Fall Open House
Women of Waynesville, a nonprofit organization that supports the needs of women and children in Haywood County, invites all interested women to attend an Open House and membership drive.
The Open House will start at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, at Root & Rise Co-Working Space, 60 S. Main St., Waynesville. The Open House will give prospective members an opportunity to learn more about WOW and its mission, meet current WOW members, and hear about how to join.
WOW is an all-woman, all volunteer organization of approximately 30 members, operated by a 5-7 woman board of directors. Members meet twice per month at 6 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays.
Since forming in 2012, WOW has helped raise more than $285,000 for other nonprofits and individuals in need, including Haywood Habitat for Humanity, Haywood Pathways Center, Mountain Projects, Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, KARE, REACH, HIGHTS, and Haywood County Schools Foundation.
WOW also raises funds used to assist women and children in emergency situations, including housing and utility costs, car repairs, essential food and supplies and much more.
“In 2026, Women of Waynesville won the Best Civic Organization in Haywood County,” said WOW President Jennifer Spillane. “And that recognition can be attributed to the passion, dedication and hard work of our active members.”
While WOW works hard to meet the needs of the community, members also know how to have fun with regularly planned social activities like visiting various WNC landmarks, hikes, enjoying wineries and other team-building activities to give everyone a chance to get to know each other. New members will be paired with a mentor in the group to show them the ropes and support them as they start their WOW journey.
“We work hard toward our mission, but we also take time to support each other as women, which is not something you’ll find with other nonprofits,” said WOW Vice President Melissa Helmer. “Our tight-knit group is strong, and we want to continue that momentum by bringing in new members who share our passion for being a positive force in the community.”
The Open House is a free event and open to all women who work or live in Haywood County. Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages provided.