Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Kara Kouloheras and Lauri Shafer from Habitat for Humanity of Collier County.
Our Daily Bread donations.
Little Free Library donations.
Members and guests sign in.
Kara Kouloheras presents to the Democratic Women’s Club of Marco members and guests.
Beach Cleanup - Democracy is not a Spectator Sport.
The Democratic Women’s Club of Marco Island (DWCM) continues to prove that grassroots action and community engagement can make a profound impact. On February 11, members gathered at Mackle Park to reaffirm their commitment to service, advocacy, and outreach. With a room filled with both long-standing members and new faces, the energy was palpable as the club focused on the power of collective action.
A Home for Hope: Habitat for Humanity and the Fight for Affordable Housing One of the most urgent issues facing Collier County is the growing need for affordable housing. Guest speaker Kara Kouloheras, Vice President of Philanthropy for Habitat for Humanity of Collier County, brought this crisis into sharp focus. Habitat Collier, the largest Habitat affiliate in the country, has built over 100 homes per year for two decades, yet the demand far exceeds supply.
Families are living in overcrowded conditions, paying rents that consume nearly all of their income. Habitat’s mission is to provide safe, affordable housing by requiring families to contribute sweat equity, demonstrate financial responsibility, and repay zero-interest mortgages.
DWCM members were encouraged to support this effort by:
Volunteering for an upcoming Build Day on February 20.
Donating to Habitat’s home-building fund.
Shopping at or donating to Habitat Re-Stores in Naples.
Advocating for local policies that prioritize affordable housing solutions.
As Kouloheras emphasized, “A home is more than just a structure - it’s a foundation for opportunity and stability.” DWCM members left with a renewed sense of purpose to support housing initiatives that strengthen the local community.
Turning Passion into Progress
The meeting was also an opportunity to reflect on the club’s ongoing impact. In January and February alone, members collected 305 pounds of food for Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, participated in the Women’s March in Fort Myers, and collaborated with over 100 Marco Island Academy students to clean up South Beach. These efforts underscore DWCM’s dedication to hands-on service.
Members engaged in a thoughtful discussion about food insecurity in Collier County, highlighting the policy decisions that contribute to economic struggles for many residents. The club committed to remaining active in advocating for better access to food assistance programs, Medicaid expansion, and affordable housing policies.
Priorities for 2025: Where We Go From Here
A recent member survey revealed four key priorities for the year ahead:
Community Engagement – Expanding grassroots efforts and outreach.
Local Issues and Advocacy – Staying informed and involved in city and county matters.
Supporting Democratic Initiatives – Helping elect Democratic candidates and promote core values.
Education and Awareness – Providing resources and raising awareness on critical issues.
DWCM members were encouraged to sign up for Mobilize, a tool for tracking Democratic events and volunteer opportunities, and to follow the club on Facebook and BlueSky for updates.
Get Involved: Volunteer Opportunities and Upcoming Events
DWCM is more than a club—it is a movement. Members were urged to take action in the following ways:
Support Democratic Candidates: The upcoming April 1 Special Election for Congressional District 1 (Gay Valimont) and District 6 (Josh Weil) could dramatically shift the House majority. Phone banking, canvassing, and donations are critical.
Write for Coastal Breeze News: DWCM is seeking members to submit Letters to the Editor and contribute to editorial columns.
Donate to the Little Free Library Initiative: Children’s books and Spanish-language books are in high demand.
Join a DWCM Committee: Leadership roles are available in outreach, social planning, and letter-writing.
The Power of Persistence
While the club celebrated recent successes, President Karen Tessel-Blum reminded attendees that real change requires sustained action. Echoing the words of Collier County Democratic Chairwoman Jane Schlechtweg, she emphasized: “Change has never been easy, and it’s never come quickly. But it’s only when people refuse to give up that real progress happens.”
With upcoming events like the March 1 Environmental Roundtable Discussion, the March 4 Club Social at The SpeakEasy, and the March 15 Beach Cleanup, DWCM members have ample opportunities to stay engaged and make a difference.
Join the Movement
The Democratic Women’s Club of Marco Island is a force for good, proving that when neighbors unite with a shared purpose, lasting change is possible. Whether through advocacy, volunteerism, or simply showing up, every effort contributes to a stronger, more just community.
DWCM’s monthly meetings are open to members and their guests. Our next meeting is on Tuesday, March 11 at 5:00 PM at Mackle Park Community Center. The League of Women Voters of Collier County will offer an extensively researched presentation “Take a Pass on Plastics: Why we should reduce our single-use plastic waste.” Plastic is everywhere - permeating our environment, our food chains and our bodies. How did this happen, what are the implications, and what can we do about it? Join us and change the way you think about and use single-use plastics!
For more information about meetings, membership, or supporting our charitable efforts, go to dwcmarco.org or contact us at info@dwcmarco.org. Together, we can ensure that Marco Island remains a place where opportunity, equality, and justice thrive—one step, one voice, and one action at a time.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here