Volusia County WomenWho Care nonprofit founder thinks it can
Sheldon Gardner
Daytona Beach News-Journal USA TODAY NETWORK
Volusia County Women Who Care started with a conversation on a golf course and then a dining room meeting of about 10 women at founder and President Teresa Smith’s home. It has since blossomed into a nonprofit with more than 300 members who donate about $30,000 every quarter to Volusia County charities. Their work has touched the lives of pregnant women in crisis, women going through cancer treatment, children in need, people with disabilities and others. “It’s really just incredibly gratifying to see how we’re growing,” said Smith, of Daytona Beach. The nonprofit concept is simple and came from a woman Smith golfed with who participated in something similar in Michigan, she said. Here’s how it works: Members commit to donating $100 a quarter and nominate a Volusia County charity to receive the donations along with matching grants. Members gather quarterly and hear presentations from three randomly selected nominees and then vote on the winner. The two charities that aren’t selected still receive a $1,000 grant supported by community partners.
“These contributions can be game-changing, lifesaving and mission-moving for the organizations that receive them,” Smith said in an email to The News-Journal.
Volusia County Women Who Care, which is in its eighth year, raised $494,549 as of April 2024. Membership is open to anyone, regardless of gender.
One of the most recent donations went to Cultuvue, which received $30,797.95. The nonprofit’s focus includes “showcasing the richness of Black culture through the captivating medium of portraiture photography, with a particular focus on celebrating and empowering the younger generation.”
“The photography is stunning,” Smith said.
A Cultuvue exhibit is at the Southeast Museum of Photography at Daytona State College in the Mori Hosseini Center at 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd. in Daytona Beach. For information, visit cultuvue.org or call 386-2435532.
For information on Volusia County Women Who Care, visit volusiacountywomenwhocare.com, call 386-562-1334 or email vcwomenwhocare@gmail.com.