JLNO Lagniappe Fall 2022 | jlno.org 1
JLNO Lagniappe Fall 2022 | jlno.org2 F all 2022 LAGNIAPPE STAFF Editor and Communications Council Director: Kristin Durand Assistant Editor: Kylie June Tahana League Photography Vice Chair: Bailey Morrison Writer: Taymika Sharrieff Photographer: Rachel Kellogg JLNO BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Holly Adkins Paczak President Elect: Ashley Llewellyn Secretary: Elizabeth Vincent Frein Treasurer: Nancy Kirkeby Assistant Treasurer: Trish Thibodeau Business Council Director: Tara Waldron Communications Council Director: Kristin Durand Community Council Director: Kathryn McLeod Membership Council Director: Lindsey Labadie Raborn Planning & Development Council Director: Erica Washington Ways & Means Council Director: Amy Flower Nominating Committee Chair: Michelle Clarke Payne Sustaining Advisor to the Board: Jeanne Boughton PUBLISHER STAFF Art Director: Ali Sullivan Production Manager: Rosa Balaguer Production Designer: Meghan Rooney Chief Executive Officer: Todd Matherne Contents 3 A New Day: Celebrating the End of the Pink Tax 4 League Faces 6 Diaper Need Awareness: Filling A Need for Families 7 Forward Facing: The Power of Being In Person 8 JLNO 2021-22 By the Numbers Calendar Corner DIAPER NOVEMBERAWARENESSNEEDWEEKSEPT24–OCT211-12 JANUARY 20, DECEMBER20236 On the Cover: Representative Aimee Adatto Freeman. Photo by Ashley Lorraine
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JLNO Sustainer, Representative Aimee Adatto Freeman, was instrumental in co-authoring and advocating for this change in the state capitol. She picked up the baton of her predecessor, former State Senator and current Councilmember At-Large JP Morrell, who had twice presented legislation to end this tax but was met with repeated opposition. In Louisiana, two in nine women and girls between the ages of 12 and 44 live below the Federal Poverty Line. A lack of diapers can prevent mothers from leaving their children at daycare. A lack of access to period supplies can lead to
A New Day Celebrating the End of the Pink Tax
By Kristin Durand
JLNO Past President Alice Glenn was also involved with the push to end the pink tax from the start. “I think this is a perfect example of a nonprofit’s programmatic expertise informing and influencing good policy,” Alice says. “While for most of us it translates to a small amount of money saved, for the poorest—of which Louisiana has the highest percentage of women and children—it can mean an extra meal, transportation, or other basic need is met that Althoughmonth.”much work lies ahead, perhaps Alice summarizes this accomplishment best when she says, “It’s a small but important step in the national conversation about how women fit into our modern society and how we should be treated in the eyes of the law.” •
2018-2019 JLNO President Alice Glen,, Sustainer Rep. Aimee Adatto Freeman, and 2016-2017 JLNO President Maria Huete Photo by: Kristin Durand
The process began not long after the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) established its Diaper Bank in 2014. Diaper need was starting to come into the public consciousness, and JLNO began a public awareness campaign through community outreach efforts. It quickly became common knowledge that these critical sanitary items were not covered by any federal safety net project. In fact, they were being taxed as a luxury item despite being vital to the health and wellbeing of babies and women.
absenteeism. Focusing on these women who would be the most impacted by the outcome of this bill was what drove Aimee’s determination. Legislation like this cannot pass without support from both sides of the aisle. “The combination of the exemption of the diapers and the feminine products was a critical component to getting so many different advocate groups involved,” Aimee says. The collective support of 34 community organizations advocating for this change was the ultimate catalyst in bringing this bill to final passage. When asked about the real-life implications of this tax exemption, Aimee says, “For the women, children and families in this state who are living on such a narrow income, this will put extra dollars into their monthly budget that will really make a difference.”
O n July 1, 2022, a legislative initiative nearly a decade in the making finally became a reality for women across Louisiana. After Governor Jon Bel Edwards signed House Bill 7 into law, Louisiana became the latest state to eliminate its 4.45% state sales tax on diapers, period products and adult incontinence products. This tax has colloquially become referred to as the pink tax because it affects essential healthcare products that are primarily purchased by and for women.
