Folio Fall 2021

VOLUME 72, ISSUE 1 • FALL 2021

THE WOMEN OF JLM:

90 YEARS OF DETERMINATION AND GRACE

A N N S I RM O N

SUSTAINER OF THE YEAR A hard working member of JLM and her true calling to give back

Cover Photo by: Elizabeth Gelineau

BLUEPASS, CHRISTMAS JUBILEE SNEAK PEEKS & MORE...

www.MobileBallet.org Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021 | 3

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

Sarah Bumgarner

2021-2022 President Junior League of Mobile, Inc.

I

can’t say I remember the first time I walked into Junior League of Mobile headquarters at 47 N. Sage Avenue,

but I can say I have countless memories in the building. I’ve spent many Tuesday nights at headquarters and made over a million memories. My friends and I even joke that we can’t plan anything on Tuesday because that’s Junior League night, and I really like the ring of it!

Some of the memories I can clearly remember are sitting in the auditorium during general membership meetings, listening to woman after woman get up and talk about their respective

program. I was constantly mesmerized

(1943), funding the Mobile Public Library

by the poise and intelligence of each

Bookmobile (1947), the Audio Visual

speaker. My favorite part was hearing

program in MCPSS (1954), the Preschool

from our Executive Directors and staff

for the Sensory Imparied (1965), The

of the community partners JLM has

Exploreum (1976), Drug Education

worked with over the years to make

Council (1984), helped start the Mobile

a difference in so many lives of my

Area Education Foundation (1995), built

neighbors and community. I was proud

the Wharf of Wonder (2005), and most

to sit in my seat and think, “Wow, I had

recently starting our Diaper Bank (2018).

a part in that.

These programs, and many more, took countless volunteer hours and planning,

As I think back on the 90 JLM

memories being made for thousands of

Presidents who came before me, I’m

women year after year.

even more amazed at all these ladies have been able to accomplish. How

So, I challenge you as volunteers,

much impact their leadership and

wherever you spend your time, keep

guidance has allowed this city and its

moving forward and making a way. As

citizens to move forward. I’m proud that

Martin Luther King, Jr. so famously said,

through the obstacles of this year we

“If you can’t fly then run. If you can’t run

can look back and say, no matter what

then walk. If you can’t walk then crawl.

was in our path, Junior League women

But whatever you do, you have to keep

persevered. You see, I’m sure there were

moving forward.”

obstacles through the past 90 years that could have stopped the volunteers

Thank you for allowing me to serve

from moving forward, but that’s not the

you, and for continuing your support of

story we hear today; of the projects such

the amazing women who made Junior

as a dental clinic (1932), a teen center

League of Mobile what it is today.

4 | Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021

CONTENTS F AL L 2 02 1

Women Building a Better Community

LEADERSHIP

FEATURES

8 Supporting JLM

14 Sustainer of the Year

5 ways you can help support

Ann Sirmon and how

our mission during the

volunteerism shaped her life

Holiday season

11 Stepping up to the Plate

10

30

28 Educate and Initiate Get the facts on child poverty in Alabama and more.

Congratulations to this year’s Provisional and Active of the

IMPACT

Year recipients

12 Meet Our Team Let’s get introduced to the

34 Training

management team!

What’s up for JLM’s ongoing training?

CURRENT EVENTS

16 BluePass 2021

IN EVERY ISSUE

22

Check out this fundraiser full of local sales that starts NOW!

18 90th Anniversary Take a look at JLM’s continued

4

From the Desk of the President

7

Letter from the Editor

7

Contributors

38

Did You Know?

38

Save the Date

celebration and the women who helped us along the way.

32

33

Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021 | 5

A community publication of Junior League of Mobile EDITOR Crystal S. Jones CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Krista Harrell, Shellie Teague, Natalie Sonnier, Jannice Glover PRODUCER Interstate Printing & Graphics GRAPHIC DESIGNER Smith Design, Courtney Harris AD SALES

Complete Care from the Neck Up.

Sarah Bumgarner, Mary Allie Boller Lursen, Shellie Teague MISSION STATEMENT Junior League of Mobile, Inc., is an organization of women

Some of the best specialists in the

committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential

region call Premier Medical home. From

of women, and improving communities through the effective

medical and surgical eye, ear, nose,

action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. FOLIO is published

and throat care to allergy testing and

twice a year. All rights are reserved. Reproduction, without

treatment, hearing aids, LASIK, contact

permission, except by other Junior League publications, is

lenses, and other optical services we

prohibited. The office is located at 57 N. Sage Ave., Mobile, AL 36607, 251.471.3348.

have a specialist that can help you.

Learn more at: www.juniorleaguemobile.org

For an Eye, Ear, Nose, & Throat Appointment Call: HOW TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT FOLIO Please address all advertising inquiries to: FOLIO Magazine

East Office: 251.473.1900 West Office: 251.341.3300

57 N. Sage Ave.

Providence ENT: 251.633.2667

Mobile, AL 36607

Daphne Office: 251.410.9000

P: 251.471.3348 F: 251.471.3340 E: headquarters@juniorleaguemobile.org For more information or to download an advertising rate sheet, visit us at: www.juniorleaguemobile.org

6 | Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021

Visit us online at pmg.md

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

“You’re never going to kill storytelling, because it’s built in the human plan.

We come with it.”

C O N T R IB U TI NG W R I TERS

KRISTA HARRELL Contributing Writer Provisional 2013

—Margaret Atwood,

Author of A Handmaid’s Tale

Crystal S. Jones, 2021 Folio Editor

I

live by the motto, “Everyone has

JLM is filled with dedicated women

a story. You have to look past the

who have so many valuable stories to

cover to truly know what it is.” I not

share. We are all living busy lives of our

only live by this, but I decided to apply

own, but we choose to take time and

it when I was asked to rebuild the Folio

volunteer to helping this organization

this year. Storytelling is a philosophy that

and its charitable efforts. We all have

crosses cultures and brings individuals

individual thoughts on how to make this

together and I wanted to apply this

world a little better and yet we come

method to the magazine and throughout

together as one to try and see that no

its pages.

child goes home hungry and that every

SHELLIE TEAGUE Guest Writer Provisional 2017

baby or adult that is in need of diapers in I feel privileged to have had the

our area has those needs filled. We work

opportunity to work with my team in

with Dumas Weasley to make sure those

putting this magazine together for you.

kids feel encouraged and loved. We have

Throughout all the pages we’ve woven

many other programs that we partner

together the story of our journey as an

with in the Mobile area and after 90

organization; from our leadership section

years of work, this is just the beginning.

that breaks down our current Board of

As I write I can’t help but wish our

Directors and Management Team on to

medical professionals were safely home

our features section with articles on Child

with their families instead of steadfastly

Poverty in Alabama and Sex Trafficking.

fighting a virus that is sweeping the

With our last section being impact, where

nation for a second time.

NATALIE SONNIER Guest Writer Provisional 2017

everyone can make an impact. In this section it shows you how you can join

Yes, we all have stories to tell, good or

Junior League of Mobile (JLM). It’s a true

bad, and I hope you get to read a little

publication of love and sleepless nights,

piece of JLM’s within these pages.

so I hope you enjoy our story.

JANNICE GLOVER

— Crystal S. Jones, Folio Editor

Guest Writer Provisional 2018

LEADERSHIP

GET INVOLVED

1

SHOP BLUEPASS It’s a month-long shopping extravaganza! This fundraiser gives card holders exclusive discounts to merchants in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. By purchasing a $30 BluePass, you get to shop great deals all while helping Junior League of Mobile (JLM) build better communities. The funds raised by

5 WAYS YOU & YOUR EMPLOYEES CAN HELP JLM AND Your Community This Holiday Season

2

DONATE DIAPERS Did you know most childcare centers require parents to provide a day’s supply of diapers? Without this, babies can’t go to daycare, and their parents can’t go to work.

