By Jamie Strickland
If there’s a service project, community outreach effort or donation drive happening in or around Clayton, chances are this dedicated group of women has a hand in it. For more than a century the Woman’s Club of Clayton has been a powerful force for helping those in need.
As a nonprofit organization and a member of both the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) and the North Carolina GFWC, the club brings together women of all ages who are united by a common goal: to strengthen and support their community through volunteer service.
Much of their work is done quietly and behind the scenes, but the impact resonates loudly.
This year, the club is being recognized as the Johnston Now Honors Nonprofit of the Year Award recipient.
Partners in Service
One of the club’s greatest strengths is its collaborative spirit. The members regularly support and amplify the work of other local nonprofits, including Harbor House, Isaiah House, House of Hope, the Boys & Girls Club and The Hocutt Ellington Memorial Library, just to name a few. Each year, they provide holiday gifts for children and seniors in need. In addition to hands-on service, the Woman’s Club invests in the future through scholarships for students pursuing both two- and four-year degrees.
They’re well known in Johnston County for their popular Taste of Carolina event held each spring. Featuring food from many local restaurants, the event raised $30,000 for the club’s philanthropic efforts this year.
Leadership Rooted in Community
Club president Trish Perna knows firsthand how welcoming the Woman’s Club can be to newcomers. After moving from Las Vegas to Clayton in 2020, she was ready to retire from her career, but not from contributing to her new community. Searching for volunteer opportunities, she started by helping out at the town’s annual Christmas Tree lighting, which soon led her to discover the club.
“I showed up for a lunch, and I loved it and I joined,” she said. “And then from there somehow I got to take my turn being president. I love everything we do. I love all the projects and we reach out to the community in so many ways. There are so many fantastic nonprofits in the JoCo area and it’s nice to be able to collaborate with them.”
Under her leadership this year, the club continues to thrive both as a volunteer organization and a network of connection and friendship. Many women who join after relocating to the area find lifelong friends and a strong support system.
Where Purpose Meets Personality
Much of the club’s success comes from its flexible structure. Members join smaller community service subgroups that align with their personal passions — from health and wellness initiatives to a community garden, supporting the local school system and so much more. Each group operates with its own focus, allowing members to contribute meaningfully to causes they care about.
That was one of the draws for Christie Latham, the club’s First Vice President. After receiving multiple invitations from a friend, she finally attended a monthly luncheon and everything clicked.
“She had been inviting me for years and I finally surrendered. I attended the luncheon and it was amazing… I absolutely fell in love because I had never been a volunteer for anything. But there is something really amazing about this group that allows you to actually contribute to the community and feel like you’re really doing something that’s worthwhile while really having a good time.”
Latham sees the monthly luncheon as the organization’s major strength. “The luncheon is the Woman’s Club secret weapon,” she said. That’s where all the subgroups come together to share updates, build momentum and connect over their shared mission.
A Historic Home, a Living Legacy
The club’s physical home — a donated clubhouse dating back to the 1920s — is listed on the local historic registry and remains an enduring symbol of its legacy. More than just a meeting place, it’s a hub for ideas, collaboration and community spirit. Located across from the library, it’s one of downtown Clayton’s enduring landmarks.
The club began as the Twentieth Century Mother’s Club in 1918, founded by eighteen local mothers who took turns hosting meetings in their homes before the existence of the clubhouse. In 1920, it adopted its current name and joined the North Carolina Federation of Women’s Clubs, embracing the motto “Esse Quam Videri” — “To be, rather than to seem.”
Throughout the Great Depression and World War II, the club played a vital role in supporting the community by sewing and distributing garments, operating a soup kitchen, collecting food and clothing, promoting war bonds and even housing service members.
The club’s archives are preserved at the Johnston County Heritage Center, where Perna has enjoyed exploring its long and colorful history.
“That’s where I learned that when they first started, if someone was late for a meeting they owed a nickel. They would charge them for being late,” she said, joking that maybe that policy should be reexamined.
Get Involved
With a current membership of 84 women spanning generations, the Woman’s Club thrives on connection, shared values and a deep commitment to making Clayton a better place. From cultural enrichment to charitable outreach, the club’s impact is wide-reaching.
Thinking of joining? The first step is simple: attend a monthly luncheon and get to know the group. It’s where ideas are sparked, friendships are formed and projects take root. For anyone interested in learning more, the club will host a special social on August 25 for prospective members to connect with current ones and explore ways to get involved.
For more information, visit twccnc.org.
