For over 110 years, the Village Improvement Association has worked to support the greater Rehoboth Beach community. As Marti Badila ends her presidency, the club is growing and expanding its outreach programs. 

Under Badila’s leadership, membership has increased to over 250 women, outreach programs served more people in need and the club was able to partner with Family Promise of Southern Delaware to assist its fundraising efforts.

Each VIA president chooses a special project, and Badila chose Women Helping Women, to help unhoused women in the community. Measurable results included assisting in raising over $10,000 for family homelessness prevention and stabilization, supporting the successful launch of a seasonal women’s shelter, collecting and distributing a truckload of feminine hygiene products, food collection, as well as expanding access to health, case management, and basic needs services for the unhoused. She helped to build new partnerships and strengthen existing ones to reduce the growing need in the local community.

Badila said, “It was a privilege to serve the VIA as president. VIA members are dedicated to serving and improving the community. The VIA touches people’s lives in many ways.” Members and partners thank Badila for her leadership and accomplishments, which she carried out with energy and enthusiasm.

A member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and GFWC Delaware, the VIA was founded 117 years ago by forward-thinking women who looked to improve the lives and the community of and around Rehoboth Beach. Multi-generational programs continue today, such as providing food and clothing for people in need, safety and health education, environmental conservation, and promotion of arts and culture. The group is also well known for charitable contributions to local nonprofit organizations.