Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Rietze.
Hi Rebecca , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I never imagined I’d be single in my 40s, but that’s exactly what happened. At 40, I found myself searching for love and new friends, though I wasn’t quite sure how to go about it or even had many friends left, since I spent most of my time with my ex-husband doing family activities. To put myself out there, I started using dating apps and joining Facebook groups for singles to connect with others. After participating in a few groups, I decided to create my own to build a community where I could find support and companionship.
Established in 2023, West Orange Singles Social brings people together to forge meaningful connections through shared interests at curated social events. From book clubs to lively gatherings and more, our goal is to help individuals form lasting friendships and foster a sense of community. While this is not a dating site, we celebrate any exciting connections that may arise along the way. Cheers to making new friends!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing worth creating ever comes easily, or we’d all have our own groups! The first step was figuring out how to make mine stand out from the rest. I didn’t want it to be a hookup spot or just a drinking club; I wanted to establish a genuine social club for singles. I also needed to start small by inviting my friends who were already active in other groups and attending events. It sometimes felt like I was competing with those groups, even though that wasn’t my intention. We are now over 2000 members strong, and I love seeing them come out to events and meet friends!
Building partnerships has been another major challenge, but it remains a key goal as I continue to grow and develop the community. This is still something I am working on but am so thankful to those I have begun to partnership with.
One of the biggest challenges was what happens when they start dating—do they leave the group, or do they stay? Since it’s a singles club, I wanted to find a way to accommodate everyone. So, I created a sister group called West Orange Social, where I post many of the same events. This group is open to everyone, which helps couples feel more comfortable joining, knowing it’s not exclusively for singles.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Our social club offers a wide range of activities for the community, including kickball, bowling, pool, book clubs, and trivia teams—just to name a few. We also engage in community service projects, host themed parties, game nights, and various events. Planning birthday celebrations as a community is something I truly enjoy, and I love seeing everyone come together to celebrate. Additionally, we organize trips, including cruises, to bring members together beyond local events. It’s a fun, vibrant group where friendships flourish—and sometimes, even romance.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I truly love witnessing how the group supports one another—whether it’s resource sharing to help someone find a job or helping a member move. Many members are alone during the holidays, and it’s heartwarming to see others invite them over, creating a sense of belonging. It brings me so much joy to see these genuine connections form. I really enjoy bringing people together and fostering a supportive community.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/west_orange_singles_social
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16HYnHsXq1/
