GFWC-TN BRENTWOOD FRANKLIN WOMAN’S SERVICE CLUB
|
"for women, TO BELONG TO A BIG FEDERATION WILL GIVE THEM A VARIety of INTERESTS AND A SENSE OF EXERTING REAL INFLUENCE."ELEANOR ROOSEVELT, GFWC MEMBER, 1949 |
Our Mission and Our Projects
The Brentwood Franklin Woman's Service Club is built on a simple but powerful belief: when women come together with open hands and open hearts, entire communities change. For generations, our members have quietly invested their time, skills, and resources in projects that touch every corner of Brentwood and Franklin — from supporting children and schools to caring for seniors to standing beside local nonprofits that keep our neighbors safe, nourished, and hopeful.
Each project may look small on its own: a scholarship awarded, a meal prepared, a blanket knitted. But together, they form a lifeline of support that strengthens our community year after year. Our work is educational at its core. As we serve, we also learn--about the needs of local families, the challenges facing our schools, and the often unseen gaps that charities are struggling to fill.
Members grow as leaders, organizers, advocates, and friends. Younger women learn from those who have been serving for decades; long-time members are energized by new ideas and new perspectives. In this way, the club becomes a living classroom, passing on the values of generosity, responsibility, and civic engagement. These projects matter because they ensure that no one has to stand alone. When a child discovers a love of learning through a book we've provided, when a senior feels remembered and valued through a visit or a handcrafted gift, when a local organization can do more because we've stepped in to help--that is the impact of the Brentwood Franklin Woman's Service Club.
We are deeply grateful to our members, partners, and supporters who make this possible. Your time, your donations, you encouragement, and your faith in our mission allow us to keep saying "yes" when our community calls. Together, we honor the women who came before us, uplift those who need us today, and help create a stronger, kinder future for Brentwood and Franklin.
Thank you for standing with us--and for believing, as we do, that service is one of the most powerful ways to change the world where we live.
A Few Project Highlights
| A BFWSC Civics Project Success: 2022 Living History Walk held at John P. Holt Brentwood Library. Over 300 people were in attendance to hear 10 local history reenactors bring to life the rich history of the city of Brentwood and important historical figures, including Mariah Reddick, a former slave and nurse; Granny White; European settlers & American Indians. Columbia State College Annual Scholarship Endowment Since 2022, the BFWSC Annual Scholarship Endowment has awarded 13 scholarships to deserving Williamson County residents. We are honored that our scholarship endowment has been recognized as part of the President's Society, Medallion level. |
| BFWSC is proud to support Operation Stand Down, a non-profit that serves Veterans and their families by engaging, equipping, and empowering them. Our club donates basic necessities and funding, and just as importantly, time and personal care. We share laughs over Bingo and a nice lunch with Veterans, and we roll up our sleeves in the commissary, packing bags and stocking shelves to help meet their everyday needs with dignity and gratitude. |
| BFWSC supports Barefoot Republic's mission by helping with mailings, fundraising events, and camp preparation, and by providing three camp scholarships each year — strengthening Christ-centered relationships across diverse racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds through arts, sports, and team-building programs. Barefoot Republic is a non-profit focused on uniting individuals from all walks of life and previously honored BFWSC as its Volunteer of the Year at their annual fundraising dinner at Amy Grant's Farm. |
| In partnership with GraceWorks, we joyfully donate our time, money, and materials to help neighbors in need with food, clothing, and financial assistance. This year, we also assembled 50 festive children's birthday bags — packed with cake mix, frosting, candles, plates, napkins, hats, and birthday cards — to make sure every celebration feels special. |
| With love and care, members have provided hundreds of baby clothes, toddler outfits, and beautiful hand-knitted layette blankets and tiny hats to Williamson Medical Center's Joey's Pouch program--ensuring new mothers welcoming a new baby have precious, cozy essentials to lovingly care for their little ones. |
| Book ‘Em To nurture a lifelong love of reading, BFWSC has donated thousands of new and like-new books to children and youth through the Book'Em program--opening doors to imagination, learning and brighter futures. |
| Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury County BFWSC delights in celebrating each new Habitat for Humanity homeowner with a special housewarming gift — a beautiful bookcase filled to the brim with books, games, and puzzles. Also provided is a copy of the BFWSC Cookbook! Presented at their home dedication, this joyful tradition helps fill each new house with learning, laughter, and lasting family memories. |
| Franklin Wellness & Rehabilatation Our longest-running project--now more than 50 years strong--is hosting a lively monthly Bingo event at Franklin Wellness & Rehab, complete with prizes, good humor, and fun. We're grateful for the chance to brighten residents' days and build warm, lasting connections through this spirited tradition. |
More on What We Do...
