Area: Fundraising isn’t
easy these days, but that hasn’t stopped the Junior League of the Oranges and
Short Hills from aiming to make this its most successful year yet. The volunteer
group is launching a major recruitment drive, believing that in tough economic
times, their work in the community is more crucial than ever.
This fall, the league will host a series of informal gatherings where, over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, women can find out more about the Junior League of the Oranges and Short Hills (JLOSH) and how to become involved.
But as President Elizabeth Duncan-Pederson warns, “Anyone expecting to find a group of ‘girls in pearls’ is in for a eye-opener.” Today’s leaguers are far removed from the old elitist image: the membership is diverse -- with a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, and professional pursuits – and, as always, they take a hands-on approach using direct action to create lasting community improvements.
“We are absolutely committed to welcoming new members and offering training to volunteers so we can continue to fulfil unmet needs through effective action and leadership.”
“We do much, much more than holding fundraisers for good causes,” says Duncan-Pederson. “Joining the Junior League is a great way to really make a difference in our local communities and that is especially pertinent now, when so many other organizations are retrenching.”
Dedicated to improving the health, education and well-being of women and children in Millburn, Maplewood, Springfield, Livingston and the Oranges, JLOSH has helped shape these communities in countless ways.
Over the last decade alone it has returned well over $200,000 to the community and remains a driving force behind scores of initiatives that make the neighborhood a healthier, more vital place to live. As a rule, projects are developed in partnership with existing community agencies and after a designated time are transitioned back to the community for full ownership.
Recently, JLOSH volunteers have refurbished shelters and day care centers; mentored children and teens in foster care; led workshops for victims of domestic violence; provided food to the hungry; and created a playground inside an empty lot.
They distribute holiday toys and Thanksgiving dinners to those who might otherwise go without, and thousands of children have learned about the dangers of childhood obesity, drugs and alcohol abuse, thanks to league programs.
Earlier this year JLOSH won a gold award for The Littlest Volunteers, a storybook they produced to encourage children to get active in helping others. The book is now part of grade 2 studies in the Millburn School District and has become the basis of teaching programs run by other Junior Leagues throughout the USA.
And next year hundreds of families will enjoy newly renovated, kid-friendly facilities at the East Orange Public Library, thanks to a $40,000 grant from JLOSH and its continuing support.
But the work doesn’t stop at the service area boundary. In addition to local projects, JLOSH members are active in developing state-wide and national policy, by meeting with legislators and non-partisan lobbying for reform. The abolition of human trafficking in the US, the importance of school recess, and the creation of umbilical cord blood banks are among the issues currently being advocated.
Duncan-Pederson is justifiably proud of her league’s accomplishments. “Our record speaks for itself. We work hard to achieve a better quality of life for everyone in our community through lasting and meaningful improvements. But part of what sets us apart from other non-profit groups is the training we offer, which galvanises our members into effective volunteers and leaders and magnifies the contribution we can make to the community.
“Quite simply, when you equip an energetic bunch of women with the right tools and inspiration, you know that something powerful will be achieved.
Based in offices above Stewart Leshé Collections on Millburn’s Main Street, JLOSH is one of the oldest of the 292 Junior League chapters located in the United States, Canada, Mexico and England and is looking forward to celebrating its centenary in 2013.
“We hope to mark this milestone with a stronger membership than ever, giving us the capacity for an even greater impact in years to come,” adds Duncan- Pederson. Last year JLOSH welcomed 17 new members from Short Hills, Maplewood, South Orange and West Orange.
Membership is open to any woman over the age of 21 years of age residing in the JLOSH service areas.