PROPELLER Spring 2014
SOMEONE TO TALK TO Puppet Show Provides Information to Grade Schoolers
KITCHEN TOURS
A Pinch of Hope, A Dash of Design
LONG-SERVING ACTIVES
Junior Leaguers Keep On Keeping On
RECRUITMENT
Who Will You Invite to Join the League?
CLOTHING DRIVE
New Members Collect for Foster Children
Volume 33 Issue 3
Board of Directors Emily Thengvall President
Transformation Can Inspire Us
Cynthia Schmucker President-Elect
Fellow League Members,
Taylor Gill Director of Community Impact Stephanie Knebel Director of Finance
Spring is one of my favorite times of the year. I anxiously await the
Trinh Bui Director of Finance Elect
and smile at the first sign of a crocus peeking out of the cold earth. Spring
Jamie Lindamood Director of Fund Development Anne Chandler Director of Marketing & Communications Angela Buzard Director of Membership
swelling of buds that will pop with a blossom or leaf. I peer at the ground is transformation, and transformation can inspire us. Transformation was the key theme at the first AJLI (Association of Junior Leagues International) conference that I attended as a president-elect. AJLI used the butterfly as a metaphor because its entire life is one amazing transformation: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis and butterfly emergence.
Paige Hess Director of Nominating
As members of Junior League of Wichita, we are provided a wonderful platform to transform ourselves.
Patty Armstrong Director of Planning
over and over again. We transform just like the butterfly.
Alexis Phillips Director of Training
This issue of the Propeller shows the transformation process at work. Our Child Abuse Education
Amanda Holder Recording Secretary
second annual Kitchen Tours, which will help fund our mission and allow us to continue to improve
Within our organization, we are able to take risks, make mistakes, try again, improve, fail and succeed
Committee’s work educates and empowers children. And our Cookbook Committee has planned our
Katy Dorrah Acting Past President
our community.
Amiee White Past President (Non-Resident)
May the dawning of springtime inspire all of us to transform and grow!
Dana Hensley Sustaining Advisor
Publications Committee
Emily Thengvall 2013-2014 President
Carrie Jordan Editor-in-Chief Samantha Alexander Print Editor Lora Brys Ad Coordinator Lindsay White Online Editor Nicole Alexander Jan Carithers Claire Watson Editors Sheryl Nolan Sustaining Advisor
Table of Contents 3
New Member Recruitment
4
Committee Spotlights
5
Be a Sustaining Advisor Board of Directors
6-7 KITCHEN TOURS
WICHITA
6402 East 12th Street Wichita, Kansas 67206 (316) 682-7473 news@jlwichita.org
jlwichita.org
COVER: Members of the Child Abuse Education Committee help children learn what to do if they find themselves in an abusive situation. Front row: Puppet Joanne, Jill Allison, Laura Roddy Pedroja, puppet Stephen, Becky McPherson and puppet Nam. Back row: Lindsay Rasberry, Darcy Wilhite, Gaylene Alderson and Brenda Johnson. Photo by Tobie Andrews.
From Cover: PUPPET SHOW
12
Council Updates
13
COMMUNITY PARTNER Wichita Children’s Home
14
8-9 10-11
LONG SERVING ACTIVES
New Member Clothing Drive
15
Calendar of Events Milestones
16
Planning Committee News
The Propeller is published by Junior League of Wichita, Inc., 6402 East 12th Street, Wichita, Kansas 67206 ©2014 Junior League of Wichita, Inc.
Design by Lifeboat Creative
6 p.m. - At JLW Headquarters
New members will be welcomed to the League at this event and have an opportunity to interact with the other women who are also joining JLW.
may 31 Application Deadline Apply online: jlwichita.org
june 10 New Member Orientation
DATES TO REMEMBER
april 8 New Member/ Sponsor Reception
Can’t wait to meet everyone!
New Member Recruitment Underway! Calling All Women Who Want to Make a Difference
How did you hear about Junior League of Wichita?
“It can be as simple as striking up a conversa-
What attracted you to the League?