This might be affecting your office and you don’t even know it. So, help the Mummies on Halloween

BluePass helps improve the lives of

and ask your employees to bring

children in our communities through

4

our impact area — Healthy Children: Hunger, Nutrition, and Fitness.

in a pack of diapers for the JLM Diaper Bank. Contact operations@ juniorleaguemobile.org for directions on where to drop the

3

diapers off.

5

ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

ADOPT-A-SCHOOL

SHOP CHRISTMAS JUBILEE

Instead of having a Secret Santa at

Kick off your holiday shopping and

work this year, set out a box in the

support your community at our

GIVE THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

breakroom and collect items for our

annual Christmas Jubilee located at

During the holiday season many

Adopt-A-School program. Collect

the Mobile Convention Center. The

look for the opportunity to give

necessities that kids need, such as

Gulf Coast’s greatest holiday market

to charities of their choice. Junior

uniforms, school supplies, hygiene

features a variety of merchants

League of Mobile has two funds

items and even some food items

from around the country under

available for giving. There is the

they can take home. Knowing I’ve

one roof for three exciting days

Endowment Fund and the Gracious

sent a child home with the things

of shopping! Get into the holiday

Giving Fund, both go to community

they need to perform well in school

spirit and if all that shopping leaves

impact projects and help those in

and have a healthy home life is

you hungry, the concession stands

need. They allow us to better focus

worth sacrificing that Starbuck’s gift

will be open. For anyone 21 and

on a concentrated area, the needs

card. Please contact our office for a

up, we’ll have a cash bar available

of our local community and the

detailed list of items.

during market hours.

betterment of society.

8 | Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021

NOVEMBER 12–14, 2021 AT THE MOBILE CONVENTION CENTER PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Visit juniorleaguemobile.org or purchase tickets at the door. $10 in advance | $12 at door $10 College Student, Senior Citizen, and Military $5 Children (ages 6-12), Free Children 5 and under

VIP Shopping Event $30 VIP Shopping (Friday & Saturday Only! 21+ only)

LEADERSHIP

2021–2022

Board of Directors Please welcome the 2021–2022 Board of Directors. This standout team has begun to lead the Junior League of Mobile (JLM) at a unique period in history. We are celebrating 90 years of service to our community. Throughout the years, women from the Gulf Coast have been proudly coming together to promote the potential they see in each other through volunteerism, and leadership development. That’s truly inspiring.

Having a group of professional, compassionate women to lead the organization every year, only helps us to seek the best in each other and value independent thoughts and ideas. Thank you for your service, ladies, and we look

Left to right: Ashley McKeithan, Catherine Wynn, Bridget Archer, Andrea Moore, Sarah Bumgarner, Amy Groves, Sasha Thatcher, Shellie Teague and Tara McCook

forward to seeing what you do.

GET TO KNOW THE BOARD SARAH BUMGARNER

ASHLEY MCKEITHAN

CATHERINE WYNN

2021-2022 President

2021-2022 Nominating Director

2021-2022 Recording Secretary

Occupation: Marketing Director, Rich’s

Occupation: Human Resources Leader,

Occupation: Accounting Manager,

Car Wash

Hargrove & Associates, Inc.

Mobile Instrument

With JLM: 12 Years

With JLM: 12 Years

With JLM: 7 Years

AMY GROVES

SHELLIE TEAGUE

BRIDGET ARCHER

2021-2022 President-Elect

2021-2022 Public Relations Director

2021-2022 Governance Director

Occupation: Business Lead, Institute

Occupation: Social Butterfly, Proxi

Occupation: School Improvement

for Medical and Nursing Education, Inc.

Public Relations

Specialist, MCPSS

With JLM: 12 Years

With JLM: 5 Years

With JLM: 9 Years

TARA MCCOOK

SASHA THATCHER

ANDREA MOORE

2021-2022 Planning Director

2021-2022 Treasurer

2021-2022 Sustaining Advisor to the

Occupation: Learning Manager, Cohn

Occupation: Senior Treasury Analyst,

Board of Directors

Reznick, LLP

SSAB

Occupation: Co-Owner,

With JLM: 7 Years (3rd with JLM)

With JLM: 6 Years

M2 Solutions, Inc. With JLM: 16 Years

10 | Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021

AWARDS

KENDALL FLOWERS-WALTERS

Provisional of the Year

T

he 2020-2021 Provisional of the

Kendall and her husband of 13 years,

Year award was presented to

Trevor, are newbies to midtown Mobile,

Kendall Flowers-Walters. During

having moved from Fairhope two

her provisional year, Kendall was always

years ago. When she isn’t at JLM, she

the first to take the initiative and go out

is building her new business, Gotcha

of her way to help. She would volunteer

Covered, or spending time at the

to take diaper deliveries across the bay

beach, boating, reading, or cooking and

and made sure the diaper drive was

entertaining. Her JLM placement this

well-advertised with signage. Her small

year is the arrangements day meeting

acts of service added up to be a huge

coordinator. She says, “giving back to

help throughout the course of the year.

the community through JLM has been a blessing as a newbie to the area!”

SARAH SCHRENK

Active of the Year and stepped up to also Chair the

leadership with the Adopt-A-School

Garden of Growing. Since then she

program has enhanced the lives of

has continued to take on challenging

all our students and the Maysville

leadership roles including her current

community as a whole by providing

placement as the Adopt-A-School chair.

students and families with a myriad of

Sarah was awarded Active of the Year

resources, including food, uniforms, and

for 2020-2021 because of her selfless

school supplies.”

contributions in her role as the Adopt-

S

arah joined the league in 2015, and in her first active year dove right in to a double placement with

Jubilee Bargains & Exploreum Garden of Growing. Her second active year she continued her double-placement

A-School Chair, which was a particularly

Sarah’s dedication to her Junior League

challenging role during the Covid-19

of Mobile placement, her passion for

pandemic. Children received Kindles,

community, and her devotion to seeing

uniforms, snacks, and even had refillable

our mission through in one of the most

water stations installed all under

difficult of years made us proud to

her leadership.

award her the 2020-2021 Active of the Year Award.

Alexis Greer, the counselor at George Hall Elementary said that “[her]

The 2020-2021 award winners represented JLM’s mission with enthusiastic volunteerism. Who would you see winning for 2021-2022? Could it be you?

Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021 | 11

LEADERSHIP

2021–2022

Management Team Please welcome our 2021-2022 Management Team. These ladies are the heart and soul of our organization as they coordinate the day-to-day activities. While the Board of Directors is thinking of the long-term plan for JLM, the Management Team is making plans for what’s happening today.

We couldn’t do the work we do without them and their guidance throughout the year is what turns members into leaders.

JANNICE GLOVER

SARAH SCHRENK

2021-2022 Communications Manager

2021-2022 Community Coordinating

With JLM: 4 Years

Manager

How has voluntarism through JLM enriched your life?

“Volunteering gives me purpose beyond

With JLM: 7 years

What would you want prospective members to know about JLM?

motherhood, my heart is in helping others. It allows my

“The Junior League of Mobile has really opened up my eyes to

daughter and I to give back. It’s important for me to show my

the needs of our community, and the volunteer opportunities

six-year-old daughter we can help others in our choices and

have let me help make Mobile a better place.”

actions. We volunteer for several other organizations in the community. Our favorite place to volunteer with JLM is at the

JULIA HATLEY

Dumas Wesley after-school program.”

2021- 2022 Governance Director Elect With JLM: 7 years

KAYLA MOWDY 2021-2022 Fund Development Manager With JLM: 8 Years

What has been the most fulfilling moment you’ve had during your time with JLM?

What has been the most fulfilling moment you’ve had while in the Junior League of Mobile?

