PHOTOS COURTESY TERESA SMITH
HISTORIC DONATION — At the far right, Volusia County Women Who Care President Teresa Smith smiles as she looks at the historic donation of $35,007.95 given to the Volusia Free Clinic. From left are VFC Board Member Vanessa Jones-Briscoe, VFC Chair Dr. Sam Cay, VFC Secretary Carol Kilian, VFC Board Chair Dr. Aubrey E. Long and VFC Treasurer Sandra Strapp. Not pictured is VFC President Emeritus Francene Barnes.
Volusia County Women Who Care (VCWWC) presented a record-breaking grant of $35,007.95 to Volusia Free Clinic July 17 during a celebratory ribbon-cutting and open house at the clinic’s new facility. The grant is the largest quarterly gift in VCWWC history and marks a major milestone in the organization’s mission to fund and elevate nonprofits serving Volusia County.
In addition to the primary grant, VCWWC awarded two supplemental grants of $1,250 each from its Community Partner Impact Fund to Halifax Urban Ministries and the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler & Volusia in support of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
The event was attended by VCWWC members, board members, Volusia Free Clinic leadership and community supporters. Guests toured the new clinic, enjoyed refreshments, and heard remarks from local leaders and honorees.
SUPPLEMENTAL GRANT — Members of the Early Learning Coalition accept a $1,250 donation. They are Literacy Coordinator Kelsey Avignon, Director of Community Engagement Melissa Mason and Teresa Smith.
Carol Kilian, founder and board secretary of Volusia Free Clinic — and a VCWWC member — opened the program and introduced an esteemed lineup of speakers that included Bishop Triplett, who gave the invocation; Dr. Aubrey Long, president of the Volusia Free Clinic; Dr. Sam Cay, the clinic’s vice president; City of Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry; Clinic founder Francene Barnes; and Dr. Elizabeth Daquila, donor of medical equipment and furnishings.
VCWWC President Teresa Smith presented the checks and shared how the members’ generosity continues to ripple outward in meaningful ways.
“This grant is just one part of the incredible story of how our members responded to a need,” said Smith. “Through their connections, support and commitment to local impact, Volusia Free Clinic secured donated clinic space, a full build-out including plumbing, electrical work, flooring and painting — and even donated medical equipment and furnishings. That’s the power of collective giving.”
ANOTHER SUPPLEMENTAL GRANT — Representatives from Halifax Urban Ministries gladly accept their check for $1,250. They are, from left, Halifax Urban Ministries Interim Executive Director Donna Dooley, Vice Board Chair Angie Achler-Ray, Board Chair Clint Bagwell, along with VCWWC founder and President Teresa Smith.
Volusia County Women Who Care is a 501(c)(3) giving circle that empowers women to make a direct, local impact through collective giving. Since its founding in 2017, VCWWC has awarded over $600,000 to nonprofits serving Volusia County. Members commit to quarterly contributions and nominate nonprofits for funding. At each quarterly meeting, members hear presentations and vote to determine which organization receives the pooled funds.
To learn more, join, or nominate a nonprofit, visit www.vcwwc.org.