Wilbert says. “Many women are unaware of
What have you gained since becoming a member? With new member recruitment activities in full swing, Mandy Wilbert, 2014-15 New Member Training chair, is encouraging members to ponder these questions and help spread the word by talking to friends, family members, colleagues and acquaintances about what JLW has to offer.
tion with someone about Junior League,”
Jessica Born and Stephanie Nath, prospective JLW members, enjoy the New Member recruitment event.
the League or are waiting to be asked to join.”
Joining is Easy!
Other ways you can help include spreading
The requirements to join JLW are simple.
the word via social media by “liking” and
Applicants must be 21, have a sponsor and
“sharing” JLW invitations and announce-
pay the new member dues. If the interested
ments. Wilbert also said the New Member
person does not have an Active member or
Training Committee is available to join
Sustainer member of JLW lined up to be her
current members in speaking to small
sponsor, the committee will match her with
groups, book clubs and other organizations
one. Applications can be completed online at
about JLW and the benefits of becoming a
www.jlwichita.org and are due by the end of
member.
May.
Nicole Alexander
SPRING 2014 • PROPELLER
3
Committee Spotlights Headquarters
Actives Penny Madden and Macaela Harris collaborate on a strategic planning exercise at the November small group GM.
Have you ever wondered who takes care of the
expected in hours per month. Further, each
housekeeping, interior maintenance and
placement belongs to one of four cubes:
exterior upkeep at our League Headquarters?
money, management, membership or
It’s all thanks to our Headquarters Commit-
community. “We want to set members up for
tee. Prior to her placement as the 2012-2013
success by knowing what the expectations are
Headquarters Committee Chair, Taryn Myers
for one committee placement versus another,”
saw Headquarters as a place to arrive, meet
said Kara Belew, committee chair. The
and leave. “Everything seemed to just flow,”
committee plans to evaluate the mentoring
she says. “Well, it all flows because there is an
program this spring.
Nicole Alexander
awesome committee that makes sure everything at HQ is perfect.” Current Headquarters Committee Chair Lora Tuley Brys says, “The
Strategic Planning
work our committee does ensures that
When you grabbed a marker at your Novem-
Headquarters remains a home base for our
ber small group meeting, or collaborated with
work in the Wichita community by providing
your tablemates at the September general
our members a great place for meetings,
meeting, you were engaged in Junior League
trainings, social events or even a rental space.”
of Wichita’s strategic planning process.
Jan Carithers
“We’ve strengthened our focus on strategic thinking and planning through training,
Mentoring & Career Path
discussion and facilitation,” says Coleen
When you’re considering your next place-
The idea is to get JLW members to under-
ment, you’ll notice a new tool to help you
stand why we do the work we do, and to keep
navigate the array of choices Junior League of
the League focused on our stated goal — to
Wichita has to offer. The Mentoring and
combat child abuse in Wichita. “Strategic
Career Path Committee has been busy
planning is an ongoing process,” Tabor says.
surveying members to help define each
“Our work is never done, thus we’ll continue
placement in terms of expected time commit-
to evolve the plan.”
ment, busiest time of year, and other factors. Placements are classified from bronze to platinum, reflecting the time commitment
4
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF WICHITA
Tabor, Strategic Planning Committee chair.
Carrie Jordan
Kara Belew, Mentoring and Career Path Committee chair, leads League members through a discussion of career pathing.
Incoming Board Members
101
By the Numbers:
YEARS EXPERIENCE COLLECTIVELY
Their names may have been announced in December, but how
Avg. 7.2 years per member
well do you know the women who make up the incoming Junior League of Wichita Board of Directors? Serving the
36
League in 2014-15 will be Cynthia Schmucker, president; Martha Linsner, president-elect; Kara Belew, director of community impact; Taylor Gill, director of fund development;
COMMITTEES CHAIRED
WORK OUTSIDE THE HOME
71%
Have served on the JLW Board of Directors, for a grand total of 13 years between them
43%
43%
Trinh Bui, director of finance; Aram Morvari Coyle, director of finance-elect; Ginny Ellis, director of membership; Carrie Jordan, director of marketing and communications; Gaylene Alderson, director of nominating; Jessica Suhr, director of planning; Coleen Tabor, director of strategic planning and
advisor. Here’s a peek at what these ladies are really like:
NATIVE WICHITANS
On the weekends you’ll find them:
training; Kourtney Carson, recording secretary; Emily Thengvall, past president; and Lynn Ward, sustaining
Leading the League in the year ahead are Martha Linsner, 2014-15 president-elect, and Cynthia Schmucker, 2014-15 president.