“At Christmas Jubilee 2019, I walked through the market and was truly in awe of what our committee of extraordinary women had achieved - everything ran so smoothly and looked beautiful,

“I became involved in Junior League to meet people but

we raised a lot of money for our community, and I was so proud

became hooked by the mission after serving as backpack

to be a part of such an amazing team alongside ladies I know I’ll

program chair my second active year. It was very fulfilling of

have in my life as friends for many years to come.”

my desire to serve the community, but I was also able to build my skills as a leader. Sitting on the community council under Krista Harrell’s leadership was also so rewarding and really shaped my leadership style for my Junior League placements and my professional roles as well.”

12 | Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021

“I became involved in Junior League to meet people but became hooked by the mission after serving as backpack program chair my second active year.”

Front Row Left to right: Ashley Bryan, Amy Groves, Latrese English.

Back Row Left to right: Julia Hatley, Kayla Mowdy, Sarah Schrenk, Jannice Glover and Melissa Hunter.

Not Pictured: Catherine Cochran and Tiffany Nelson

CATHERINE COCHRAN

MELISSA HUNTER

2021-2022 Membership Development

2021-2022 Training Manager

Manager

With JLM: 11 years

With JLM: 4 years

What is your hope for the future of JLM? “To continue to provide new friendships to current and future

What would you want prospective members to know about JLM? “There’s a place for everyone! JLM offers volunteer opportunities for women in all walks of life.”

members through continued growth and personal fulfillment.”

ASHLEY BRYAN TIFFANY NELSON

2021-2022 Treasurer Elect

2021-2022 Nominating Director Elect

With JLM: 3 years

With JLM: 7 years

What is your hope for the future of JLM? “My hope for the future of JLM is to help empower other women to become leaders within our

How has voluntarism through JLM enriched your life?

“Junior League of Mobile has given me the opportunity to meet and work with new people to accomplish a common goal.”

organization and encourage members of our community to get more involved with our mission therefore furthering our reach.”

CHANDRA BROWN STEWART 2021-2022 Sustaining Advisor –

LATRESE ENGLISH

Management Team

2021-2022 Research Manager

With JLM: 20 Years

With JLM: 8 years

JLM President in 2014-2015

What is a suggestion you would give to a new prospective member?

What was your greatest lesson on service, during your Presidential year?

“I would encourage prospective

“I love leadership. So being able to strengthen my leadership

members to be open to the vast knowledge and experience

skills, understand my learning edges AND lead a group of

membership provides. I’ve learned so much and met so

amazing women to change our community, were my lessons.”

many wonderful women who have encouraged and aided me in developing leadership skills while giving back to our community.”

Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021 | 13

ANN FORBES SIRMON

Sustainer of the Year By: Shellie Teague

“Being able to connect with this young child and watch her grow into this wonderful young lady has made a huge impact in my life,” 14 | Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021

FEATURE | SUSTAINER OF THE YEAR

AWARDS

through effective action,” Ann says.

many positions, including president, Ann

“With Big Brothers Big Sisters, it’s the

still sees the value and impact of her JLM

JLM mission all rolled up into one. It

membership. She says a few things keep

has played a role in both my leadership

her in the organization, including her

positions and professional career.”

belief in the mission and carrying it over into the community and her career.

Her volunteer roles have included the Alumni Association at the University of

When Ann isn’t spending her time in our

South Alabama, where she served as

community, you can find Ann running,

President, started the past president’s

playing the piano, or hiking and fishing.

or Ann Forbes Sirmon,

society, and helped fundraise for the

She enjoys cooking with her husband

volunteering runs deep, which is

MacQueen Alumni Center. She says JLM

of 33 years, Danny, or speaking proudly

no surprise for this past Junior

provided the training for her to be a

about her son Forbes, who is 27 years

better leader and bring people together.

old and working for a software company

F

League of Mobile President and 2020

in New York City. She is currently

Sustainer of the Year.

She has now been with her little sister

the Executive Director of the Mobile

“I come from a family of volunteerism,”

for 9 years, a volunteer role that started

Bar Association.

Ann says. “My mom and dad volunteered

from her work in the District Attorney’s

my entire life and I still remember going

office as the Director of Youth and

When Ann was presented the Sustainer

with my mom to volunteer at the Junior

Family Services. They do a variety of

of the Year award at the Sustainer

Auxiliary in Laurel, Mississippi as a child.”

activities together, whether it’s going to

Luncheon, she dedicated it to her

a new restaurant or an event. They were

mother, who passed away six years

Ann was born in Laurel, Mississippi, but

paired in elementary school and her little

ago. The memories of her mom and

graduated from Andalusia High School

is now a ninth grader who loves to dance

dad’s involvement in the community

before moving to Mobile to attend the

and loves the typical things teenage girls

stayed with her throughout life, with

University of South Alabama. Upon

like. Ann is not just close with her little,

her mom “always there and always

receiving her degree in hospitality

she’s also close with her mother, and she

my cheerleader.”

management, she immediately went

shares that the program has also had a

to work at the Convention and Visitors

great impact on her life.

The Sustainer of the Year award is presented “to a Sustaining member who

Bureau, where two coworkers (Joy Atkinson and Shawn Cushing) told her

“Being able to connect with this young

exemplifies the organization’s education

she needed to become a Junior League

child and watch her grow into this

and charitable mission.” Unlike JLM’s

of Mobile member.

wonderful young lady has made a huge

Active of the Year, it is a culmination of

impact in my life,” she says. “I’ve seen a

a member’s work and dedication in JLM

It wasn’t long before Ann held

true transformation in this young lady,

and the greater community. For Ann,

leadership positions in JLM - by her

and it’s made a difference in my life as

connecting the JLM mission to her life

third active year, she was placed as

well. I can’t even think of my life without

is simple.

Christmas Jubilee Chair. She says

her in it.”

“I truly believe in the mission and the

that JLM continually played a role in her volunteer commitments, both

Even as a sustainer, Ann is involved in

impact that it makes because it made

within JLM and in other organizations,

JLM and takes the mission with her in

such an impact on myself,” she says. “I’m

especially as a Big Sister in Big Brothers

all she approaches. She recently served

doing what that mission says. When you

Big Sisters of South Alabama.

as the management team advisor and

become a sustainer, you take what you

enjoys being able to provide a new

learned and take it to other groups to

“I am developing the potential of another

approach to opportunities the current

make your community stronger.”

person and improving my community

leadership may face. After serving in so Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021 | 15

CURRENT EVENTS | BLUE PASS

SHOP LOCAL, SHOP

By: Jannice Glover Have you ever been out shopping and wished you had a discount at your favorite local stores? Well, here’s your chance!

Many of your favorite shops have teamed up with the Junior League of Mobile to give you an exclusive 20% discount during the entire month of October!

BluePass, our annual shopping card fundraiser, allows for savings and exclusive discounts from over 150 area merchants and will be available for the discounted price of $30. Participating merchants will be in Mobile and Baldwin Counties, and you can support us through shopping not only in person, but also online.

The BluePass fundraiser keeps JLM going strong. BluePass is in its 13th year having raised over $140,000 and supports the JLM mission of Healthy Children: Hunger, Nutrition & Fitness.

Not only does BluePass offer our support to local merchants, it has also helped us fund the Adopt-A-School program and the Diaper Bank; also providing much-needed assistance to community organizations, such as Gulf Coast Exploreum, Prodisee Pantry, the Joseph Project and Distinguished Young Women.

Many local merchants have seen the shopping card has increased their online and in-store traffic during the month of October. Do you own a local store or online shop? If so, consider supporting JLM by becoming a BluePass merchant.

To find out more, please visit www.juniorleaguemobile.org/ BluePass and then click on the link “How to Become a BluePass Merchant”. We also have BluePass sponsorships and “A Friend of BluePass” opportunities to those who are interested.

Buy a BluePass, shop local, support the local economy and make impacts far beyond your $30 investments.

16 | Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021

IVY COTTAGE RETREAT IS MOVING TO LEGACY VILLAGE

just 3 Doors down from main I V Y CO TTAGE store!

