Meeting Tomorrow’s Leaders: The National Council of Negro Women Volunteers at St. Joseph Clubhouse

In times of uncertainty, we often wonder who will step up to build a better future. Last week, we found our answer when a remarkable group of young women from The National Council of Negro Women, University of Houston Section, spent the day volunteering at St. Joseph Clubhouse.

These volunteers represent a legacy of leadership that stretches back to 1935, when the National Council of Negro Women was founded with a powerful mission: to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families, and communities.

Our Clubhouse clothing area serves as a vital resource for members, providing professional attire for job interviews, seasonal necessities, and everyday essentials. While we’re grateful for the steady stream of donations from our community, the volume often overwhelms our members’ capacity to keep everything organized and accessible. That’s where these volunteers made an immediate impact.

The young women, organized by Benesha Kasongo, rolled up their sleeves and transformed the space by sorting, folding, organizing by size and season, and creating a welcoming area where members can easily find what they need. But their contribution went beyond the practical work they accomplished.

What struck us most was meeting these young women themselves. Their energy, compassion, and commitment to service reminded us why we can be hopeful about the future. These are the leaders who will shape tomorrow. Women who understand that meaningful change happens through both advocacy and action, through both speaking up and showing up.

As we watched them work together, laughing and supporting each other while serving our community, we realized we couldn’t ask for better hands to guide us forward. The partnership between The National Council of Negro Women, University of Houston Section, and St. Joseph Clubhouse represents exactly the kind of intergenerational, community-centered collaboration that makes real change possible.

We’re grateful to Benesha and all the volunteers who shared a day with us. You’ve left our clothing area better organized, and our hearts fuller with hope.

Interested in volunteering at St. Joseph Clubhouse and other Magnificat programs? Contact us to learn about opportunities to serve our community.