Community House Inc

Dana Point Women’s Club (DPWC’s) mission is to own, maintain and operate a community house at Dana Point, Orange County, California as a community center for the benefit of community organizations of a charitable, educational or literary nature, in the area at low rental rates, and to strengthen Dana Point and the surrounding communities through cultural, educational and social programs of a philanthropic nature.

DPWC philanthropic programs benefit South Orange County women, children and families while addressing poverty, preventing homelessness and promoting literacy and education. DPWC’s Community House building has served local nonprofits and community organizations as a venue for meetings and events. It also rents the building to private parties, with net proceeds from all venue rentals being used exclusively for building maintenance and preservation and to advance DPWC’s philanthropic initiatives.

DPWC made cash and in kind charitable donations totaling almost $80,000 in fiscal 2025. It’s close to 100 members and all-volunteer Board worked countless volunteer hours in support of DPWC’s programs, sharing their time, talents and resources while having “fun in philanthropy”.

DPWC has both operating and capital needs. Project Foster, our major hands on philanthropy, is seeking shared warehouse or low cost commercial space to facilitate the storage and management of new bags, bedding, clothing and hygiene items which are packed into wheeled duffle bags for Orange County foster youth and other vulnerable teens referred to us by guidance counselors and other agencies. To date over 2,700 bags have been provided and the need continues. A “home” for Project Foster would allow us to operate this heartwarming program under one roof and facilitate our plans to expand - providing bags to vulnerable children referred by social workers, homeless advocates and school guidance counselors. Commercial space suitable for our needs is available for about $35,000 rental costs per year.

DPWC also has a large capital program underway. We have engaged an architectural team and are working on conceptual plans for a complete renovation of Community House, our vintage Clubhouse and rental venue located in the heart of Dana Point’s vibrant Lantern District. A renovated Community House will be ADA compliant and will facilitate expanded restroom facilities, ADA access, enhanced landscaping and new patio areas. This project will not only preserve the building for the next 75 years, but will enhance DPWC’s ability to serve community organizations as a meeting and event venue and to generate revenue to advance its philanthropic programs. Estimated cost of the renovation is $1 million.

South Orange County, CA

Same as Board Chair

Dana Point Women’s Club is an all volunteer organization that operates with very low overhead. We are very proud of the fact that DPWC covers these costs through our membership fees, Community House rentals and member luncheons and events so that 100% of all funds donated to Dana Point Women’s Club can be directed to the philanthropic programs designated by our donors. Since 1951 we have been a group of women who gather together to have “fun in philanthropy”, forging lasting friendships while serving the South Orange County community. Our members generously donate their time, talents and financial resources to strengthen the local community through our many philanthropic projects. Our programs empower and support local women, children and families and are focused on addressing hunger, preventing homelessness, and promoting literacy and education. We invite you to join with us as members, supporters and/or donors, trusting that we take our mission seriously and work hard to serve the community.