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 Bakersfield, Fargo-Moorhead, Monmouth County and Palo Alto-Mid Peninsula were formally recognized on their 50th anniversaries at AJLI’s 93rd Annual Conference held recently in Los Angeles.
AJLI President Ellen Rose said, “For half a century, these Leagues have been positively impacting 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.”
The projects of the Junior League of Bakersfield focus on improving the lives of women and children in the community by providing volunteers, training and funding to non-profit organizations. Among their current projects is Girls Achievement Program (G.A.P.) which helps foster girls aged 13-18 develop life skills that will support their successful emancipation. In celebration of their 50th anniversary, JLB recently awarded a $50,000 grant for renovations to the Lori Brock Children’s Discovery center, which the League founded in the 1970s.
The more than 100 members of the Junior League of Fargo-Moorhead have long been recognized as catalysts of lasting change through community programs that have improved the lives of women and children. Recently, the League partnered with the Fargo Park District to create a community-wide indoor playground which provides year-round exercise and nutrition education. Along the way, the League has also provided support for food pantries, child care centers, arts group and many other nonprofits.
The Junior League of Monmouth County has contributed both time and funds to countless community projects. Their current signature project, Girls on the Run, is a program for 3rd-8th grade girls designed to unleash confidence through accomplishment while establishing a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness. JLMC is also a member of the Junior Leagues of New Jersey State Public Affairs Committee, the statewide, non-partisan committee representing the eight Junior Leagues of New Jersey which advocates on behalf of women and children in the areas of health, education and the environment.
Since its founding, the Junior League of Palo Alto-Mid Peninsula has contributed thousands of volunteer hours to community service projects and awarded grants to nearly 200 area nonprofit organizations. Over the years, they have addressed issues such as affordable housing, societal violence, literacy and education, homelessness, drug addiction, and at-risk children and youth. The League is part of the State Public Affairs Committee of the Junior Leagues of California which represents 16 member Leagues to policymakers at the state level across the focus areas of family support, education, health and violence prevention.
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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