Sheltering Strength

On May 13, the Democratic Women’s Club of Marco Island (DWCM) gathered once more in the warm glow of community and purpose, where heart meets action and hope is given shape through service. The Mackle Park Community Center echoed with the hum of connection as 57 members and guests came together to reflect on a season of impact and to shine a spotlight on a mission too often shrouded in silence: protecting and empowering survivors of abuse.

Before the formal meeting began, a slideshow of recent rallies and events by photographer Jodi Pree played across the screen—a visual testament to DWCM’s steady presence in the public square, where members show up for justice, democracy, and dignity.

A Voice for the Voiceless: Guest Speaker Mary Domack

The evening’s most poignant moment came with the introduction of Mary Domack, Community Education and Training Advocate for The Shelter for Abused Women and Children. With over 30 years of experience in healthcare and a master’s degree in education, Mary now channels her expertise into advocating for survivors and educating professionals on how to identify and respond to domestic violence and human trafficking.

She painted a vivid picture of the Shelter’s wide-ranging impact: with twin locations in Naples and Immokalee, each providing 60 beds and a haven for women, children, and even pets. While the average stay is 45 days, survivors gain more than temporary safety - they receive trauma-informed care through tailored programming that supports recovery and resilience. From legal services to clinical counseling, economic empowerment to child welfare advocacy, the Shelter’s wraparound services are a model of comprehensive, compassionate support.

DWCM members, deeply moved, had already answered the call. Hundreds of wish-list items - diapers, toiletries, essentials - were collected at the April and May meetings. “When a woman walks through those doors,” Mary said, “she is not just escaping danger—she is entering a new chapter of possibility.” To contribute more, members were encouraged to visit naplesshelter.org/donate.

A Month in Motion: Impact by Example

The May meeting marked the close of a month rich with action:

• Stamp Out Hunger: DWCM volunteers supported this national food drive, partnering with Meals of Hope at the Marco Post Office.
• Mother’s Day at Manatee Elementary: Every child should have the opportunity to present his or her mother or an important female with a Mother’s Day Gift. DWCM’s heartfelt donations of purses and jewelry brought joy and dignity to the children of Manatee Elementary
• Little Free Library: Thriving at Veterans’ Park, thanks to member donations. 
• Community Rallies: With fierce commitment to civic engagement, DWCM showed up in numbers for rallies in Naples in April and May, carrying signs and wearing their trademark t-shirts. DWCM gathered on May 17 for the David Jolly town hall. 
• Social Event: Another successful gathering of members—proof that joy, too, is part of activism.

Legislative Landscape: Watching, Responding, Acting

Linda Scherzinger offered a sharp-eyed review of the recent Florida legislative session. While some common-sense bills passed - including funding mechanisms for condo repairs and protecting state parks - others were either deeply troubling or irresponsibly frivolous. A bill passed to rename the Gulf of Mexico, with a price tag estimated well over $1 billion, while a more serious blow came to citizens' rights to petition constitutional amendments, now facing greater barriers.

Importantly, DWCM celebrated what didn’t pass: attempts to lower the minimum wage, promote child labor, and further marginalize LGBTQ+ youth. As Linda reminded attendees, staying informed and vocal is more essential than ever. Members were urged to subscribe to Legislative Alerts at collierdems.org.

Building Knowledge, Building Community

Looking ahead, DWCM is doubling down on education, organizing, and summer solidarity:

• June 10 Zoom Presentation: “Deciphering the National Popular Vote.” Part of a summer education series.
• Book Club Launch: Led by Joanna Metzger and Georgeann Draper, with 20 members already signed up.
• Beach Cleanups: Next event - June 14, 8–10 a.m. at South Beach.
• Naples Pridefest: June 7, Cambier Park. DWCM will join Collier Dems at a shared table to celebrate love, equity, and community.
• No Kings Rally: June 14, sponsored by F.R.E.E. Indivisible. More details to come.

Tools of Empowerment

Chris Chase spoke passionately about the Know Your Rights initiative, distributing multilingual flyers that help immigrant communities understand how to respond to ICE encounters. Stories from members who keep these flyers in their cars, workplaces, and homes underscored the real-world impact of this quiet but powerful outreach.

Members were also encouraged to explore advocacy tools through ProtectMyPublicMedia.org, ensuring the preservation of independent journalism and public broadcasting.

Standing Together

With a growing membership now at 210 strong, the Democratic Women’s Club of Marco Island continues to be a light in uncertain times. Whether through food drives or rallies, education or social connection, their work reflects a community that knows democracy doesn’t begin or end at the ballot box—it lives in how we care for one another.

For more information about meetings, membership, or supporting our charitable efforts, go to dwcmarco.org or contact us at info@dwcmarco.org. 

Let’s stand together. Let’s use our voices. And let’s make a difference.

Democracy is not a spectator sport. Do something.