New York – May 6, 2015 – The Association of Junior Leagues International, one of the largest, most effective women’s volunteer organizations in the world, today noted that the Junior Leagues of Fort Wayne, Jackson and Scranton were formally recognized on their 75th anniversaries at AJLI’s 93rd Annual Conference held recently in Los Angeles.
AJLI President Ellen Rose said, “For decades, these three Leagues have been a driving force in their communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. In the spirit of our founder, Mary Harriman, they found value in voluntarism and a commitment to creating lasting community impact. That spirit lives on today in the work done by more than 150,000 members in 292 independent Leagues in four countries.”
Over its long history, the Junior League of Fort Wayne has given countless volunteer hours and over $1 million to impact the community in a positive and lasting way, and has remained dedicated to its mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community. Among the issues JLFW has addressed over the years are childhood obesity, literacy, women’s self-sufficiency, child abuse and the arts. Their current focus area is Readiness for Elementary School.
The Junior League of Jackson is one of Mississippi’s largest nonprofit volunteer organizations and the seventh largest Junior League, with more than 2,400 members. This year the League will donate over 50,000 volunteer hours and last year generated more than $1 million in direct financial support for community projects. JLJ has touched the lives of countless individuals through numerous projects of its own, and they are proud partners with numerous organizations on projects centered on early literacy, teen pregnancy prevention, nutrition, physical activity, and social/emotional wellness.
Over the course of its long history, the Junior League of Scranton has supported women, children, and the community through programs that have addressed the issues of quality of education, the environment, drug addiction and criminal justice. Among the current projects of JLS are Project Vitality, which focuses on park and neighborhood revitalization, Kids in the Kitchen, and numerous smaller events per year. In celebration of the League’s 75th anniversary, members have set a goal of 7,500 hours of service to the community this year.
About The Association of Junior Leagues International
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 (AJLI) is comprised of more than 150,000 women in 292 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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