• With family & friends (or dogs) • Outdoors • Watching KU sports
• Doing home improvement projects • Resting or reading • Rockin’ a ponytail with no makeup!
• Cooking • Shopping • Golfing
Sustaining Members JLW Wants You!
While Junior League of Wichita is fortunate
numerous benefits while continuing to serve
to have more than 500 Sustainer members
the League. They stay connected to the
who volunteer in the community and support
organization and provide mentoring and
our fundraising, membership development
guidance to members similar to what they
and community endeavors, the League is
themselves received as Actives. Best of all,
equally fortunate that within those ranks are
volunteering as a sustaining advisor adds
a devoted body of sustaining advisors. These
dimension and value to their busy lives.
Holiday Galleria Chair Ilex Gelpi and her Sustaining Advisor Gretchen Andeel celebrate a job well done.
Get Involved! Interested in serving as a Sustaining Advisor?
women are vital contributors to the organization and support each committee and council
“My experience as a sustaining advisor has
in an advisory role, providing history and
given me an opportunity to stay connected
guidance to our Active members.
with the League and get to know some newer
Contact President-Elect Cynthia Schmucker cschmucker1@cox.net | (316) 807-6185
members,” says Tamara Baker-Woods, These women draw upon their valuable skill
Headquarters Committee sustaining advisor.
sets, including nonprofit management,
“Without this connection, my first year as a
volunteer recruitment and retention,
sustaining member would have felt much
community relations, marketing and
more disconnected from the League. I am
business planning.
very grateful that I said yes when asked to be an advisor this year.”
Sustaining advisors tell us they receive
Lora Brys
April 15, 2014 Spring Luncheon Wichita Country Club 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Sustainer Event
The Spring Luncheon will honor the Sustainer of the Year. This event is open to all JLW members. For additional information, please contact Sustaining Board President Sheila Tigert.
SPRING 2014 • PROPELLER
5
Helping Children One Cookbook and One Kitchen at a Time
Do you spend your Sunday evenings enchanted by the kitchens of Downton Abbey? Or maybe you yearn for an entertaining space that would look right at home on Mad Men. Wouldn’t you love to see those sorts of spaces — and more — in person? That’s exactly the chance you’ll have at Junior League of Wichita’s second annual Kitchen Tours. The event takes place Sunday, May 4, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Several Wichita residents will open their elegant homes to dazzle attendees with their kitchen and entertaining spaces. Active Lauren Johnson welcomes guests at last year’s Kitchen Tours. This year’s event takes place May 4, 2014.
“We will focus on homes on the east side of
through the League’s website, as well as at
With Kitchen Tours just weeks away, Cook-
town, in neighborhoods that we didn’t feature
retailers throughout Wichita and the
book Committee has shifted its focus to
last year,” says Brady Fritz, Cookbook
surrounding area.
planning the event and securing sponsors.
different architectural styles and decorating
“We work hard to maintain and develop
Active Natalie Moyer was a presenting
tastes.”
relationships with retailers. They’ve pushed
sponsor for last year’s Kitchen Tours and
our cookbooks, and then they come back to
plans to sponsor the event again this year.
Committee chair. “We are trying to feature
The event runs for four hours this year, an
buy more,” Fritz says. “One cookbook at a
hour longer than last year’s Kitchen Tours, to
time, we’re able to make a difference.”
reaches the market I work with,” Moyer says.
give guests ample time to enjoy each home. Money raised from ticket sales, sponsorships
Cookbook Committee has its sights on the
“I was excited for this new League event last
and cookbook sales during Kitchen Tours will
future. The committee is exploring using
year, and I thought it would go through the
help JLW combat child abuse in our commu-
Amazon to sell Pinches & Dashes and
roof. Having served two placements on
nity.
Sunflower Sampler, and is considering the
Cookbook Committee, sponsoring Kitchen
possibility of reissuing the out-of-print
Tours seemed like a natural next step.”
