impact, and continued success of this local chapter. As part of the Association of Junior Leagues International (www.ajli.org), the Lake Charles chapter is host to over 500 local members, and is one of 294 Junior Leagues across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, whose total membership includes approximately 170,000 women volunteers. What that has meant to Southwest Louisiana is a long list of established local community projects and organizations that served our community for years or are still thriving today. Most people are unaware that the Junior League of Lake Charles is responsible for setting up the following agencies and programs: Art & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana Arts Fest Calcasieu Community Clinic The Children’s Museum Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Done in a Day Family and Youth Counseling Agency First Steps Harbour House HELPing Hands Heritage Awareness/Heritage Hike Heritage Gallery Imperial Calcasieu Museum Junior Leagues’ Kids in the Kitchen Kids’ Choice Puppets Lake Charles Symphony In addition, the Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc. continues to research and/or initiate new programs every year based on current community needs. During the last five years, the volunteers of the JLLC have performed over 120,000 hours of community service, and funded over $600,000 in community projects and volunteer training. Plus, last year alone, $7,500 was granted to local educators through the JLLC program, “Branch Out and Grow.” TRAINING IS ESSENTIAL Although it seems like these ladies put the “fun” in fundraising, the Junior League is far from a social club; rather, it’s a very hands-on organization that builds projects, as well as their members’ knowledge and experience, from the ground up. “Training is an essential part of what the Junior League offers,” said Public Relations Chairman Stephanie Karpovs. “We have a fabPAGE 22
FEBRUARY 10, 2011
Lego Motion Liberty Belles Life Lessons 101 Literacy Council of Southwest Louisiana Marshes to Mansions Cookbook Mistletoe & Moss Holiday Market Nearly New Shop Pirate’s Pantry Cookbook Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana (PCAL) Rebuilding Together Speech and Hearing Center Substance Abuse Resource Center Teen Leadership Council (TLC) That’s My Bag Volunteer Center of Southwest Louisiana
ulous mix of women: business owners, government officials, healthcare professionals, teachers, and stay-athome moms, who despite their hectic schedules are deeply devoted to enriching the lives of others. We use what unique skills they bring to the League and build on them.” She said that 77 percent of their members work outside of the home in addition to volunteering with this League. “We make it possible for the women of today to put their passion into action and leave a legacy of lasting community change.” She added, “Women across the country have a choice of where they will give their time and talents, so it’s awesome when they choose a Junior League!” Karpovs explained that new members spend their first year of service engaged in hands-on training to prepare them for effective community and League involvement. Members not only volunteer
throughout the year, they also learn the key ingredients for developing meaningful projects and productive fundraisers. “Much of the JLLC’s success comes from our ability to address the specific needs of this community for that moment in time while also tackling issues that have global importance,” Karpovs said. “The League’s commitment is woven throughout Southwest Louisiana. And, we have provided progression that has enriched the lives of our volunteers and families we serve.” “Although new members come with their own set of proficiencies and skills, very few come with all the knowledge needed to create, organize, and run a community needs program,” said State Senator Willie Mount (D-Lake Charles) a longtime member and past President of the JLLC. “The Junior League provided an opportunity for me to develop and
enhance my abilities and skills through training,” she said. “In turn, I utilized this training in my life through public service, church, business and work as well as volunteer activities.” Senator Mount added that the League membership creates a “jump-off point” for individuals, stating that it prepares them to go out into the community and help other individuals or organizations. “I use my Junior League training each and every day, and I am immensely grateful for the mentoring and training I received in the League,” she said. The JLLC creates programs, provides funding and volunteer support, and then turns them over to the community. “The League builds the foundation for the project and the community completes the build,” Mount said. For example, the Calcasieu Community Clinic went through this transition a few years ago. Volume 2 • Issue 22