The Junior League of Charlotte Inc

Community Impact: The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) commits volunteer and financial resources to community agencies and projects that focus on the most critical needs of the Charlotte community. Since June 1, 2023, the JLC has partnered with the community to ensure that children from kindergarten to fifth grade have support and access to mental and physical health programs in priority areas of Mecklenburg County.Families Forward: Families Forward Charlotte aims to help local families take the necessary steps towards long-term financial stability. By helping families overcome whatever circumstances are holding them back, be it a sudden job loss, a need for affordable housing, or dependable childcare. They empower families with educational programs, life skills, and individualized mentoring that all serve as building blocks for a successful and self-sustaining future. JLC Volunteers support education workshops, homework helpers and reading buddies to elementary school children. There are also seasonal activities like backpack packing and organizing essential baskets, reorganizing supply closets and assisting with the holiday gift drive. Done in a Day: The JLC's signature done in a day committee plans and executes several projects throughout the year to assist community agencies with one- or two-day special events aimed to serve women and children in need. The team also provides trained volunteers to agencies with a one-time need.Renaissance West Community Initiative/Kids in the Kitchen: Renaissance West serves through a multitude of projects that focus on the child, family, and neighbor. Assist with the mobile food pantry. Plan special events throughout the year. Plan events which educate youth and their families on the importance of healthy eating, teach healthy meal and snack preparation, and complete cooking demonstrations either virtually or face-to-face. JLC Volunteers will support: Kids in the KitchenZoom tutorialsShop and deliver food to residents Cooking demos Student/Teacher Appreciation events Thompson Child and Family Focus: Thompson Child & Family Services is the leading provider of clinical and prevention services for children and families across the Carolinas. The agency strives to change the lives of at-risk children and families through therapy- based care. They have four locations specializing in clinical and behavioral treatment, developmental education, and proactive care. Their mission is to strengthen children, families, and communities through healing, teaching, worship, and play. JLC volunteers serve as reading buddies, collect and package kits, and plan events for children, such as a Superhero party. Volunteer opportunities may be virtual or in person.Tru Solace Foundation: Aims to promote sustainable living and boost self-esteem by introducing children to healthy living. Tru Solace does this through gardening, nutrition workshops, and supportive group discussions. JLC partners by assisting with gardening projects, facilitating holistic wellness activities, and handling administrative tasks.Classroom Central: Distributes free school supplies to thousands of teachers annually in 245 schools across six school districts. This gives kids access to school supplies, health kids and wellness packets. The JLC assists by providing funding, organizing kits and delivering the kits.ShermCo Foundation: Sherm Co at Reid Park Academy provides support and project development to schools in under-served communities. The JLC partners by supporting ShermCos family empowerment partnership with Reid Park by providing logistical support. Advocacy and Public Awareness: JLC volunteers host community educational forums on issues relevant to the JLC school ready focus. Leadership Development Institute: The JLC's leadership development institute (LD) is a year-long training program that educates, inspires, and connects JLC provisional, transfer, active and sustaining members through the study of eight core leadership values facilitated through interactive monthly workshops. Training and Development: The training and development committee develops, organizes, and implements monthly quality education, personal, and professional development, leadership, and membership training opportunities to strengthen members' leadership skills and enhance member satisfaction. New Member Training: New members are immersed in training from the beginning. They have a monthly small group meeting to learn about all the aspects of junior league. Through these meetings and meetings with the larger membership development group, new members receive information and reinforcement around effective voluntarism to participate over continued years of service. Training culminates in a new member capstone project with a focus in the community. Keynote speakers and subject-matter experts cover a range of topics.