“The proceeds from these events will really
Women of Great Taste in e-book format. “When you buy Pinches & Dashes as a hostess
improve Wichita’s future,” Fritz says. “We’re
6
“I’m a realtor, and Kitchen Tours really
creating the financial capacity to match up
The committee has also focused on securing
gift or a ticket to Kitchen Tours for your mom,
with our incredible volunteer base to go into
what Fritz calls “quick wins,” namely smaller
yes, you’re getting a book or an experience,
the community and help the most vulnera-
events that generate maximum exposure and
but you’re also getting a really good value
ble.”
fundraising opportunities that are not
because you’re also doing good in our
volunteer-intensive. For instance, the CIG
community,” Fritz says.
Sales of JLW cookbooks also fund the
Chili Cook-off, held in October, selected JLW
League’s mission. Pinches & Dashes and
as its beneficiary, and raised more than $5,000
Sunflower Sampler are available for purchase
to help the League combat child abuse.
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF WICHITA
Carrie Jordan
Active Trinh Bui looks through a copy of Sunflower Sampler with a Holiday Galleria shopper. Every JLW cookbook sold provides funds that help the League combat child abuse in our community.
Junior League of Wichita presents
KITCHEN TOURS
Sunday, May 4, 2014 | 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Want to sponsor Kitchen Tours? Learn More Here: www.jlwichita.org Guests admire an exquisite dining space during last year’s Kitchen Tours. Sponsorships for this year’s event are available now: visit jlwichita.org for details.
Megan Monsour ADOPTION LAW
Anna Ritchie
EMPLOYMENT LAW
Rachael Doyle
CIVIL LITIGATION
SPRING 2014 • PROPELLER
7
PUPPET SHOW Making Progress
After hearing Joanne and Stephen talk about how they’ve dealt with abusive situations, multiple Wichita public schoolchildren have come forward this school year to report that they too have been abused. Joanne and Stephen aren’t their classmates, though — they’re the puppet stars of “Someone to Talk To,” the puppet show presented by the Child Abuse Education Committee of Junior League of Wichita. “Someone to Talk To,” in its second year of
“The puppet show is a non-threatening way to
adults alike. For me, knowing that some
production within JLW, has been presented to
start a conversation or respond to a charac-
children have come forward and disclosed
more than 4,000 children since its debut in
ter's ideas or actions,” says Jill Allison,
abuse immediately following a performance is
2012. The show presents the issue of sexual
committee member.
awe-inspiring, because the puppet show is a vehicle for those kids to start the conversation
abuse to third graders in Wichita Public
and get help,” says Allison.
Schools (USD 259) and the issue of physical
‘Telling,’ as the script calls it, is the most
abuse to fourth graders. Laura Roddy
important (and potentially scariest) aspect for
Pedroja, committee chair-elect, says the issue
a victim of child abuse, and some of the skits
“It’s simultaneously a wonderful and a
of sexual abuse is especially important
address how people could react and the
heartbreaking feeling to learn of those victims
because there aren’t visible clues like those
positive results that can follow. “That message
who have come forward and told of their
left by physical abuse, making it harder to
is one of the reasons I have seen the puppet
abuse,” says Pedroja.
identify and help the victims.
show resonate with the audience, kids and
“It’s heartbreaking to hear [of children reporting abuse] but also gratifying to know that we have made a difference for those kids,” says Brenda Johnson, left, with puppets Joanne, Stephen and Nam and fellow Child Abuse Education Committee members Darcy Wilhite and Laura Roddy Pedroja. Photos by Tobie Andrews.
8
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF WICHITA
Brenda Johnson, the committee’s school coordinator, has been moved by the impact of the committee in its short tenure. “Some of the stories we have heard have really touched me. It’s heartbreaking to hear but also gratifying to know that we have made a difference for those kids,” says Johnson. The puppet show is branching out to other community organizations and has been
Your impact has been immediate and dramatic. A thank you hardly seems adequate for your valuable work.
invited by the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County to perform. “Our goal for
Given that the League’s puppet show has only
this year is to perform in 40 USD 259
been in production for two years, just think of
schools, and to begin expanding to other
the impact that can be made in years to come,
area schools in the Wichita area,” says
one show at a time, one child at a time.
Gaylene Alderson, committee chair. The committee is well on its way to achieving this goal.
