4 minute read
Women’s Cultural Alliance
An oasis in paradise
By Darlene Muller, WCA Board Member
As former residents of Ohio, my husband, Frank, who is a retired rabbi, and I generally return to the Midwest each summer to visit family and spend time with friends from our former temple and the Youngstown Jewish community. This past year, we celebrated the bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah of two of our grandchildren and had the pleasure of visiting friends from Naples, who invited us to their homes on the beautiful Jersey Shore.
As wonderful as it is to reconnect with everyone, come September we always long to return to our home in Naples. Residents, snowbirds and visitors alike refer to Naples as living in paradise, and it’s true. There are so many wonderful things about this town, but for me, there is one thing that has made all the difference — the Women’s Cultural Alliance, better known as WCA.
Ten years ago, when Frank and I built our home at The Quarry, I only knew a small group of friends we made in our development and friends from Ohio who spend the winter in Naples. Still working full time at his synagogue up north, my husband only came down about a week each month, so I had a lot of time on my hands.
At the suggestion of a couple of women, I joined WCA to expand my horizons by attending some of its lectures and programs but especially to meet people and make new friends. I quickly discovered that WCA was no ordinary Jewish women’s organization.
Between the lectures, speakers, luncheons, outings, mahjong, Canasta, and Foodies group, to name just a few, I suddenly had more to do than time to do it. I had to choose between three and four activities a day. It was like being in summer camp.
As wonderful as the varied and expansive programming is, I find the best thing about WCA is the opportunity for friendships. With nearly 1,600 members — most being transplants from other states who are looking for things to do and people to meet — there is no other Jewish women’s group quite like it!
WCA is a veritable “oasis in paradise,” where one can become refreshed, reenergized and reinvigorated from the possibilities for intellectual stimulation and the opportunities for camaraderie. But it goes beyond friendship. The bonds between women in WCA are closer to that of family, where we are truly there for each other, especially in times of hardship or crisis.
When Hurricane Milton tore through Florida, Naples was spared the brunt of the storm, but we certainly did not escape unscathed. We lost power in our development, which was not restored for nearly a week. With no electricity or air conditioning, my husband and I grew weary and frustrated. WCA literally came to the rescue.
I cannot tell you how many of my WCA sisters reached out, offering their homes, their hospitality and their hearts. They could not have been more gracious and supportive. We decided to tough things out, but I will never forget the outpouring of love, care and concern. Knowing that help was only a phone call away made everything so much more bearable.
When I broke my foot last March, my WCA extended family was right there, providing comfort and support from day one. I was overwhelmed with all the calls, cards, texts, visits and meals that these ladies brought to our home. I was getting love-bombed without even realizing it. I couldn’t have gotten through it without the lifeline they provided.
WCA is so much more than an organization. It is a caring community, where members look out for each other. It is a true Mishpocha, a surrogate family, when you’re away from your biological family.
In short, I cannot imagine my life today without WCA. It has given me more than I dreamed possible, which is why I have chosen to give something back by serving on the WCA board. I am also co-chairing the Welcome Back Luncheon and the Annual Fashion Show with Debbie Lurie.
I can’t do enough for our amazing organization. My only hope is that more women who belong to WCA will discover all the benefits I have found, and that women who are not yet members will consider joining.
