantries with snacks as a token of appreciation for their service.
  • We participate in Operation Christmas Child, preparing gift-filled shoeboxes for children in need around the world.
  • We organize and delivere donations of sheets, towels, linens, and bedspreads to communities in North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene, providing relief during a time of crisis.
  • We support Operation Care and Comfort by collecting and sending care package items to active-duty military members.
  • We collect essential mother-and-baby items for women veterans who are postpartum, offering comfort and care during a critical stage of life.
  • We gather warm socks for distribution at local cold-weather shelters, helping protect vulnerable individuals during winter months.
  • Our club represents GFWC SMWC in local parades, promoting visibility, pride, and community connection.
  • We regularly encourage civic participation by providing voter registration opportunities within the community.
  • And contribute to the development of the Women’s Suffrage National Monument, honoring the legacy and impact of the women’s suffrage movement.

Education & Libraries Community Service Program:

GFWC members promote education in both children and adults. We aim to help others, while we also continue to learn. Projects in the Education Community Service Program are designed to foster schools, as well as other educational institutions and opportunities, and to promote literacy, libraries, and the love of a good book. Through these efforts, we encourage the growth of individuals and communities at home and around the world.

“Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.” — Marian Wright Edelman

Our Education & Libraries CSP is committed to promoting literacy, lifelong learning, and educational opportunities for all ages—strengthening both individuals and the community.

  • Our club actively supports the Sue Kellogg Public Library by participating in the Friends of the Library group, assisting with book sales, and attending monthly meetings.
  • We award a $500 Women of Empowerment Scholarship to support a woman returning to college and continuing her educational journey.
  • We participate in Career Day and Read Across America at local schools, encouraging students to dream big and develop a love of reading.
  • We regularly donate children’s books to local food pantries, helping ensure access to reading materials for families in need.
  • Our members restock Little Free Libraries with books for both children and adults, promoting literacy throughout the community.
  • Contribute funds and assembles school supply bags for distribution at the Stone Mountain Back-to-School Bash, helping students start the year prepared.
  • Our clubs hosts a monthly Book Club, fostering discussion, connection, and a shared love of reading among members.
  • We participate in reading challenges through GFWC Georgia and the DeKalb County Library System, encouraging continued learning and engagement.
  • We assist with projects that support Tallulah Falls School, continuing a long-standing GFWC tradition.
  • We love to show appreciation for educators by providing snacks to two local schools during Teacher Appreciation Week.
  • We support a summer reading program at a local church, helping students maintain and strengthen reading skills during the break.
  • Our club provides financial support for a student to attend Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership (HOBY), empowering the next generation of leaders.

Environment Community Service Program

The GFWC Environment Community Service Program encourages us to become stewards of the earth by working to preserve the world’s resources, protect wildlife and domesticated animals, live sustainably, and beautify our communities and enjoy nature. 

“The environment is where we all meet; where we all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share.” — Lady Bird Johnson

  • Our Environment CSP is dedicated to protecting natural resources, promoting sustainability, and caring for the spaces and animals that make our community thrive.
  • Our club participates in the Trex Company Challenge by collecting and recycling film plastics. For every 1,000 pounds recycled, the club earns a TREX garden bench. The first bench was donated as an auction item for the ART Station fundraiser, and the next will be placed in the Stone Mountain Community Garden.
  • We support the Stone Mountain Community Garden by helping maintain the food pantry plots, which produce over 1,000 pounds of fresh vegetables annually for donation to the Stone Mountain Food Pantry.
  • We assist a local pet rescue and spay/neuter facility, Angels Among Us Pet Rescue (AARF), helping care for animals in need.
  • Our club help maintain and beautify the landscaping of the clubhouse property, enhancing the club’s presence in the community.
  • We encourage environmental stewardship through individual member involvement in organizations such as the Atlanta Botanical Garden, The Nature Conservancy, Atlanta Audubon Society, and Friends of Georgia State Parks, among others.

Health & Wellness Community Service Program

The human body, mind, and spirit comprise our health and wellness. To improve our wellbeing, we must address three key components: nutrition, disease prevention, and physical and emotional care. This Community Service Program aims to explore the various opportunities for awareness and advancement of each of these vital areas. 