Claire Watson
Child Abuse Education Committee
Puppet Show Project Gaylene Alderson, chair Laura Roddy Pedroja, chair-elect
Brenda Johnson, school coordinator Christine Voncannon, sustaining advisor Committee Members: Jill Allison, Karen Atterbury, Courtney Beirne, Katie Brewer, Sarita Francis, Melissa Horner, Becky McPherson, Lindsay Rasberry and Darcy Wilhite
24 19
SHOWS PERFORMED
SCHOOLS VISITED
MORE THAN
1500 STUDENTS REACHED
As of January 2014
The puppet show is a non-threatening way to start a conversation or respond to a character's ideas or actions The puppet show is already making a lasting impact in our community. Just ask Loren Pack, the social work coordinator for USD 259. “I don’t feel I can adequately describe the significance and tremendous impact that the puppet presentations have on our students, ” says Pack. He’s amazed by the progress made in a short period of time. “If even one child out of four puppet show audiences combined were to disclose, it would be a tremendous success. But the fact that one to four children at every set of presentations comes forward, either with a direct abuse allegation or to process a concern, is actually impacting all of our futures,” he says, adding, “Your impact has been immediate and dramatic. A thank you hardly seems adequate for your valuable work.”
SPRING 2014 • PROPELLER
9
1
Longevity in the League As every member can attest, Junior League of Wichita is made up of many driven, hard-working women who put forth lots of effort during their active years.
Many members have been Actives within the
was able to work with some wonderful,
members, have all been Junior League
League for seven or more years. After seven
smart women,” she says. “JLW has been
members. “They all have incredible memo-
years of Active membership, a member is
such a blessing for me. I’ve learned so much
ries of their League years and I know I will
eligible to become a Sustainer, though many
as a volunteer and, in turn, met the best
too,” Moeller says. And even though she is
JLW members choose to serve as Actives for
people in the world. I would highly
eligible to become a Sustainer at the end of
longer than the minimum seven years.
recommend getting plugged into JLW.”
this League year, she doesn’t feel quite ready to make that switch. “It is an exciting time in
Sarah Nold, who joined JLW in 2004-05, says
Valarie Florio began her Provisional year
the League and I feel like there are so many
one of her highlights of Active membership
in 2005 and has enjoyed serving in different
women I truly just enjoy spending time with,”
was being part of the Shop. “It was such a
placements. “That is such a great way to
she says.
wonderful experience working with fellow
learn more about the structure of the
members and serving the community,” she
League, as well as work more with the
Julie Buth is eligible to become a Sustainer
says. She also added Toy Time and Gown
community,” she says.
as well, but she plans to stay an Active for at least the next few years. “There are still many
Town among her favorites. Sometimes members’ family legacies in the
10
jobs I want to have,” she says.
Another long-serving Active, Julie Prater,
League ignite their longevity. Erin
enjoyed marketing the Pinches & Dashes
Moeller’s grandmother, mother and
One thing several of these women share in
cookbook. “It was challenging and fun, and I
mother-in-law, among other family
common is their passion for the League.
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF WICHITA
2 3
4
Actives in JLW for seven or more years: We appreciate your dedication! Gaylene Alderson
Julie Buth
Kyelene Flaming
April Johnson
Sarah Nold
Libby Tamas
Tracey Andrist
Cari Clayton
Valarie Florio
Welsly Kight
Julie Prater
Emily Thengvall
Kara Belew
Tara Czepiel
Taylor Gill
Stephanie Knebel
Cynthia Schmucker
Lisa Towle
Laura Bianco
Ashley Davis
Tara Goering
Erin Moeller
Jessica Suhr
Many of these members have shared that
told me many years ago that I would make lifelong
passion with others through placements on
friends in JLW, they were right,” says Buth. “I look at all of
the New Member Training Committee.
the wonderful women in my life and most of them are
Moeller served as New Member Training
friends from the League.”
Chair last year, and Nold and Prater have both been New Member Training Advisors. In fact, Nold enjoyed it so much, she served as a New Member Training Advisor twice. “It was so refreshing to experience that initial year all over again,” she says.
1
Sarah Nold, right, has been an Active in JLW for more than seven years. She has decided to become a Sustainer in July, but wouldn’t dream of missing Holiday Galleria!
2
After years of being Actives and serving in many areas of the League, Julie Prater and April Johnson will become Sustainers this summer.
