Sowing the Seeds of Volunteerism.

Welcome to the Junior League of Tallahassee’s web site. We are an organization of more than 600 women who are dedicated to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving our community through the effective action of trained volunteers. We are a member of the Association of Junior Leagues International, which provides professional support to nearly 300 leagues across the United States, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom.
Every day, our trained volunteers are creating positive stories through dedicated activities and projects. Whether it’s the story of the little boy at Boys Town, who didn’t talk for months, yet after our event filled with learning, laughter and interacting with our volunteers, he started talking. Or, the two women, from different backgrounds, who didn’t know each other, were placed together to co-chair a committee and then became dear friends. Or, the story of the little girl who was placed in a loving foster home and now has a stable, nurturing home environment and equal access to healthy lifestyle choices – all because of our Heart Gallery activities.

One of Tallahassee’s most precious resources is our children. Unfortunately, not every child gets the chance to grow up and experience the kind of childhood we all deserve. Junior League of Tallahassee members believe it’s our obligation to help children and families reach their dreams and highest potential.

How do we do this? By working together. We work with our most valuable resource in the community – our children.  We also help families in need because we understand that a strong family produces strong children.  We do this by advancing our mission of improving the lives of children and families through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Our members are smart, resourceful and represent a broad-range of economic backgrounds and skill-sets. The one uniting factor is our desire to help others.

During the 2009-2010 fiscal year, the Junior League of Tallahassee committed more than 10,000 volunteer hours and thus donated more than $150,000 to the Tallahassee community through skilled volunteer hours and financial support. Financial capital is generated from our fundraisers including Jingle Jubilee, Whale of a Sale, our new cookbook, A Thyme to Celebrate, and of course personal contributions.  These donations of both time and money, sustain our community projects such as Kids Boutique, Done in a Day, Fostering Hope, Kids in the Kitchen and so many more.

We don’t always create these positive stories on our own; many times we work with top-notch partners to further our mission. Organizations such as Southeastern Plastic Surgery Group, Kohls, the City of Tallahassee and Leon County, Communities in Schools, Florida Baptist Children’s Home Society, Oasis – just to name a few.  You will see evidence of JLT's many projects at the Tallahassee Museum, Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Refuge House, LeRoy Collins Public Library, the Mary Brogan Museum of Art & Science and many more places around Tallahassee.

Please take the time to explore our website to learn more. You may discover that you would like to join us either as a member, sponsor, or advertiser in the Tallagram, our quarterly publication, or the League Loop, our bi-weekly e-mail newsletter.  

We have already enjoyed 50 outstanding years, but I know it is only the beginning and I am proud to be part of this story. With continued support from the community, the Junior League of Tallahassee will continue to sow the seeds of volunteerism and in turn serve and help build a better community not only for today, but for generations to come.

Betsy Couch, APR
President, 2010-2011