Highlighting JLC Community Impact through the Years: Part 4, 2001- 2010

By: Mallory Pearce

During her time as Junior League volunteer, former First Lady Barbara Bush stated that “giving frees us from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our mind to unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of others.” As we wrap this four-part historical series covering community impact since the JLC’s inception, let’s take a moment to appreciate the Junior League of Charlotte’s giving spirit as we close in on nearly 100 years of the service.

It’s 2001, and the JLC has fully transitioned into the 21st century. At the urging of the Community Advisory Board, the League decided to embark on a more visible advocacy role in the community on behalf of children and families. The membership committed to building a “Foundation for the Future” in all JLC areas. With regard to continued success and viability, the JLC launched an endowment campaign in September 2001 to secure the League’s longterm financial security and give the JLC freedom to place more volunteers in the community instead of the internal preoccupation of fundraising.

Subsequently, the United States was shaken by the devastating terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. JLC members elected to pivot and reevaluate funding based on the need for support in New York City. A drive for disaster victims raised money to donate to the Junior League of New York’s 9-11 Fund. Culminated the end of year meeting as an inspirational event for both our members and community partners called “Celebrating Community and Volunteerism” with special keynote speaker, former First Lady, Mrs. Barbara Bush

It’s important to mention that a sense of patriotism and desire to serve after 9/11 may have spurred an uptick in membership and volunteer numbers. Almost 1,000 Active members volunteered for the JLC in the 2002-2003 year. Compared to the size of other Leagues, the JLC was in the top 10 as the ninth-largest League with Active and Provisional members and the seventh-largest with Sustaining members. 77 women also transferred into the JLC that same year. Membership, and in turn community involvement, were prospering.

In the mid-2000s, the Community Impact Council moved to provide updates at each General Membership Meeting (GMM) to foster visibility on community involvement to the JLC membership. Additionally, at a 2004 GMM, a new policy was implemented requiring Provisional members to select community placements for their first Active year. This effort helped effectively fulfill the League’s mission to promote voluntarism and partner with nonprofit agencies to support their programs with passionate, trained volunteers.

The 2000s were record years during which the JLC appropriated 15 grants totaling $125,000 and more than $400,000 in volunteer time value to nearly 20 community programs. The JLC’s thrift and consignment store (the WearHouse), managed by League volunteers and JLC staff, had sales that soared to almost $600,000 - which was a sales record over WearHouse’s 68-year history. Hard work, contributions from our members and leadership from JLC staff and volunteers helped us reach this new milestone. Similar assistance from League members helped the organization extend our WearHouse lease so it would remain at its site for five more years and within budget.

That same year, the League achieved the third largest endowment of all 294 Leagues around the world, raising $950,000. By 2010, the League’s endowment surpassed $1 million — at $1,100,000! Keep in mind this was during a time where the economy experienced a major recession. The JLC held strong, proving its resiliency and relevancy in a rapidly changing period.