2020-2021
ANNUAL REPORT
WHO WE ARE
MISSION The Junior League of Colorado Springs is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. VISION To be the leading organization in Colorado Springs empowering women to become agents of change. COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations, and communities. FOCUS AREA Fostering Change: providing youth and young adults in or formerly in foster care with resources focused on the enhanced risk factors unique to this demographic.
WE ARE JLCS Leadership
We advance.
Community We engage.
JLCS | 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT
Diversity & Inclusion
Voluntarism We serve.
Training
We learn.
We welcome.
Respect
We value.
Impact
We change.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2020-2021 Board of Directors
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MEM BER SHIP
19
NEW MEMBERS
88
ACTIVE MEMBERS
160 JLCS | 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT
SUSTAINING MEMBERS 05
MEM BER SHIP
JLCS | 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT
In the midst of a global pandemic, the women of the Junior League of Colorado Springs remained steadfast in their support of the League and focused on our mission of being an organization of trained volunteers making a difference in the community. In a continuation of our efforts to increase accessibility and belonging in the League, an improved New Member Curriculum was designed and implemented to include a New Member Ambassador program. The result was a New Member retention rate of 83%.
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With careful attention given to COVID-19 precautions, new strategies were implemented to continue to improve member satisfaction. Affinity Groups were formed to allow for small group gatherings based on shared interests. Virtual meetings, trainings, and socials were deployed to ensure League programming was accessible to all members. Diversity and Inclusion was embedded through all levels of the League to tackle barriers that may exist for current and prospective members. Although in-person gatherings were limited, the League continued to focus on member development and leadership training. As a result of the generosity of former JLCS member Lucy Ross, the League was able to send thirteen members to conferences or workshops to develop their skills within the League as well as their skills personally and professionally. These included AJLI conferences by the Association of Junior Leagues International; D&I Summits; Women’s Conferences; and Workshops on communication, leadership, advocacy, and grant writing.
JLCS | 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT
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MEM BER SHIP
JLCS | 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT
At the culmination of the League year, we were proud to celebrate 88 women connected to a shared cause.
18
women recognized for "Going the Extra Mile."
23
women became Active Members.
24
women served as Active Members for five or more years.
1
woman served as an Active Member for more than 25 years.
1
woman was awarded the JLCS Spirit Award.
1
woman was awarded the JLCS President's Award.
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FUNDRAISING
Fundraising in the midst of a pandemic is no easy feat. However, the women of the Junior League of Colorado Springs rose to the challenged. All fundraising initiatives support the League's focus area of Fostering Change. Paying careful attention to COVID-19 guidelines, the Little Black Dress Initiative launched the League's fundraising efforts with a social media campaign drawing attention to the struggles young people face when they "age out" of the foster care system. The week-long campaign culminated with a virtual gala featuring Andy Petersen, Director of Development at The Place—a shelter for teens and young adults experiencing homelessness—and a virtual cooking class by the world famous chef Brother Luck. The event raised $7,500. After a brief hiatus in 2020, the JLCS once again hosted its Kentucky Derby Party. This year, the event, held at The Cliff House of Pikes Peak, featured a virtual comedian, silent auction, trivia, hat and suit contest, and a three-course meal. The event raised $4,500.
JLCS | 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT
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FUNDRAISING
The League's signature fundraiser, Touch-A-Truck Weekend, was cancelled in 2021 due to the pandemic. In lieu of the event, the JLCS hosted the Fostering Fitness: Race through the Rockies—a virtual race—and the Fostering Change Raffle featuring a grand prize of $1,000 to the Broadmoor Resort and $1,000 on Southwest Airlines. Together, the fundraisers raised more than $9,000 for the JLCS. These fundraising events, combined with the League's Annual Giving Campaign, have raised more than $43,000 for the JLCS this year.
JLCS | 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT
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In year four of our Fostering Change Initiative, the JLCS continues to serve alongside existing community partners and establish new community partnerships in an effort to reduce the risks associated with aging out of the foster care system. JLCS members gave 528 hours of community service through the League's Done1 In A Day service opportunities, directly impacting this population. Organizations served include the following:
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CASA of the Pikes Peak Region 1 Dream Centers Mary's Home Fostering Hope Family Life Services Community Partnership for Childhood Development (CPCD) COSILoveYou Schools Southern Colorado Health Network
JLCS | 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT
COM MUN ITY
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1 1 1
COM MUN ITY The League's signature community service event, Fantasy Flight, was transformed this year to a socially-distanced, drive-thru North Pole experience serving thirty-four children in foster care. With the help of CPCD and three generous community partners, each child received a meal and a trunk full of books and presents from Mr. and Mrs. Claus as they toured the North Pole from the safety of their own vehicles.
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It was only three years ago that the JLCS established its Fostering Change Fund to help meet short-term financial needs of youth and young adults who face the challenges that come along with aging out of the foster care system. We are proud to announce that in 2020-2021, the JLCS provided $5,889 in grants to several deserving youth and young adults. These grants provided life-changing support to help them succeed and to prevent the very real risks they face such as homelessness, incarceration, and human trafficking.
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This year, the JLCS awarded the following grants: $7091 to a 20-year old woman for rental assistance $1200 to an 18-year old woman for car repairs $1280 to a young man for rental and grocery assistance 1 to an 18-year old woman to make the final payment on a car $1200 $1500 to a 19-year old for a computer and job readiness assistance
$5,889
Emina received a Fostering Change Fund Grant allowing her to purchase a new laptop, attend driver's education, get her driver's license, purchase work clothing, and begin volunteering at the Humane Society. A young woman formerly in foster care and relying on the services of a local homeless shelter is now fully equipped to enter the workforce and break the cycle of poverty and homelessness in her own life as a result of the Fostering Change Fund Grant.
JLCS | 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT
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OUR PARTNERS
The Junior League of Colorado Springs would like to thank our community sponsors and partners for their generous support, without which our work would not be possible.
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Junior League of Colorado Springs 210 East Dale Street, Suite 200 Colorado Springs, CO 80903 719.632.3855 office@jlcoloradosprings.org