9 DuRhu Drive, Ste. 360 | Mobile, AL 251-345-1731

China, Gifts & Home Accessories

Linens, Gifts & Home Accessories

w w w. i v yco t t a g e o n l i n e. co m

www.mcgill-toolen.org Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Gelineau

Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021 | 17

Mrs. Elizabeth A. Crichton, first President of Junior League of Mobile, Inc. - Source provided by Junior League of Mobile from their collection at The Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of South Alabama

JL M 9 0 T H ANNIVERS ARY

CEL EBRA TIN G

WOMEN,

CEL EBRA TIN G

OUR FUTURE By: Dr. Krista Harrell

18 | Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021

CURRENT EVENTS | 90TH ANNIVERSARY

A Glimpse of What’s to Come The Junior League of Mobile is celebrating our 90th

Celebrating our 90th Anniversary will include stories on

Anniversary and we will be sharing 90 years of pride in

members, highlighting some of our JLM women who have

supporting our community, developing the potential of

made significant contributions in our community. Features

women, and promoting voluntarism. JLM members are

will focus on members’ experiences, memorable of past

women building a better community through effective action

placements, standout fundraisers, and their impact on the

and leadership of trained volunteers. Our community impact

community. Folio articles will recognize Active and Sustainer

is exalted with JLM’s Legacy projects—organizations founded

members who support the mission of JLM.

in part or solely by JLM and continue to thrive. The Junior League of Mobile provides unique training opportunities and

Numerous events and initiatives are being considered and of

welcomes new members who have an interest in developing

course are dependent on COVID and current health guidelines.

their potential and contributing to the betterment of our

Program ideas include Sustainer neighborhood coffee chats.

community. JLM has worked in partnership with community

These could be quarterly opportunities to meet with members

organizations to establish sustainable initiatives to benefit

of the board to share what’s happening with JLM and how to

Mobile and Baldwin counties.

get connected and a “Day of Caring” featuring the opportunity to work with partner community agencies on a needed project

We will be featuring key milestones in our history and

while enhancing volunteer opportunities. Fun ideas include

outreaching to members to participate in the collection of

creating a video and social media campaign that reflects on

these achievements, with a focus on engaging our members,

the 90 years of JLM projects and community events.

increasing public awareness of JLM, and strengthening connections between Sustainer and Active members.

Magnolias of JLM

The Junior League of Mobile has a proud history of dynamic women acting as change-makers in our community. As JLM celebrates 90 years of women building a better tomorrow, members will be highlighted for their dedication and service in the new series—Magnolias of JLM. These women are wonderful representatives for the League’s mission and serve as role models for other members. The series will feature interviews discussing their League experiences and commitment along with lighthearted questions to help us get to know them in new and fun ways. The first two members highlighted in the series are Sharee Broussard and Talma Carstarphen.

Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021 | 19

CURRENT EVENTS | MAGNOLIAS OF JLM

Sharee Broussard Full Name: Sharee LeBlanc Broussard

Hometown: Erath, La. (south of Lafayette)

Current city of residence: Mobile (again;

we’ve moved here three times 1992, 2003 & 2019)

Occupation: Public Affairs & Community Services for Mobile County (since May 2021) 1. How long have you been a member of JLM? Since 1998 2. What’s a JLM project or placement that is important to you and why? I enjoyed in-League placements the most; especially shaping JLM policy and procedures as a two-time board member and developing women through the leadership academy and training committee.

3. What do you consider to be your greatest JLM achievement?

I was able to get academic credit for a study and subsequently created a AJLI award winning marketing plan for Junior League of Mobile.

4. What is important to ensure JLM’s mission continues another 90 years? JLM needs to be for others/future members what it is for current/ past members. You know the saying “success breeds success”, JLM proves that.

The confidence women build by working together successfully to accomplish shared goals transfers to other aspects of their lives.

5. What’s one thing you had to learn the hard way? Always check the name in the To box on your email, because “John” might not be the “John” you want.

6. What are you most excited about at this time in your life? I’ve started a whole new chapter of my life and it’s pretty darn exciting.

7. What’s the best thing that happened this year? So much has happened this year. We sold two houses. Coming out of COVID, you realize what is important—doing the things you want and being in the places you want to be.

Our ability to act on that has made quite a difference for both of us.

8. What’s inspiring you in life right now? Eckhardt Tolle’s work 9. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received? There are no problems, only situations. Take action, accept or leave.

10.What’s the one thing you wish you knew at age 19? That you don’t have to do it all at the same time.

19.What makes you smile the most? When I see people I’ve taught or worked with flourish as men and women, for others, and know that I played a small part in their development.

20.Were you named after someone?

No. For nine months, my family thought I was going to be a boy and my name was going to be Charlie. When I was born a girl, they had to hurry up and think of a new name.

My mom thought of Sharee and thought it sounded like Charlie.

21.What is one thing you still have from your childhood? I have this ceramic angel my grandmother bought for all the grandkids. Mine is a September ceramic angel. A lot of my cousins have lost theirs, but I still have mine.

22.What’s your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving and Halloween 23.Superpower you would want: Mind reading 24.What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life? The first time we bought a house before we sold a house and the fact, we did it again.

25.Your go-to for having a good laugh? Hanging out with friends. There’s a group of JLM Sustainers and when we get together, we can easily laugh or cry together.

26.What’s your favorite thing in the world? There’s a satisfaction in a job well done. When you work hard, and you know you did okay. When you make it through something tough, but you succeed in your endeavors.

27.What’s something you notice about someone when you first meet them? Their eyes.

28.How do you know you’re in love? We met in high school; it was a long time ago. We probably saw each other a lot before we met, but I remember the first time we saw each other, I really noticed him. I just really noticed him and that was like, 36 years ago.

29.If you could do a love scene with anyone, who would it be?

Keanu Reeves 30.Dream country to visit: France 31.Secret talent? Cooking, I can eat something or just taste it and generally recreate it.

32.What’s one thing people don’t know about you? People think I like to be front and center all the time. I’m perfectly content being in the background and pushing someone else forward.

11.What song can you listen to on repeat?

She laughs, “Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba

33.How do you define beauty? Beauty comes from the inside.

12.What are three words to describe living in the Mobile Area?

Friendly, Comfortable, and Familiar

35.What’s something you want to be doing in 10 years? I want to be spending a lot more time putting my toes in the sand.

13.What’s your favorite band? Blue October. They got me through my dissertation.

36.What’s the weirdest word in the English language? Onomatopoeia

14.What are your favorite lyrics of all time? A lot of times I catch myself humming Foo Fighters.

37.A skill you’re working to master: Mindfulness

34.Who do you turn to when you’re sad? My husband and my sisters

15.What are you currently reading? Mary Oliver poetry collection

38.How would you define yourself in three words?

Competent, Caring, Resourceful

16.Which movie makes you laugh the hardest? Jim Carrey makes me laugh.

His stupid movies make me really laugh.

39.What would you like to be remembered for? I would like to be remembered as someone who has invested in others and helped develop them.

17.A book that everyone should read: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

40.Your affirmation for today? This, too, shall pass. Whether it’s a good day or a bad one. “This, too, shall pass” teaches you to relish in life’s good moments because they won’t last. It also teaches you resiliency and strength, because the bad ones won’t last either.

18.Favorite place to view art? When I worked at Spring Hill College, my office was right across from Wanda Sullivan Allred’s studio office, and I got to see her creating art every day.

20 | Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021

Talma Carstarphen

11.What’s your favorite band? Van Morrison, The Smiths, Ramones

Full Name: Talma M. Carstarphen

13.If you could master one instrument, what would it be?

All of them, especially violin or the piano.

Hometown: Mobile, AL

Current city of residence: Mobile, AL

Occupation: Proposal Development Director at Global Medical Response

12.What are your favorite lyrics of all time?

Too many to name. I sing all the time.

14.What’s your favorite movie of the last five years? I rarely see movies.

15.What’s a movie that made you cry?

More likely that a book would make me cry 16.If you made a documentary, what would it be about?

Maybe why people won’t wear their masks.

