It has been more than 20 years since Robin Killeen of Biloxi started Women of Wisdom (W.O.W).
   And today, the nonprofit organization is thriving as a “marketplace ministry” for women across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It has even been recognized for its community service with an official proclamation from the Mississippi governor’s office. 
    Killeen was led to found W.O.W in 1999, starting with women “like me who just did not fit in,” she said, and questioning why God called her to appeal to women who were looking for a welcoming place with no click connections and no gossiping. She has created an organization that does not demand membership but welcomes you to monthly luncheons with uplifting speakers and networking possibilities.
    Based on information taken from rack cards distributed throughout the community, W.O.W was  established to “Connect…women of all ages, backgrounds and denominations through fellowship and service. Create…a place where women can talk honestly in safe and confidential atmosphere. Cultivate…positive relationships and encourage every woman to be the best she can be.”
    Through the three pillars of joy, love and connectivity, Killeen has brought forth the W.O.W. The tenants of her efforts are as follows: 

“JOY; We are just dispensing joy. LOVE; We create an atmosphere of love.  CONNECTIVITY; We pray for each other to create divine relationships of trust, unity and lasting friendship, among women.”
    Killeen is a professional woman who was called to create a space of encouragement, to equip and empower women. Using the tools developed in the staffing industry, she recognized the need in women for friendships that fed their social as well as spiritual wellbeing with encouragement to make a difference in their families, communities, the marketplace and in the State, through prayer. With a working board of 25 active leaders, Killeen has created a perfect working atmosphere centered in God.  A monthly newsletter, “Wings of Wisdom,” is offered on wowgulfcoast.wordpress.com and is filled with Words of Wisdom with Bible verses, Prayer Corner, Recipe For Life, and F.I.T L.I.F.E., a support exercise group. Continuous encouragement is given to anyone who needs prayer to reach out to the team headed by Chief “Encouragement” Officer, Dr. Eileen Whittemore.  Dr. Whittemore’s main function is praying for the continued success of W.O.W.  
    A Care Closet is kept stocked with donated professional clothing for women who are applying for employment and in need to “dress for success” but lacking funds. All the clothing is free with a request to pass it along one day to pay it forward. Future plans are pending, due to Covid, for a “Goodwill Interview Clothing Fashion Show.” There will be training in what to wear for an interview. W.O.W also meets with and supports Elijah’s Closet in Lyman to provide surplus clothing for families and children in foster care.  
    “W.O.W partners with other non-profits in our community but two in particular: Advocates for Freedom (AFF) and Women’s Resource Center (WRC),” Killeen shared.  AFF is dedicated to ending the exploitation, sale and enslavement of men, women, and children. Through awareness and education, AFF has been leading the way to stop human trafficking throughout Mississippi, and beyond. “We want to inspire you to look beneath the surface and help find solutions to end this modern-day form of slavery – one life at a time!”  The second community partner is WRC, whose mission statement is: “To uphold the sanctity of life while encouraging the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual well-being of the whole person. Through collaborating with organizations that share similar values, we work to promote personal health, strong family units, and thriving communities.”
    While Covid restrictions have presently stalled its monthly luncheons, normally scheduled for the second Wednesday of every month at noon, W.O.W is sponsoring a blog, W.O.W-Word of the Week, and praying about the word to share on Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/groups/WomenofWisdomWOW
Killeen said W.O.W luncheon attendants can arrive at 11:45 a.m. with calling cards to network. Also, there is a catered lunch for $10 (includes meal, drink, dessert, tax and tip), or you can just stay for the speaker. 
    It was four years ago that W.O.W secured office space at the Knight Nonprofit Center, 11975 Seaway Road, Gulfport. Until then, the organization had no permanent home. With the stability of Knight’s Center, W.O.W is now able to have monthly luncheons and store clothing for the Care Closet. And this makes it ever easier to attract a “diverse group of women who have learned how to work together and move together and show love to other women,” said Killeen, “to encourage everyone, to empower them to make a difference in the community.” 
    One of the ministry’s newest board members, Bridget Turan, was invited to W.O.W by her husband’s grandmother, Dr. Eileen Whittemore, who happens to be one of the founders of W.O.W from 20 years ago. Turan said, “I love that this group is Christian driven and there is no membership. You come when you can. You may come for lunch or you can just come to enjoy the speaker.” 
    Turan is the volunteer director of the Gulf Coast HUB for Volunteers & Nonprofits, and she was happy to find W.O.W. “W.O.W was one of the first groups here on the coast that I was part of. I was on the leadership team first and have since joined as a board member. This highlights the community cooperation of the volunteers who support each other and bless our Gulf Coast with their service in unison. I feel truly blessed to be a part of it.” 
    For more information about W.O.W, contact Robin Killeen, (228) 424-0098. Email: wowgulfcoast@aol.com, Visit: www.wowcommunity.org,  W.O.W, Women of Wisdom, Knight Nonprofit Center, 11975 Seaway Road, Gulfport, MS 39503.

Susan Weller

Years of living along the Gulf Coast with a penchant for capturing photographs of smiling faces and beautiful places has brought Susan Weller to Seaside Social News. “This tenure will enhance my opportunities to capture and promote the exciting venues and activities generated by our lovely Gulf Coast and the people who live and celebrate life’s joys.”