3
Cynthia Schmucker, Taylor Gill, Mary Steele of CLASS, Valarie Florio, Lynn Gilkey of CLASS and Emily Thengvall celebrate JLW’s work with CLASS at the December GM. All four of these JLW members have been Actives for seven years or more. While Florio and Thengvall plan to become Sustainers this summer, Schmucker and Gill will remain Actives and will serve JLW on the Board of Directors.
4
Active Julie Buth, second from left, served as this year’s co-chair of Holiday Galleria special events. Though she’s eligible to become a Sustainer in July, she’s choosing to remain an Active because there are more placements she wants to try.
5
Active Erin Moeller reads announcements at a JLW gathering. Instead of becoming a Sustainer at the end of the League year, Moeller will remain an Active because she enjoys the friendships she’s made with other women in the League.
These women — and all of the League’s long-serving Actives — have made unique and various contributions through the years, but the one thing they all say they have benefitted from are friendships made in JLW. “When sustaining members Ingrid Gill, Suzanne Brito and Diane Wolfington all
Jan Carithers
5
SPRING 2014 • PROPELLER
11
Council Updates Community Impact The Community Impact Council has geared
We have all of you to thank for your contin-
up for spring! The Making an Impact: One
ued support — so thank you!
Girl at a Time committee will be hosting a workshop on self defense and continuing their mentorship of CLASS women. The DIAD/Project Development Committee is planning many spring DIAD events and is finalizing a proposal for the long-term project, which will be presented to the membership in April. The much anticipated launch of the child abuse website will occur this spring, and CIC is also creating a host of events to celebrate Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. Stay tuned for more information on these exciting events! Taylor Gill, council director
Fund Development Fund Development is always moving fast! Our second annual Kitchen Tours is almost here and tickets are going fast. Get yours while you still can! Sustainers, we are excited to get you up to speed on the happenings of the League and will be providing information on the new “Three Party” in the near future. Holiday Galleria may seem like it just ended, but we will soon announce the happenings for the 11th annual event. It has been a phenomenal year for fundraising in our League, and it is only going to get better.
Jamie Lindamood, council director
Marketing & Communications The Marketing and Communications Council has been hard at work through the winter
Everything old is new again: In 1982, the League used Kids on the Block puppets to help third- through sixth-graders understand that disabled children are more like them than different. The puppet show was performed for more than 7,000 USD 259 students. The puppets included two disabled children, a blind child, a deaf child, a child with Down’s Syndrome and a child with cerebral palsy.
after GM social or the Fun Book Club. In addition, the placement process is well underway and members are encouraged to
months. Much of this will be seen in the months to come as we unveil the Child Abuse Website to the community, advocate for child abuse awareness month in April, and work to promote the second annual Kitchen Tours.
reach out with any questions. And last but not least, New Member recruitment is underway: Now is the time to think about inviting a friend into the League! Angela Buzard, council director
We hope you will follow us on social media platforms — username JLWichita — and that you will join in our discussions and share your
Training
photos from our events. We can't wait to share
Training Council continues to offer trainings
additional news with you in the annual
in all aspects of the League, including two
report, coming to your homes in early May.
Town Halls covering topics like Diversity &
Anne Chandler, council director
Inclusion and Career Pathing and Placement, as well as trainings outside the League. We are
Membership
currently working with the Wichita Chamber
Membership Council hit the ground running after the holidays planning the rest of the
of Commerce to provide members with all opportunities the greater community has to offer. Members can now receive credit for
year’s General Meetings at great locations: Wichita Historical Museum, Kansas Leadership Center and Botanica. Social and Transfer is also busy planning social events and encourages members to think about attending an upcoming First Friday Luncheon, an
attending designated multi-cultural events around the city. In addition, the Spring Leadership Book Club and Live, Lunch and Learns are still going strong, and New Member recruitment has kicked off with a bang.