1. How long have you been a member of JLM? More than a decade. I wanted to have the opportunity to interact and learn from other women who are mission driven. That part is important, not just getting together socially but really wanting to get together with purpose. The camaraderie of women who are missionminded was important to me.

2. What’s a JLM project or placement that is important to you and why? I think the planning and research council for JLM is very important to set a sustainable and progressive plan for the organization. It is essential for the sustainability of JLM to look ahead, not just of the needs of today, but what future needs will be of our members and of the communities we serve and build the roadmap.

3. What do you consider to be your greatest JLM achievement?

I was honored to be our first Diversity Chair and work with our leaders and community to establish “Diversity Day” in the city by proclamation. It was fun having a lot of first positions in JLM and working with a committee to build initiatives with collaboration. I always felt like it is important that the person sitting in the back of the room, in a general membership meeting, needs to be able to see themselves at the podium, to see progression to leadership in a process that is rich in a diverse membership. That is a great measure of the organization.

4. How do you want JLM to celebrate the 90th anniversary?

I remember years ago, being part of all the long-range planning and I’m sure I have notes about what we were going to do. There were so many ideas. We talked about a new legacy project that would have a sustainable impact in the community. We could resurrect some of the legacy milestones, like anniversary copies of coupon books or creating an app with our recipes. There’s so much rich history of JLM and our members will get to see they are standing on the shoulders of the members from 90 years ago.

5. What is important to ensure JLM’s mission continues another 90 years?

It is important to continue to make investments that bring value in the members and ensure the value they receive from membership and fellowship is meaningful. JLM is a membership organization and for it to grow the work needs to continue to be mission driven.

6. What’s the best thing that happened this year? My company selected the inaugural chair of the “DEI Resource Group” for company.

7. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received? Don’t do that.

8. What’s the one thing you wish you knew at age 19? To pay attention more to life, to things in general.

9. What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received? I don’t know, but you saying I am a Junior League role model is a good compliment.

10.What are three words to describe living in the Mobile Area?

Hot, Humid, Unique

17.A book that everyone should read: The Bible 18.Favorite place to view art?

Anywhere. Isn’t it a gift to see art wherever you see it?

19.What is one thing you still have from your childhood?

I still have some books and toys 20.What’s your favorite time of day? Early morning 21.Coffee or tea? Both, at any time of the day.

22.What’s your favorite holiday? Easter 23.Superpower you would want: Invisibility 24.What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?

“This interview”, she smiles.

25.Your go-to for having a good laugh? I really like watching Frasier 26.What’s something you notice about someone when you first meet them? Their attitude.

27.Summer or winter? Winter 28.Dream country to visit: Italy 29.What do you do on a rainy day? Same thing I do on a sunny day—work.

Except carry an umbrella and put on my rain boots.

30.What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

Well, if I tell you, it wouldn’t be something people don’t know.

31.How do you define beauty? I don’t define it.

32.What makes you smile the most? Good music 33.What’s something you want to be doing in 10 years? Resting 34.What’s the weirdest word in the English language? I find language interesting, so I don’t think about words being weird. If there are any weird words, they’d be slang words and hashtags.

35.A skill you’re working on to master: I’m definitely trying to work on living in a meaningful way.

36.What’s one thing you had to learn the hard way?

There is only so much you can accomplish in one day. You can’t do it all at once.

37.Best thing to happen to you today?

Talking to you for this interview.

38.When are you the most hopeful?

When people exhibit kindness.

39.What would you like to be remembered for? I would like to be remembered that I really tried.

40.Your affirmation for today?

Leap and a net will appear.

Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021 | 21

Start the Season of Giving

BY SHOPPING CHRISTMAS JUBILEE BY: NATALIE SONNIER

Are you ready to get into the holiday spirit?

Christmas Jubilee is the perfect way to do so while getting a jump start on your Christmas shopping (or buy something special for yourself)!

22 | Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021

CURRENT EVENTS | CHRISTMAS JUBILEE

T

his year’s Christmas Jubilee is being led by Paige Reed

Funds also go towards helping JLM’s partner organizations and

and her dedicated team of over forty volunteers.

volunteer training.

Preparations start in the summertime and continue up

until the close of the market.

In addition to funding various community impact programs, Christmas Jubilee also supports regional businesses.

Christmas Jubilee is the Gulf Coast’s greatest holiday market,

Merchants are able to get their products in front of both

featuring a variety of merchants from around the region all

their loyal fans and brand-new customers. Christmas Jubilee

under one roof! This year’s event will take place November

typically sees in excess of 10,000 shoppers each year!

12th-14th at the Mobile Convention Center. Shoppers will be able to browse over 100 merchants while enjoying holiday

Participation in Junior League of Mobile’s largest fundraiser—

music, trying delicious food at the food court, and partaking in

as a merchant or a shopper—makes a direct impact on

special events. For our over-21 shoppers, we’ll have a cash bar

the Mobile and Baldwin County communities through the

available during market hours.

development of Junior League of Mobile volunteers and the numerous local agencies and programs with which Junior

Each year Christmas Jubilee features a wide variety of

League of Mobile partners. Mark your calendars now to join us

merchants including clothing boutiques, artisan jewelry, and

this year for our 37th Christmas Jubilee!

boutique bakeries. When asked about their experience with Christmas Jubilee, long-time merchant, ellenJAY said, “This year will be ellenJAY’s 8th Christmas Jubilee! Christmas Jubilee is truly something our team looks forward to all year long. It marks the start of the official Christmas season for us, and it totally gets us feeling festive! We can’t wait!”

Christmas Jubilee is not only a great way to kick off your holiday shopping, but it also supports our community in a big way. This event is the Junior League of Mobile’s largest annual fundraiser and generates more than $200,000 in revenue! Funds raised are put back into the communities of Mobile and Baldwin counties through programs like Adopta-School, after-school programs, and the JLM diaper bank.

Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021 | 23

CURRENT EVENTS | CHRISTMAS JUBILEE

24 | Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021

The Details LOCATION

Mobile Convention Center

MARKET DATES AND HOURS Friday, November 12th 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday, November 13th 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, November 14th 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

TICKET PRICES $10 in advance $12 at door $10 College Student, Senior Citizen, and Military $5 Children (ages 6-12), Free Children 5 and under $30 VIP Shopping (Friday & Saturday Only! 21+ only)

WHERE TO BUY TICKETS

Visit juniorleaguemobile.org or purchase tickets at the door

SPECIAL EVENT VIP Shopping – $30

VIP Shopping is our preview events that kicks off Christmas Jubilee on Friday and Saturday mornings! Shoppers ages 21 and up can enjoy crowd-free and stroller-free shopping before the market opens for general admission (sorry, no kids allowed!) Take advantage of being the first to shop our market while enjoying morning cocktails and a breakfast treat!

Your VIP shopping ticket will include shopping beyond the

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SOCIETY AND CULTURE The Dream Stuff You Should Know 9/12 The Journal

Join us for the Gulf Coast’s best holiday concert!

Silent Night • Sleigh Ride • Nutcracker Handel’s Messiah • Away in a Manager O Tannenbaum • O Holy Night Christmas Singalong • And more!

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Sunday, Dec. 12, 2:30 p.m.

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March 12 & 13, 2022 – Beethoven & Blue Jeans, featuring pianist Charlie Albright.

GOVERNMENT The Lincoln Project Run for Something

MobileSymphony.org • 251-432-2010 • Tickets start at $20

CHRISTIANITY Confessions of a Crappy Christian The Woman of God created by Kimberla Lawson Roby

COMEDY The Office Ladies Armchair Expert with Dax Shephard Smartless

TRUE CRIME The Dropout Dr. Death Wine and Crime Southern Mysteries Up and Vanished Unraveled To Live and Die in L.A.