Arts and CultureWe celebrate creativity and cultural expression through hands-on arts activities and event support. Current BFWSC Projects
Fundraiser and event decorations
Flower arrangements for Cystic Fibrosis fundraisers
Arts and crafts activities at skilled nursing facilities
Featured Creations
Bon Appétit Cookbook: Recipe Favorites from the Brentwood Franklin Woman’s Service Club
Ornaments featuring a local artist highlighting historic buildings in Franklin
| Conservation and EnvironmentWe promote environmental stewardship through local conservation and sustainability projects. Current BFWSC Projects Collecting plastic bootle caps and lids to create benches for our community Fill it Forward app participation to support global clean water projects The Giving Garden and Brentwood Methodist Church: monthly food pantry donations, harvesting vegetables, gardening, and packing food to help address food insecurity in the community Williamson County Animal Center
|
Civic Engagement and OutreachWe support our community, veterans, and first responders while promoting civic awareness and service. Current BFWSC Projects
9/11 First Responder events
Cookie exchange to fill VA stockings Barefoot Republic Camp volunteer support Fraud and abuse training Knitted/crocheted soap sacks for veterans Operation Stand Down, Christmas stockings for veterans, and commisary packing | FundraisingWe raise funds to sustain our programs and expand our impact in the community. Current BFWSC Projects
Ongoing BFWSC cookbook sales
Williamson County ornament sales
Monthly collections of goods and funds for designated charities and nonprofits (including a Donation Jar at every meeting)
Annual “Celebrate Spring” luncheon and fundraiser
|
Education and LibrariesWe support literacy, students, and lifelong learning in our local community and beyond. Current BFWSC Projects Ongoing Book’em donations of new and like-new children’s books Columbia State College annual scholarship endowment GFWC National and State scholarships Habitat for Humanity home openings: bookcases filled with books, games, and puzzles, as well as our Club Cookbook Little Libraries with ongoing book refreshment Honorariums for member meeting speakers Reading/mentoring with children and donating books Support for Williamson County Public Library Book donations to Williamson Health Medical Center via the BFWSC Book Club Participation in Epsilon Sigma Omicron, an honorary educational society supported by GFWC and open to all GFWC club members. | Sunshine and SocialWe cultivate friendship and care within the club through social gatherings and personal outreach. Current BFWSC Projects
100 Gratitude Cards shared
May end-of-year potluck and celebration with a boutique fundraiser for the bottle-cap bench project
Member birthday recognition
Refreshments for member meetings
Support for members during loss, illness, or other life events
Social events such as luncheons and outings for singles and couples
|
Health and WellnessWe promote whole-person wellness by partnering with organizations that support physical, emotional, and social health. Current BFWSC Projects
Alzheimer’s Association donations (fidget toys, large worry stones, puzzles, sensory stress balls)
Monthly member book club
Mammogram screening reminders (October)
Bridges Domestic Violence Center: donations and Angel Tree
Child Advocacy Month workshops on internet safety and mental health
GFWC Day of Giving—bras, underwear, and socks for women’s shelters to support the GFWC signature program, Domestic and Sexual Violence
Diaper Wrap events to help provide much-needed necessities for newborns
Flowers for Joy arrangements for assisted living center and nursing home residents
Franklin Wellness and Rehab Center’s monthly bingo and prizes
FrankTown Open Hearts, supporting kids and community in Williamson County: back-to-school shopping, monthly dinners, and coat drive
GraceWorks of Williamson County: volunteering, donations, and birthday boxes
Joey’s Pouch knitted layette sets for Williamson Medical Center newborns in need program
Knitted Knockers in support of breast cancer
Thistle Farms volunteer support in support of the prevention of domestic and sexual violence
|