The ABOLISH Committee, in partnership with Eden House, hosted a screening of the film "Surviving Sx Trafficking" at the Broad Theater on April 21, 2022. Photo provided by: Melissa Chrjapin Touch a Truck Committee members stand ready to welcome families to the Pontchartrain Center on April 23, 2022. Member photo
Community Council Director Katherine McCloud and provisional member Kayla Harry share their "JLNO Why" at the July 2022 General Membership Meeting.
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Run, Walk, Give participants are laced up and ready to "Run for JLNO" at the Crescent City Classic race on April 16, 2022. Member photo
Provisional Beth Anne Merida (L) and Transfer Sarah Clark (R) lend a helping hand to Tracee Dundas (C), Programs Coordina tor at Dress For Success, during their Donation Day on July 15, 2022. Photo by: Kristin Durand
Photo By: Rachel Kellogg
League Faces
Photo By: Rachel Kellogg
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Vice-Chair Emily Liuzza and Safe Sitter Instructors Madison Walker, Jessica Ortiz, Leah Fink and Jeanne Goedecke take a break during a July 2022 Safe Sitter class.
Tchoup Yard was the perfect location for members ready to enjoy the spring weather at the Front Porch Friday event held on March 25, 2022.
Member photo Financial Literacy Committee members, Nicole Fuller and Dana Smith, provide vital life-skills training at a budgeting workshop for local Upward Bound stu dents. Member photo
JLNO Board of Directors (L-R): Nancy Kirkeby, Alyse Mouledoux, Ty Salvant, Holly Paczak, Shannon Brice, Kimberly Allen, Emily Liuzza, Susan Kelly-Kliebert, and Ashley Millet. Photo By: Kristin Durand
MayMaloneatpartyerdoorsonsnoballwelcomedmembersJLNOseawithahangdecoratingheldHomeon12,2022. PhotoMember 2021-2022
With hurricane season upon us, this is a critical time for families in our community. JLNO’s Diaper Bank is poised to work with organizations across the Greater New Orleans region to help with relief efforts if the need arises. In 2021, JLNO distributed 611,570 diapers to our 19 partners which includes Second Harvest Food Bank, Catholic Charities and the City of New Orleans.
Photo By: Kristin Durand
JLNO members Emily Ghalayini (L) and Angela Vance (R) provide two pallets of diapers to Sandra Metz (C) with First Pilgrims Baptist Church.
By Taymika Sharrieff JLNO’s distribution partners are crucial to getting these diapers into the hands of families. “It’s been a good marriage,” says Sandra Metz with First Pilgrims Baptist Church. Community members experiencing diaper need can contact her church and receive products upon request. The gratitude these partners feel reaffirms Junior League’s Mission of advancing the wellbeing of women. Sandra emphasizes that sentiment by saying, “We thank God we were selected as one of the [Diaper Bank] partners. It’s been a blessing ever since.”
Although the state sales tax on diapers has officially ended in Louisiana, the diaper shortage, coupled with recent inflation, has made both getting and affording diapers increasingly difficult for families. The Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) is very familiar with this need and the hidden consequences for families who are unable to access this resource for their children. To raise awareness of this deficit, JLNO will participate in National Diaper Need Awareness Week which will be observed September 24 - October 2, 2022. According to the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN), diaper need is, “the lack of a sufficient supply of diapers to keep an infant or child clean, dry and healthy.” NDBN points out that government programs like food stamps and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children do not provide funding for diapers. A baby needs between six to 12 diapers a day, sometimes more in the early weeks. Families spend approximately $900 a year ($75 a month) on disposable diapers for each child. They must also factor in the number of diapers that need to be sent with a child to an early childhood education program or daycare.
Diaper Need Awareness Filling a Need for Families
H aving a baby can be stressful and expensive for anyone, no matter their income level or support system.
For a listing of JLNO’s Diaper Distribution Partners as well as updates on events surrounding Diaper Need Awareness Week, visit jlno.org/diaperbank
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HOW YOU CAN HELP Text DIAPERS to 504-446-6163 or drop off disposable diapers of any size, including open packages, to the JLNO Diaper Bank (1109 North Al Davis Road, Unit A, New Orleans, LA 70123) on Saturday, October 1 between 9 am - 5 pm.
