The Lemon Grove Forward Club is being recognized for its growing impact across the community after earning 13 major awards and honors tied to volunteer service, education, civic engagement, and neighborhood improvement efforts throughout Lemon Grove.
In April, the club received 11 awards from the General Federation of Women’s Clubs Southern District, recognizing the intermediate-sized organization for its work in leadership, fundraising, domestic violence awareness, civic engagement, advocacy for children, health and wellness, arts and culture, environment, communications, and membership. Collectively, members logged 16,829 volunteer service hours.
The club was also named Partner of the Year by the Lemon Grove School District and received the Lemon Grove Good Neighbor Award from The Neighborhood by GC.
Jessyka Heredia, founding president and current first vice president and communications chair, said the club’s mission has always focused on projects that directly benefit Lemon Grove residents.
“The Lemon Grove Forward Club strategically allocates its resources and efforts to initiatives that directly benefit the Lemon Grove community and its residents,” Heredia said.
The organization frequently partners with the local school district and also supports Busy Bees, a nonprofit that creates pollinator pathways using native plants throughout the community.
“In essence, our commitment lies in fostering the health and overall well-being of all Lemon Grove residents, across all age groups,” Heredia said.
One of the projects that stands out most to members has been the restoration of the Sonshine House, the club’s original clubhouse built in 1922. The building was later sold to the Lemon Grove First Baptist Church in the 1960s, but the club has spent the past two years restoring the historic structure.
The renovation has included installing new flooring and windows, many of which had previously been broken or boarded up. The club partnered with The Home Depot in Lemon Grove for labor and materials while also inviting the public to participate in the restoration effort.
The project is now nearing completion, with final work focused on deep cleaning, new drapes, and custom-made doors. Once finished, the club plans to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the church and community.
Heredia said collaboration has played a major role in the organization’s growth and recognition. The club supports school events, back-to-school supply drives, toy drives, CPR classes, and its annual “Soctober” sock drive benefiting unhoused residents and students.
The club was originally founded around 1913 before being re-established in 2022 by Heredia and current President Teresa Rosiak Proffit. What began with 25 attendees at its first meeting has since grown to 58 members, ranging in age from 18 to more than 80 years old.
Looking ahead, the club plans to complete the Sonshine House restoration while continuing annual service projects, community partnerships, and future events, including another Paint and Sip fundraiser.
