The GFWC Kentucky Somerset Junior Woman's Club was organized January 3rd 1945 at the home of Miss Joyce Padgett, on Crawford Ave, with 23 charter members. A former club called Somerset Younger Woman's Club sponsored the organization. The Sponsoring committee was composed of Mrs. Boone Hollis, Mrs. Andrew Offutt and Mrs. John Steele and assisted by Mrs. R.G. Williams Jr. The Club was scheduled to meet on the first and third Tuesdays of the month.
The First Officers elected for the Somerset Junior Woman's Club were as follows.
Miss Joyce Padgett - President
Miss Juanita Adams - Vice President
Miss Juanita Sears - Recording Secretary
Miss Estelle Barnette - Corresponding Secretary
Mrs. Lewis E. Patterson - Treasurer
SJWC began working on the plans for an American Red Cross Charity Ball to be held at the Somerset Country Club and then decided to sponsor a much needed Youth Recreation Center. Both of these projects were undertaken in the first couple months of the club's Existence
Throughout the years, The club has worked with veterans, raised money for CARE, sponsored children at Beulah Heights Orphanage, sponsored a concert by the very famous and locally raised Todd Duncan, worked to create a city playground, sponored and organized the city's annual May Day Pareade and Beauty Pagaents. The club also sold raffle tickets, Stanley floor wax, and handmade Barbie clothes for fundraisers.
The Clubs first President, Miss Joyce Padgett, met her husband at the first SJWC Christmas ball. They were married for 51 years until his death in 1997.
In 1957, SJWC was forced to change its name to Somerset Younger Woman's Club. THe mother club was no longer in existence and KFWC/GFWC wanted all clubs to be considered "General" clubs instead of "Junior" clubs. Finally, in 1962, the club was able to be known as the Somerset Junior Womans Club. Plans for building Lake Cumberland and a junior college were on the horizon and SJWC became involved in water safety and Education.
In the 1970s, Members worked on library story house projects, Camp Hope, Charity Balls, Holiday House tours, and then their concern for Mother Earth by becoming very Environmentally Active. The late 70s and early 80s brought about the Red Stocking Review featuring local talent for the club and community, working to improve the life of handicapped children, scholarships for Women attending Somerset Community College, and working with nursing homes, schools, and foreign Exchange students. In the Late 80s and Early 90s, SJWC sponsored Rose Sales, Duck Derbies, wrapping paper sales, Fashion shows, and Raffles, all in pursuit of the "Perfect" fundraiser the 1990s brought about Halloween Safe House, and was followed by Zombie walk, and Falloween. the 2000s Brought about Operation Angel Care, which has become one of our Organization's Biggest annual Projects, Serving on average 800-1000 children in need.
In 2025, The Somerset Junior Woman's Club Celebrated its 80th Year. Members participated in a host of community events as well as Club Sponsored Events throughout the year. These included Relay For Life, Alzheimer's Walk, Sample of Somerset, Duck Derby, Somerset Christmas Village, OAC, and Much more. Club Women are always willing to lend a hand, advocate for children, and be involved in venues promoting everything from Disaster Preparedness, Mental Health, Healthfares targeted towards the underserved,and just good old fashioned fun to support our community.