The Junior League of Rochester (JLR) is a non-profit organization that focuses on women and children in the Rochester community; promoting volunteerism, improving communities, developing the potential of women, and providing training opportunities for members for personal and professional growth that they might have otherwise not had access to. Founded in 1933 and with over 220 active members in the local community, JLR is only a small branch of the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI), a world wide organization that has 150,000 members in 291 leagues in 4 countries!
JLR, while small in the scheme of things, has made a huge impact in the Rochester area, contributing to, and starting, many programs. These include, but are not limited to, the JLR Diaper bank,YWCA Women's Resource Center, YWCA Working Wardrobe, American Red Cross Bloodmobile, The Discovery Room at the George Eastman House, and GIlda's Club Noogieland Family Program. The Diaper Bank provides diapers, pull-ups, wipes, creams, and training pants to organizations and social workers for members of the community who are struggling to purchase these essentials. Especially because diapers and wipes are not covered by any type of government assistance, which I didn't know and I find mind boggling. The YWCA Working Wardrobe provides free, business attire to women affected by homelessness or who are in need of clothing for interviews or new jobs.
Both the Discovery Room and Gilda's Club Noogieland were created for children. At the George Eastman house, the Discovery Room gets kids excited about the moving and still image through hands on learning activities about photography, animation, and film. It is geared towards elementary and middle school students and also hosts traveling exhibits and programs. No, thankfully, Noogieland is not where you go to get noogies, but rather a place where kiddos who are affected by cancer can connect with others through play. In Noogieland there is a playhouse, crafts, and creative play is encouraged and resources are provided for imaginative play. The Gilda Club itself if a non-profit organization that offers services to those whose live have been impacted by cancer, whether it be someone diagnosed with cancer or their friends and family, all parties involved need a place where they have access to the benefits of social and emotional support. The programs and services are entirely free.
For members of the JLR, the organization provides a substantial amount of benefits and opportunities such as board and committee leadership, volunteering, social activities, fundraising, public policy advocacy, mentoring, networking, and local and national trainings. The JLR believes that "skilled and informed leaders have the highest impact in our community" and is why these training and developmental opportunities are so important and integral in JLR's mission. If you would like to get involved or support the Junior League of Rochester, you can visit their website, Facebook, or Instagram, or go to their donate now page to contribute right away!
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