Our Story

In 2015, Kim Sandberg Turner created a Facebook group intended to gather "Women of a Certain Age" for casual lunch and dinner dates. To her surprise, this small initiative quickly grew into a thriving community of post-religious 40+ women seeking connection and support—and the name was shortened to the acronym WOCA. As the group expanded, she found herself drafting guidelines instead of organizing social events! As the group grew, it became apparent there was a need for a safe and private space to deal with the changes that were inevitable with such a life transition. Initially, she felt both awe and anxiety wondering if she might face repercussions for growing and fostering this space. The freedom and empowerment of purpose, pushed her forward and she no longer feared nor sought validation or permission from the patriarchal authority she left behind.

Kim believed that with feminism embedded in WOCA’s earliest beginnings, the community would thrive beyond a simple social group and become a vital support network for post-religious women searching for camaraderie, understanding and empowerment. Many WOCA women are engaged in feminist education and work for equal rights and the ratification of the ERA.

If you scan through the photo section of our original group, now called the Salt Lake County OG, you will see pics from our earliest history. WOCA Worldwide, the Mother Ship, was set up as the gateway for joining any community topic group or geo, without the help of an admin. Autonomy. It’s a powerful word.

A year and a half into WOCA’s life, women were chosen to become part of the first WOCA Team. Since then, many teams of incredible women have volunteered to help make this space a safe and healing place. As we grow healthier and leave the space, we travel into a new world of our own making taking with us many new friendships.

Whether you are seeking advice, friendship or simply a place to share your story, you’ll find a warm and welcoming space here as we redefine our journeys and support each other every step of the way. “Transition by way of transformation.” ~Kim Sandberg Turner