Alexis Phillips, council director
Dinning-Beard, REALTORS ®
Phyllis Zimmerman & Carla Bingenheimer Mother - Daughter Team 316-734-7494 carla@prudentialkansas.com
12
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF WICHITA
Community Partner Profile
Wichita Children’s Home Founded in 1888
Opportunity Zone
One of Junior League of Wichita’s commu-
Opportunity Zone (O.Z.) is an extension of
nity partners, the Wichita Children’s Home
SOS and is a mentor program that provides
(WCH) provides essential services to ensure
a safe place for runaways and homeless
the safety and well-being of Wichita’s most
children to build positive relationships with
at-risk children. It was founded in 1888 as
adults who can help them become more
the city’s first orphanage. Today, it has
self-sufficient and stable.
emergency and temporary residential care
“It was a wonderful event that left our young mothers feeling empowered and proud of
for kids from birth to 22 years. Children can
In the past, the League has helped with
their accomplishments and the obstacles
be admitted by parents, law enforcement,
WCH special events, including Classic Cars
they have been able to overcome,” she says.
social workers, or they can even admit
for Kids and Fore the Kids golf tournament.
themselves. In some cases, babies and
More recently, JLW hosted a Mother’s Day
The Wichita Children’s Home staff says they
toddlers are placed into a foster care family.
tea for the young mothers at the home.
would love to see JLW continue its presence
WCH Volunteer Coordinator Beth Thummel
and hands-on work with the children.
The home actively works to empower
called the event a great success.
Samantha Alexander
children and help families heal through the
Get Involved!
following programs:
Street Outreach Services This program targets runaway and homeless children. Street Outreach Services (SOS) staff and volunteers give presentations throughout the city to middle- and high-school students and provide cards with contact information in case of an emergency. Anyone 21 years or younger and in need of immediate help can go anywhere they see the Safe Place logo and ask an employee to call the SOS staff. Last year, SOS staff made 203 Safe Place rescues.
BRIDGES The BRIDGES program is for 16- to 22-year-olds (both individuals and young parents with their children) and is designed to teach these individuals how to be self-sufficient. The program provides housing, counseling education, life skills coaching and vocational preparation.
JLW members are welcome to volunteer their time with Wichita Children’s Home: wch.org
Helping Hand One-on-one attention playing games, doing outdoor activities or assisting with craft projects with children ages 13-17.
Mom’s Day Out Provide care for infants and toddlers while their foster parents attend a monthly luncheon.
Cooking Instructor Help youth ages 16-22 learn food preparation, meal planning and basic cooking skills.
Educational Assistant Assist youth with homework and/or help as they prepare for GED testing.
Donation Sorter Sort donations to be distributed to the children.
School Transportation Drivers needed to transport BRIDGES, Phase 2 youth to and from school.
Child Care Provider Provide child care for teen mothers in our BRIDGES Independent Living Program. Perfect opportunity for small groups as well as individuals.
Gardener Help maintain WCH gardens and landscaping.
Special Events Assist at special events and fundraisers on behalf of WCH.
Admissions Assistant Assist Intake and Foster Care staff with new admissions between the ages of newborn and 12 years.
Job Development Help develop resumes, and practice interview and customer service skills with O.Z. youth.
AND MORE!
SPRING 2014 • PROPELLER
13
New Members Molly Herd and Lindsay Gathman sort clothing at the New Members’ Share your Love clothing drive.
Showing We Care With Clothes and Underwear Every good project starts with a need. This
Because of this, the Project Development
year’s New Member service project began
Committee charged the New Member class
when the Department for Children and
with finding a way to help. This year’s New
Families (DCF) and new community agency
Members went far beyond expectations.
St. Francis Community Services changed the
They worked with long-time Junior League
guidelines on how many items of clothing a
of Wichita community partner CASA (Court
foster child could receive.
Appointed Special Advocates) and devel-
Didn’t make it to the NEW MEMBERS’ clothing drive? Drop off your clean, gently used clothing donations: Klothes Kloset 402 E. Second St.
316-265-1670 Donations are accepted: Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
oped a clothing and underwear drive. “There were heartbreaking stories of kids with just the clothes on their back going
“It really hit home for us when we were told
into the first week of school,” says Ginny
that sometimes kids go from home to home
Ellis, New Member Training chair.
and have to wear used underwear. New underwear is something we all take for granted and should really be a right, not a privilege,” says New Member Ryan Ayres. The clothing drive was a huge success. At the December general meeting, the New Member class Members donated so many pairs of underpants and bras for area foster children at the December GM that the donation box overflowed.