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Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021 | 27

FEATURE | STATE OF AMERICA’S CHILDREN

STATE OF

AMERICA’S CHILDREN TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY: CRYSTAL S. JONES

W

ith the release of the Children’s Defense Fund’s

all children and a majority of those are under the age of five.

annual report, it is important to take a moment to

Children remain the poorest age group in America. Nearly 1 in

reflect on the welfare of our children in Alabama

7 children were poor in 2019, of those, nearly 71 percent were

and the United States. This review shows why the Junior

children of color. The youngest children are also the poorest.

League of Mobile, it’s focus on children, and other local

Nearly 1 in 6 children under the age of six were poor and

programs that help prove for our future generations is so

most have lived in extreme poverty, below the poverty line. In

important today and moving forward.

Alabama, 230,621 children lived in poverty, ranking us in the top five states with the poorest and extremely poor children.

As we know, to succeed in life there are certain obtainable rights that every person should have, stable homes, health

Income and wealth inequality continues to grow with the share

care, nutritious foods and good schools may seem like a right

of all wealth being held by the top one percent of Americans.

as US citizens, but children are the most vulnerable among us

This wealth grew from 30 to 37 percent and the share held by

and can’t afford to obtain what’s rightfully theirs on their own

the bottom 90 percent fell 10 percent between 1989 and 2019.

or sometimes within their family unit.

Today, a member of the top 10 percent makes about 39 times as much as the average earner in the bottom 90 percent. The

The fact is too many of our children lack many human rights

Alabama median income is $62,400, with children of color in

and it’s up to us to prioritize children and find a solution. The

the lowest income bracket with an average income of $35,200.

“State of America’s Children” 2021 report is unique as it is

The lack of affordable housing and federal rental assistance

showing us the overview of our children pre-pandemic. This

leaves millions of children homeless each year. In the 2017 to

report includes data from 2019 therefore, most all information

2018 school year, 15,023 students were reported as homeless,

contained within the report has likely increased from

but enrolled in school in Alabama. The fair market value of a

conditions left over by the COVID-19 pandemic and what it has

two-bedroom unit in Alabama is $803, with minimum wage

done to families with the loss of jobs, family members and in-

at $7.25. The number of full-time jobs needed to get a place

person schooling.

at fair market value is 2.1. Therefore, leaving children living in families that can’t afford proper housing and end up living with

In 2019, there were 73 million children in the US – 22% of our nation’s population. Children of color made up 49.8 percent of 28 | Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021

relatives or friends during the school year.

On top of homelessness, millions of children live in food-

To continue to build programs that will benefit our children

insecure households, lacking reliable access to safe, sufficient

today and for the betterment of their future tomorrow, we

and nutritious foods. More than 1 in 7 children were food

need everyone to step up and help. JLM’s Diaper Bank helps

insecure, meaning they lived in households where not

provide families of children or families of adults in need

everyone had enough food to eat. The Supplemental Nutrition

of diaper services in the Mobile area. If food and housing

Assistance Program helped feed 17 million children in 2018,

are difficult to provide, imagine trying to provide ongoing

nearly a quarter of all children in America. 251,800 children live

necessities as well. Programs like this help alleviate some of

in food insecure homes in Alabama, with 23% of all children

the pressures when times are bad and help provide essential

with some form of food insecurity. This ranked Alabama as the

items to those in need. We also have our Adopt-A-School

fourth highest state with this issue.

Program that not only provides school essentials to students that can’t afford to provide their own, but also provides

Lack of food, homelessness and poor living conditions are

additional snacks when needed. We don’t want any child going

enough for anyone to deal with, but then we see an additional

home hungry or going to school unprepared for the year. It’s

11,677 children, in our state, being reported as abused

well known that a student can’t learn when hungry and as

and neglected. This ranks to 1 in every 10 children live in a

a community we must make sure our children are well fed.

neglectful/abusive home of those reporting the abuse; 39% of

Along with our other programs dedicated to childcare and

the cases were reported for neglect, 53.8% for physical abuse

assistance, we are also providing community needs through

and 17.5% reported sexual abuse.

more than just volunteer assistance. We have our Community Assistance Fund that provides grants when needed and is

These numbers are feared to continue to rise with the

typically reviewed to work within our program of children’s

COVID-19 pandemic that occurred in 2020 and continues

needs for hunger, nutrition and fitness.

today. The pandemic has exposed how unequal our preCOVID economy was. Families were working to take care of

It’s imperative that we strive for continued success with our

their children, but the unjust and unequal economy built by

outreach and remain essential to our local children and

our leaders was not working for them and left millions of

community. We can’t do this work without you, the citizens.

children behind. It’s up to programs such as the Junior League

Every friend, family member and contributor to JLM helps us

of Mobile’s campaign, “Healthy Children: Hunger, Nutrition,

finance our ongoing work. It’s our goal to aid those in need

and Fitness” to help assist families left with the burden and

and fill the gaps. Help us to continue our outreach, join our

hardships they are currently facing.

efforts and believe together we can make a difference.

EACH DAY IN AMERICA

2

mothers die from complications of childbirth

59

babies die before their first birthday

678 1,785

5

children are killed by abuse or neglect

223

babies are born without health insurance

children are confirmed as abused or neglected

8

children or teens die by suicide

children are arrested for drug crimes

827

2,906

514

babies are born into extreme poverty

high school students drop out

20

children or teens die from accidents

public school students are corporally punished

1,541 14,206

babies are born into poverty

public school students are suspended

Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021 | 29

HUMAN TRAFFICKING: IT COULD BE YOU BY: CRYSTAL S. JONES

L

ast year on a crispy October day,

They hung out for a few hours, and he

was at a house in midtown, but when

the wind was blowing a gentle

asked her on a date for the next weekend.

they started heading in that direction,

breeze as leaves began to fall

His friends where having a Fall Bash and

she noticed that he was taking her to

showing signs of the winter months ahead.

he wanted her to go with him. She thought

the downtown area but kept quiet. She

Lauren was getting ready for a Fall Bash

this was the start of something good. He

figured he was taking a backroad, until he

that her new boyfriend Sabastian had

thought she looked like a price tag.

stopped. He was at this dark house that

invited her to; she was beyond nervous

cast shadows throughout the lawn. There

with excitement. This was not only their

Throughout the next week Lauren tried

was no light in the windows, and it looked

first real date, but it was also a chance to

to get information out of him about his

completely abandoned. She saw a van

get to know his friends. She couldn’t believe

friends, but for some reason he was

parked in the driveway and suddenly had

her luck in meeting Sebastian.

holding back. She didn’t know if he was

a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.

nervous about introducing them, but she

Sebastian told her he needed to pick

The month before, she posted a series

just wanted to be supportive and earn

something up before heading to the party,

of pictures on Instagram of her and her

their respect. On Saturday as Lauren was

so he rounded the car, opened her door,

friends out on the Bay one weekend and

getting prepared for his arrival he texts

wrapped his fingers around her small hand

Sebastian commented on her post. She

to see if she could pick him up at the

and lead her into the house. Lauren hasn’t

didn’t know where he came from but

Publix parking lot down the road. His car

been seen since that night when she left

assumed that he knew someone in the

was having engine trouble and he didn’t

her home.

party. Then she posted a pet photo a few

want to be late so he thought they could

days later and there he was again. That

go in hers. Her mom was unsure about

night he sent her a DM/Instant Message

this. She always wanted to meet Lauren’s

and as they say, “the rest is history”.

new friends before they went off alone together. As usual, a mother has a good

DID YOU KNOW THAT HUMAN TRAFFICKING IS

Since meeting online, they did a lot of

instinct about things and was already not

talking on the phone and texting, but

liking this mysterious Sebastian. Lauren

the week before the Bash was their first

FAR WORSE IN AMERICA

told her about meeting him last week with

opportunity to meet. After all, she might

her friends and showed her a picture of

THAN IT IS OVERSEAS?

like him, but she wasn’t crazy. She needed

them together. Her mother relented and let

to make sure he wasn’t a murderer or

Lauren go.

