Who We Are

The Beginning

On May 4, 1969 the Junior Woman's Club of Waukesha was officially launched as it accepted the Charter to Wisconsin Federation of Woman's Clubs. Originally a separate junior department of the Waukesha Woman's Club, the group now began to fulfill its promise by initiating philanthropic, fund-raising and social activities which reflect the interests, needs and concerns of the members.

Whether donating time or money, the philanthropic efforts of the club were important from the start. Some of the organizations major projects included a clothing exchange sponsored with Head Start, vision screening for preschoolers, "Patch the Pony" (a stranger awareness program), the Family Health Clinic, the Channel 10 Auction, Woodsy the Owl programs, a donation toward the creation of the city paramedic unit and assistance to the newly formed Voluntary Action Center.

To support the growing list of projects, fund-raising events became an important aspect of the club's work. Events such as Monte Carlo Night, "Hay Burner's Derby," a Red, White and Blue Ball, the Great Pumpkin Sale and publishing cookbooks helped support the club's endeavors. The Flower Sale became the mainstay of the fund-raising events.

The Nineties

In the nineties, the club found many members being pulled in many directions by work, families and other obligations. The volunteer spirit may have wavered a little, but the club survived strong and true. The club brought McGruff to the Waukesha Police Department, worked with the Mental Health Association to help prevent teen suicide, assisted Waukesha's mentally disabled, and fed the hungry.

The New Millennium

At the start of the new millennium, the Junior Woman's Club of Waukesha was renewed, refreshed and rededicated to continue the work that makes our community a better place for all its citizens. The club continues to support programs, such as the Helen Mears Art Contest for local seventh and eighth grade students, the Food Pantry of Waukesha, scholarships for high school students, the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, Stillwaters Center, the Waukesha Public Library, Up Connection and the Women's Center.

With its wide range of activities, the Junior Woman's Club of Waukesha continues to appeal to the women of Waukesha who wish to become involved in community affairs. The club is very proud of its years of service to the Waukesha community and continues to demonstrate and prove the strength of the Federation motto, "Unity in Diversity."