14
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF WICHITA
collected hundreds of pairs of underwear and bras donated by League members. The second phase of this project was a citywide clothing drive held in February at JLW Headquarters. Hundreds of boxes of clothing were collected and donated to CASA. New Members delivered the donations to the Klothes Kloset, which is storing the clothes for CASA. As a result of this project, foster children will now be able to get clothing when they need it. Samantha Alexander
JLW Calendar of Events APRIL 1
General Meeting social 6:30 p.m., gavel 7 p.m. Botanica, 701 Amidon Street
29
Solicitations Training 6 p.m. social, 6:30 p.m. training JLW Headquarters
JUNE 1
2014-15 Membership Dues Deadline Dues paid after this date subject to $15 late fee
1-11 8 17
General Placement Open on Digital Cheetah New Member/Sponsor Reception 6:30 p.m. JLW Headquarters Advocacy Training 6 p.m. social, 6:30 p.m. training JLW Headquarters
MAY 4
Kitchen Tours 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. Various homes in east Wichita
6 31
General Meeting social 6:30 p.m., gavel 7 p.m. Wichita Country Club, 8501 E. 13th St. N. 2014-15 New Member application deadline
10 30
Members whose 2014-15 membership dues have not been received by this date will be voted on at the June Board of Directors meeting and will be dropped from membership, effective July 1, for non-payment of dues by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board
New Member Orientation 6:30 p.m. JLW Headquarters 2013-2014 League year ends
WICH ITA
CALENDAR of
EVENTS
JLWichita on
Milestones Status Updates
Births Active Lauren Johnson and husband Tate welcomed daughter Georgia Bales July 9. Active Lora Winchell and husband Casey welcomed son Jacob Joseph September 24. Active Heather Siefer and husband Timothy welcomed son Jackson Paul November 21. Active Samantha Jacob and husband Ab welcomed son Hudson Philip December 8. Active Jenny Grandfield and husband Derek welcomed daughter Presley Mae December 17.
Active Kelly Bryant and husband Stephen welcomed daughter Millie Elizabeth January 25.
In Memoriam Sustainer Dorothy (Dottie) Capps Miller passed away on November 11. Sustainer Dee Hartman passed away on December 4.
Accomplishments
Actives Barbara Shreve, Cassie Banka and Tracy Collins resigned. New Members Alexis Gordon, Jennifer McMillon and Abby Ramseyer resigned. Active Jennifer Wilbert transferred in. Actives Tracey Andrist, Laura Bianco, Tara Czepiel, Kyelene Flaming, Valarie Florio, April Johnson, Welsly Kight, Sarah Nold, Julie Prater and Emily Thengvall will become Sustainers effective July 1, 2014.
New Member Tori Price received the 2013 Prism Award from Rainbows United.
SPRING 2014 • PROPELLER
15
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF WICHITA
PAID
Wichita, Kansas Permit #1397
6402 E. 12th Street, Wichita, KS 67206-1306 MISSION STATEMENT Junior League of Wichita, Inc. 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. Junior League of Wichita, Inc. reaches out to women of all races, religions, and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and a commitment to voluntarism.
jlwichita.org
DATED MATERIAL
Planning Committee: News You Can Use Junior League of Wichita is governed by
responsibilities; any new leadership
submitted to Planning. All proposed
our Bylaws, Policies and Procedures —
positions created also come through her.
amendments to the BPP must be
fondly nicknamed our BPP. Bylaws define
These proposed changes may have to also
submitted to Planning Committee by
who we are, Policies are specific to what
be approved by the Board of Directors
April 13, 2014.
the League does in its various operations,
and/or the general membership.
and Procedures are how we accomplish
Where can you find a copy of the BPP?
this. Usually a section in Policies will
If you, as a leader or a committee
Updated revisions to the BPP are posted
have a corresponding one in Procedures.
member, discover something in Policies
on your member home page under
or Procedures that needs to be changed
Membership Resources, or you can
At this time of year, the Planning
or created, be sure to go through proper
download a PDF to iBooks.
Committee is busy making proposed
channels and get the proposed change
changes to our BPP. These proposed changes come via committees up through their councils and then to Planning for consideration. The president-elect has the right to propose suggested changes to committee membership, functions or
Patty Armstrong, director of planning