something. She asked him to meet her at the local fast-food spot where her

When she arrived, he asked if he could

friends hung out. He arrived tall, dark and

drive? Her mom told her to never let

handsome and looked to be a few years

anyone else drive her car, but she didn’t

older than she was, but she was sixteen

want to seem like a child, so she trusted

going on twenty and liked her guys mature.

him with the key. He told her that the Bash

30 | Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021

Its market grows every year putting $150 billion in the pockets of human traffickers. The trafficking of vulnerable members of society is a growing epidemic, and it is happening in our own back yards. Human trafficking, also known as modern-day slavery,

FEATURE | HUMAN TRAFFICKING

is thriving in the United States. Every

officials to make awareness the first act

year, millions of people in the world,

in prevention is important.

including in the U.S., are bought and sold for the purposes of forced labor

Amanda Gonzales, last year’s JLM

or sexual exploitation. It can happen to

President, has helped lead the charge in

any demographic, any gender, any race

awareness within our community and

or nationality.

with JLM. Her team is currently working with the Director of Public Safety, Chief

The International Labor Organization

Lawrence Battiste, to create a curriculum

estimates that there are 40.3 million

that can help impact those most

victims of human trafficking globally,

vulnerable, starting in our schools. This

with hundreds of thousands being in

brings opportunities for active members

the United States. Accurate statistics

and sustainers of Junior League of

are deemed difficult to obtain when

Mobile to get the training needed to go

involving the trafficking of individuals.

out and speak on Human Trafficking to

There’s a stigma associated with the

other individuals, groups and present

crime that leads to less attention as well

to our local middle schools. Both girls

as the lack of recognition of what is or

and boys are top targets in this trade

isn’t considered “human trafficking”.

and most of the time it starts on social

There are many ways that women

media platforms.

In January, we celebrate the efforts of anti-trafficking organizations, communities of faith, state and local law enforcement, survivor advocates, businesses, and private citizens all around the world to promote this important cause. Everyone can play a part in ending human trafficking.

and children are trafficked, with men more commonly being trafficked into

Luckily, we aren’t alone in this fight.

the labor markets. Sex trafficking has

Other Junior Leagues throughout the

grown exponentially since the rise of

State of Alabama are also joining this

the internet and online social media

initiative for program placements

sites. School age victims tend to be

throughout their communities. If you

predominately sought out through this

feel moved to join this opportunity

type of platform.

within JLM, please contact JLM Headquarters to get on a list of

LAST YEAR, THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF MOBILE WORKED WITH THE CITY OF MOBILE AND CITY OF

Every 2.5 hours a child is taken by human traffickers

7 YEARS

average lifespan of a child victim once taken

participants as the project develops. If you would like to donate directly to the

Every trafficked child is purchased for sex 5.4 times a day

cause, you can also direct questions to our office for more information, please contact (251) 471-3349.

BAY MINETTE TO DECLARE JANUARY “HUMAN TRAFFICKING MONTH”.

Mayor Sandy Stimpson declared Mobile to be a “trafficking free zone”. With the trafficking trade worse in areas of the country with interstate intersections, the importance of Mobile bringing this issue to light has grown. Therefore, gaining

Lauren, from the beginning of the story, isn’t real. Luckily, fictional Lauren is safe

1%

Of victims of human trafficking survive

and secure in my imagination for another day, but who did she remind you of, was it your daughter, granddaughter, sister, friend? Was it you? Let’s stop and act now to save another life, one worthy of recognition and support.

A 1-YEAR-OLD

Is the youngest documented victim of cyber-sex trafficking

resources and working with county Statistics provided by Department of State, Stoptraffic.org and Deliverfund.org

PROVISIONALS GAIN KNOWLEDGE

and Give Back

ON THEIR SUPER SATURDAY By: Crystal S. Jones It was recently a Super Saturday for some of our Junior

coordinated or assisted with that are still around today, such

League of Mobile (JLM) members as the provisional class of

as the bookmobile program with the Mobile Public Library and

2021-2022 took an opportunity to gain a better perspective of

the Wharf of Wonder exhibit at the Exploreum, to name a few.

where the JLM came from, the different kinds of projects and partnerships we’ve had through the years and where we are

The day ended with their very first project shift that included

today. It also gave them a chance to get their hands dirty and

moving the diaper room at our current location, organizing

take on an incredible challenge.

the room and taking inventory of 20,000 diapers. Yes, that’s right, 20,000 diapers! Our ladies rocked their first task. All were

This Saturday included a visit from the current Christmas Jubilee

eager to help and excited to be a part of this special mission.

and BluePass chairs. They introduced the Provisional’s to our main fundraisers and provided them with information regarding

The legacy of the Junior League of Mobile is imprinted

this year’s events. Sarah Schrenk, Community Coordinating

throughout our community and unless you know where to look

Manager, gave an overview of our community partners and the

you might pass right by. Give us the opportunity to share our

direct impact JLM has on the community.

legacy with you and in return you will have cherished memories, give back to the community and meet like-minded women. Our

Every Super Saturday includes a trip around Mobile to show

members not only will inspire you but are willing to help and

Provisional members our first office, The Chandler House

encourage you along the way. Please let us know if you would

at 350 Church Street, and well-known projects that JLM

like to be our next Provisional.

32 | Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021

IMPACT | SUPER SATURDAY

MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA Junior League of Mobile does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, religion or national origin, and reaches out to women of all races, creeds, religions and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism. There is no deliberative process in the recruiting system.

J L M U SE S O N L Y T HE F O L L O W I NG C R IT E R IA F O R P R O SP E C T IV E M E M B E R S : • Provisionals help with moving the diaper room at headquarters.

Prospective members are women at least 23 years of age by May 31 of the year admitted.

•

A prospective member resides in the greater Mobile or Baldwin County area or adjacent community or county.

•

First year membership dues are $255.

•

Admissions opens each year in January. If you are interested in learning more about JLM, please email recruitmentchair@juniorleaguemobile.org

C L ASSE S O F ME MB E R SHIP PROVISIONAL Organizing diapers into sizes for easy counting and organization.

A Provisional Course will be designed by the Provisional Committee and approved by the Management Team

by August 1 for final approval and authorization for publication. After completion of the Course, Provisional members will be well informed, productive and motivated volunteers.

ACTIVE Active members must serve a Provisional year and a minimum of 10 Active years, the last two of which may be taken as Advisory Leave (a minimum of eight Active placement years), before she may become a Sustaining member of JLM. Advisory leave exempts a member

Counting diapers to verify correct sizing.

from placements, meeting requirements and fund raiser shifts. Financial requirements must be fulfilled.

SUSTAINER Sustainers shall have all the privileges of membership except that they may not hold office or vote, with the exception of the Sustaining representative on the Board of Directors.

Junior League of Mobile has more than 1,000 provisional, active and sustaining members, placing Junior League of Mobile in the top 20 of 291 Junior Leagues within The Association of Junior Leagues International. Our membership includes executives,

Provisionals on their Super Saturday trolley ride around Mobile.

community leaders, entrepreneurs, mothers and professional women from diverse backgrounds.

Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021 | 33

IMPACT | MEMBERSHIP TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

JLM MEMBERSHIP TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT By: Dr. Krista Harrell A key component of the Junior League

session focuses on learning how to

and Training for Dominion Dealer

of Mobile mission is to develop the

maximize the use of LinkedIn to find a

Solutions where she led a team to

potential of women. The Training Council

job, generate leads and connect with

design and deliver training for the first

is an essential part of JLM. The council

other professionals. The speaker for the

cloud native DMS software platform.

currently is focused on four training

session is Jannice Glover, who serves

Kathleen Parker is a Human Resources

sessions for our members.

as Vice President of Marketing and

Executive with 25+ years of experience in

Operations for Jason Pilger Automotive.

manufacturing, transportation, and the

In her role, she conceives and develops

service industry. She was most recently

Digital Cheetah Training

efficient and intuitive marketing

the Vice President of Human Resources

Melissa Hughes demonstrated the basic

strategies that align with each unique

for Standard Furniture Manufacturing

functions of Digital Cheetah in a one-

brand and market for the JPA group.

with factories in five states. In this

hour webinar. The session focused on

Jannice also serves as the Marketing

role, she built the HR infrastructure

tips and tricks related to logging hours,

Director for Holcomb & Associates

and oversaw the successful cease of

calendaring in Digital Cheetah and

where she provides support to multiple

operations of a union manufacturing

checking the progress of membership

departments within the group. Jannice

division located at the corporate office.

requirements.

received her MBA from LSU and a

SEPTEMBER 2

SEPTEMBER 29, 12–1 P.M. Dr. Kimberly Pettway presented

bachelor’s degree in Applied Science

Additional training topics identified for

from the University of South Alabama.

the remaining part of the year include sessions on public speaking, resume

a one-hour virtual webinar on

LATE-OCTOBER

unconscious bias. Ms. Pettway currently

Difficult Conversation presented

prevention. JLM will be making specific

serves as an Instructor of Social Work

by Jubilee Consultants. Another

outreach to our Sustainers to get these

and Director at the Center for Academic

October training features a half

important members more involved

Service-Learning and Civic Engagement

day training focused on preparing

in training as possible speakers and

at the University of South Alabama.

members for high-stakes situations,

participants. Sustainers would be great

She received her bachelor’s degree

developing powerful dialogue

contributors to our membership training

in Psychology from the University of

and communicating persuasively.

sessions, as they have experience

Montevallo. She received master’s

The Difficult Conversations session

in areas, we can all learn from. Our

degrees in Criminal Science and Social

is being presented by Jubilee HR

sustainers have vast knowledge that can

Work from the University of Alabama.

Consultants founders Dee Ann Rutens

create valuable training opportunities

writing, financial planning and suicide

and Katheleen Parker. The HR Team

for interactive sessions, zoom meetings,

Dr. Kim Pettaway’s lunch and learn

at Jubilee Consultants provides

educational presentations, and

session “Unconscious Bias” offers a real

training and resources in the areas

workshops. They can help cultivate new

life approach on understanding social

of Labor Relations, HR Infrastructure,

leadership within the League. Sustainers

identity, racial bias and deconstructing

Talent Analysis and Development

are a tremendous resource for JLM. We

the idea of inequalities amongst the

and Organizational Development.

have heard from many Sustainers who

multi-faceted areas of diversity.

Former JLM President Dee Ann Rutens

would love to participate, and we look

served as a former Divisional Training

forward to enhancing their engagement

OCTOBER 7

Manager with Macy’s, Director of

in our membership training. Please reach

LinkedIn Training

Training for Sheraton, Corporate

out if you are interested in providing

Continuing to advance our careers and

Talent Development Manager at

training to our members as well.

expand our professional network is a

Standard Furniture, and most recently

must in the current job market. This

Senior Manager of Implementation

34 | Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021

IMPACT | CONGRATULATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

THANKS

Congratulations & Acknowledgements Junior League, you have continued to make us proud. We recently received a thank you note from Dumas Wesley Community Center regarding the most recent donation of diapers to their residents. We may not see it with our own eyes, but we are touching lives and giving our community opportunities they wouldn’t have had if it wasn’t for you.

Congratulations to Krista Harrell for completing the Leadership Mobile Program!

The mission of Leadership Mobile is to seek, train and empower leaders who are committed to local leadership and community growth.

The objective of this program is to identify new community leaders, to provide training and opportunities of growth on challenging issues and increase responsibility in community decision-making. It’s an honor to be accepted to the program, so congrats on completing the program.

Above: Thank you note sent to JLM from Dumas Wesley.

Left: Krista Harrell nominee for Leadership Mobile.

Right: Sarah Bumgarner and Amanda Gonzales went to see Krista Harrell at the completion of the Leadership Mobile program this year.

For over 128 years, UMS-Wright has been the CLEAR PATH

for

POTENTIAL, and this is only the beginning.

for

UMS-Wright PREPARATORY SCHOOL 251-479-6551 | ums-wright.org

Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021 | 35

From The Shoals to the shore Alabama Public Radio has you covered!

Tune in or stream from www.apr.org for the best local, regional, national & global news as well as classical music.

From The Shoals to the shore Alabama Public Radio has you covered!

36 | Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021

Serving Our Local Community AS A JUNIOR L E AG U E M E M B E R .

Serving Those with Local Real Estate Needs AS A TRUSTED AG E N T. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 City Hall on Main Street, Ole Towne Daphne 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run

E M I LY H ATC H E R Associate Broker

251-487-0198 emilyhatcher@robertsbrothers.com

Early registration fee is only $25, and each entry fee pays for a turkey for a Baldwin County family in need.

SATURDAY

October 16, 2021 Cooper Riverside Park from 4PM–7PM Get Tickets Now at WineOnTheRiverMobile.com

Ticket purchases will benefit PR ES EN TE D BY

Junior League of Mobile | Folio Magazine | Fall 2021 | 37

Did You Know?

SAVE THE DATE OCTOBER 1-31 BluePass Savings OCTOBER 10 World Mental Health Day

•

County. We also include women from Baldwin County. Hey, maybe we should change our name to Junior League of South Alabama!

•

OCTOBER 12 General Meeting – BP Pop-up OCTOBER 19 Training Event – Difficult Discussions with Dee Ann Rutens

Christmas Jubilee has won “Best Annual Fundraising Event” three years in a row, and in 2017, from the Lagniappe Nappie Awards. Congratulations to our outstanding CJ committees!

•

The current home of the Mobile County Health Department or Family Health, as they are now currently known, was the Mobile General Hospital during early war times. JLM began volunteering at this hospital in 1931 with a Nutrition

OCTOBER 16 Wine on the River

Clinic. It is interesting how history repeats itself, because today, 90 years later, we are again focused on nutrition and the health of children. We also continue

OCTOBER 23 Prodisee Pantry Turkey Trot OCTOBER 31 Happy Halloween

The Junior League of Mobile is not just comprised of women from Mobile

to partner with Family Health as we move forward with our mission.

•

In 2020, our BluePass Fundraiser was extended from 15 days of shopping to the WHOLE month of October. That’s a whole month of savings for all participants and one month to give to our mission.

NOVEMBER 3 Provisional Large Group Meeting NOVEMBER 7 Daylight Saving Ends NOVEMBER 11 Veterans Day NOVEMBER 12-14 Christmas Jubilee NOVEMBER 18 Mobile Chamber Business Expo NOVEMBER 25 Happy Thanksgiving NOVEMBER 27 Small Business Saturday NOVEMBER 28 Hanukkah Begins

DECEMBER 6-8 Home Meetings DECEMBER 7 Sustainer Luncheon DECEMBER 13-18 Sustainer Gift Wrap Week DECEMBER 24 Christmas Eve DECEMBER 25 Merry Christmas DECEMBER 26 Kwanzaa Begins

The Gulf Coast’s On-Demand HR Professionals Interim HR Management Compliance • Audits • Training Policies • Employee Handbooks • Performance Reviews

www.jubileehrconsultants.com Executive level human resources experience priced for the small business owner

If you think character is more important than charisma, you might just be a Saint.

At St. Paul’s, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. True to our Episcopal tradition, St. Paul’s is grounded in Christian beliefs yet welcomes students of all backgrounds.

Students and teachers gather weekly to attend chapel, and monthly for church services.

These moments provide welcome shelter from the whirlwind of daily life, offering time to look inward and to focus on what we have done and left undone.

Know What Matters.

161 DOGWOOD LANE, MOBILE, AL 36608 | 251.342.6700 | STPAULSMOBILE.NET

Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage PAID Mobile, AL Permit No. 217

Junior League of Mobile, Inc. 57 N Sage Ave Mobile, AL 36607 (251) 471-3348 | juniorleaguemobile.org

Promoting

VOLUNTEERISM

Developing WOMEN

Helping

COMMUNITIES