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Our Health & Wellness CSP focuses on supporting physical, emotional, and community well-being—both for our members and those we serve.

  • Our club supports the Side-by-Side Brain Injury Clubhouse by hosting a special holiday brunch for its members, fostering connection and encouragement.
  • We plan and host engaging activities such as a “Game Night” for Side-by-Side members, creating opportunities for fun and fellowship.
  • We share monthly health tips, reminders, and wellness information at meetings and through the club newsletter to promote healthy living.
  • Our club organizes a member walking group, “Fitness & Fellowship,” which meets every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in the clubhouse parking lot and walks together in Stone Mountain Park.
  • Our club hosts a Prayer Shawl Ministry, meeting on the third Wednesday of each month to knit and crochet shawls that are gifted to individuals in need of comfort and care.
  • We collect aluminum tabs and other requested items for the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Atlanta, supporting families with hospitalized children.
  • And we provide financial support to organizations including Friends of Disabled A

Tallulah Falls School

Founded in 1909 by Mary Ann Lipscomb and the Georgia Federation of Women’s Club, Tallulah Falls School began with the vision of one determined woman who sought to bring education to the children of the North Georgia mountains. More than a century later, it has grown into a respected, independent, co-educational boarding and day school with an international reputation. The headquarters of GFWC Georgia is proudly located in a cottage on the school’s campus, reflecting a long-standing and meaningful partnership.

How SMWC Supports TFS:

  • We conduct annual club visits to stay connected and engaged with the school community.
  • We “Adopt” dormitory students, sending cards and small gifts throughout the year to provide encouragement and a personal connection.
  • Our club visits during the holiday season to judge festive dorm door decorations and contribute to student cash prizes.
  • Our supports additional school projects throughout the year, with opportunities evolving based on the school’s current needs.

GFWC Advancement Areas
Because of the integral nature of the GFWC Advancement Areas, these areas are now recognized as core Advancement areas of any successful program.  These programs are intended to benefit the Clubs.  They include:

  • Communication & Public Relations
  • Fundraising and Development
  • Leadership/LEADS
  • Membership
  • Women’s History and Resource Center
  • Legislative and Public Policy

GFWC Advancement Areas
Because of the integral nature of the GFWC Advancement Areas, these areas are now recognized as core Advancement areas of any successful program.  These programs are intended to benefit the Clubs.  They include:

  • Communication & Public Relations
  • Fundraising and Development
  • Leadership/LEADS
  • Membership
  • Women’s History and Resource Center
  • Legislative and Public Policy

Our GFWC Affiliates

We are proud to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association, Canine Companions, Heifer International, Hope for Justice, March of Dimes, Operation Smile, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and UNICEF USA for a greater reach and synergy to move the hearts and minds of masses to support our collective causes for the greater good.

Strategic partnerships are a key component of GFWC’s advocacy and public policy strategy. Like other organizations, GFWC uses its limited resources to maximize our impact for the benefit Community Service Projects undertaken by members.

GFWC Affiliate Organizations provide the issue expert insight, as well as important tools and resources, such as messaging, toolkits, graphics, speakers, and much more for social marketing campaigns.

Platinum Affiliates:

Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

Heifer International

Heifer International partners with smallholder farmers – especially women farmers – to improve their families’ food security and increase their incomes.

Hope for Justice

Hope for Justice prevents exploitation, rescues victims, restores lives & reforms society. As a global non-profit, they aim to end human trafficking and modern slavery.

Shot@Life | United Nations Foundation

Shot@Life is a United Nations Foundation campaign working to ensure everyone in the world has access to lifesaving vaccines and all children have a shot at life.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude is dedicated to treating kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. In addition to patient treatment, St. Jude is focused on cutting-edge research to help better understand pediatric cancer and how to treat it.

Operation Smile

Through their expertise in treating cleft lip and cleft palate, Operation Smile creates solutions that deliver safe surgery to people where it’s needed most.

Gold Affiliates:

Canine Companions

Canine Companions is leading the service dog industry so their clients and their dogs can live with greater independence.

March of Dimes

March of Dimes believes in a world where every mom and baby is healthy regardless of wealth, race, gender or geography.

UNICEF USA

UNICEF works in the world’s toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children and adolescents – and to protect the rights of every child, everywhere.