Junior League of Panama City brings a 60-year history of creating community impact

New York, NY – September 24, 2012 – The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. today announced that the Junior League of Panama City has become the 293^rd League to join The Junior League, one of the largest, most effective women’s volunteer organizations in the world, with more than 150,000 members in four countries.

The Florida-based League, formerly called the Junior Service League of Panama City, comes with a 60-year history of community service. Current programs and initiatives include:

• Providing volunteer mentors for the After School Assistance Program (ASAP), a community learning center program for underprivileged children run by the City of Panama City.
• Providing school uniforms to more than 1,200 children a year through its Child Service Center, in partnership with Bay District Schools.
• Enriching the lives of at-need senior citizens through its Elderly Outreach program.
• Partnering with the Bay Education Foundation to administer the Excellence in Education grant program, which rewards teachers for using creative learning techniques in the classroom.
• Sponsoring the Girls on the Run of Bay County, which uses an interactive curriculum and running to educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.
• Mentoring ninth and tenth grade girls in its VOICES program in volunteerism and other tools to build their self-confidence through community service.

AJLI President Toni Freeman said, “We are delighted that the Junior League of Panama City has joined this dynamic organization with its 111-year commitment to creating lasting community impact by empowering and training women. Our newest members at JLPC bring great strengths to The League, and we welcome their energy, drive and spirit!”

JLPC President Lacey Obos added, “In response to the growing needs of our League, we have affiliated with AJLI and its 292 other member Leagues to take advantage of AJLI’s many programs and support, including leadership training for members. We stand ready on an exciting path of change, seeking new programs and partnerships, but our commitment to serving the needs of the Panama City community remains unchanged!”

About The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc.
Founded in 1901 by New Yorker and social activism pioneer, Mary Harriman, the Junior Leagues are charitable nonprofit organizations of women, developed as civic leaders, creating demonstrable community impact.

Today, The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI) is comprised of more than 155,000 women in 293 Junior Leagues throughout Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States. Together, they constitute one of the largest, most effective volunteer organizations in the world. 

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