WHO WE ARE
The United Portuguese Women’s Club of New Bedford, Massachusetts is a group of dedicated Portuguese-American women who are intent on preserving Portuguese language and culture by assisting the youth in our area in their pursuit of a higher education.

MISSION
As a group of Portuguese women, we actively fundraise to provide scholarships for young people who pursue a college education. This is our gift for the young teenager who is going off to college for the first time. In general, students may pursue their education in any field. However, there is one scholarship for a student who pursues a degree in Portuguese language.

HISTORY
Our organization was created in 1936. At that time, our founding member, Maria da Conceição Rodrigues Castella Ferreira (Connie Ferreira ), age 16, was a member of  the Portuguese Continental Union-Lodge #4. Even though, she and other women members worked diligently at the Lodge and with fundraising events, they were not allowed to attend board meetings or vote. As a result, Connie’s father, Silvino Castella, met with them and encouraged them to form their own group. Thus, the United Portuguese Women’s Club was created. They had great encouragement from Margaret Lacerda, who mentored and instructed them on proper procedures.

Today 45 members continue the mission of the organization. Monthly meetings led by the club president take place to plan the yearly events. Meetings are held the third Tuesday of the month from September to June at 7PM.