– Robin Primeau, 2022 Passing the Gavel Celebration Chair
“I know how tough it is to try to find your way through your provisional year and first year as an active. [Esprit's] focus is to bring all members to gether in new spaces and explore our community. Our first Front Porch Friday went extremely well, and we were so happy that many of our members came.”
“I hope that, given all we’ve learned during COVID (resil iency, balance, how we are all in this together), there is a renewed sense of commu nity we can experience again with the return of in person events. Our time is invaluable. Spending it doing what you love or what energizes your soul is so important. It’s even better with a group of amaz ing women.”
The importance of the Junior League of New Orleans Diaper Bank—and the impact it has in the community we serve—is hard to overstate. It can be a lifeline for families who no longer must choose between providing their child with healthy food or clean diapers. Yet in order to deliver those diapers to our distribution partners, we need an army of volunteers to prepare them. These essential operations of the Diaper Bank cannot be done online. Our enthusiastic members consistently offer up their time and provide hands-on assistance to ensure these vital steps are being taken without interruption. As an example, on July 16, 2022, League members sorted over 20,000 diapers in a single day. Many hands make light work. That is the power of working in person.
One of the core competencies of the Junior League of New Orleans is to empower our members through the relationships they create. A perfect opportunity to build those connections is during the Esprit Committee’s popular Front Porch Friday events. When a group of women can come together after a long week to swap stories, share laughter and enjoy the early dog days of summer together, friendships bloom. Such was the case when nearly 50 members gathered at the first Front Porch Friday of the 20222023 League year held at Wetlands Sake on July 8, 2022. This companionship strengthens the bonds of our membership in meaningful ways. That is the power of reveling in person. Reviving the Tradition of Passing the Gavel
Bundles of Joy at the Diaper Bank
Each woman imparted their wisdom onto Holly, who then addressed the members with her aspirations for the year ahead. This time-honored tradition allows generations of members to see the living legacy of the League. That is the power of returning to in person. “I was really interested in getting exposure to one of the Junior League's most visible commu nity projects. I was also excited to meet and con nect with other members. Getting to jump headfirst into this community project while making connections with other like-minded women was –wonderful!”MariaMiller, Provisional
- Karen Phan, Esprit Chair
Summer Sips at Wetlands Sake
JLNO Lagniappe Fall 2022 | jlno.org 7 Forward Facing The Power of Being In Person
The transition from one League year to the next is equal parts celebration and ceremony. The outgoing Board has a chance to reflect on their accomplishments, while the incoming Board eagerly awaits the opportunities that lie in store. The exquisite grounds of Longue Vue House and Gardens served as the perfect backdrop for this year’s event on May 22, 2022. Members wore their finest garden party attire to commemorate the return of the traditional gavel pass—where the incoming President, Holly Paczak, was handed her ceremonial gavel by a select few Past Presidents.
JLNO Lagniappe Fall 2022 | jlno.org8 “While one person, one volunteer, one donor or one leader can make a difference, working together we are unstoppable!”– Shannon Brice, 2021-2022 JLNO President JLNO 2021-2022 League Year By the Numbers Compiled By: Kristen Brooks overWelcomed 100 Engagedmembers!new 20 Get on participantsBoard Cheered on over 25 JLNO Run, Walk, Give Charity Runners in The Crescent City Classic, raising over $10,000 Had the most diverse pool of applicants in our history Hosted 4 SustainergreateventsEsprithad over 25 member events Logged over 10,000 VolunteerLoggedCredits over 3,000 Training Credits Provided $5,500 in scholarships for nontraditional, female students in post-secondary educational programs Responded to disasters with over 450,000 diapers, 12,000 period supplies and 7,000 adult incontinence products Received Volunteers of the Year Award from our Bloomin’ Deals Legagcy partner, Dress For Success Distributed over 600,000 diapers, 60,000 period supplies and 4,000 adult incontinence products Granted more $20,000than CommunityinAssistanceFunds Instructed over 60 adolescents through our Safe Sitter courses GiveNolaAroundRockedtheClockforDayraising over $6,000 Inspired over 200 participants in JLNO’s Women’s Leadership Summit Welcomed over 680 family individualandticketpurchaserstoTouchATruck TOGETHER WE:
