Our Mission
The Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk, Inc. (JLSN) is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Our purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
Community Programming
To ensure we are meeting priority community needs, JLSN members conduct extensive research and regularly network with agencies, community leaders and organizations. The Diaper Co-Op by JLSN provides low-income families in our area with an adequate supply of diapers for their infants and toddlers. The Building Healthy Families community initiative focuses on the issues of health, fitness and nutrition. Building Healthy Families programming promotes the benefits of a healthy lifestyle through education, resource materials, workshops and fitness events such as our ongoing Kids in the Kitchen programs and our Healthy Parents education series at Stepping Stones Museum for Children. For more information, please see our Community Programming Summary.
History
In 2008, JLSN celebrated 85 years of successful volunteer efforts in the community. On February 9,1923, the first JLSN officers were elected. They led a group of 40 members who provided volunteer services to six local charitable organizations. Since then, JLSN has founded or participated in the establishment of more than 88 community agencies, including Domestic Violence Services, Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Shelter for the Homeless (Pacific House), The Volunteer Center of Southwestern Fairfield County, The Women’s Crisis Center and the Fairfield County Women’s Center at Norwalk Community College.
Membership
JLSN has more than 400 active and sustaining members, all committed to building better communities. Approximately 60% of our active members hold full- or part-time jobs. Our membership also includes stay-at-home moms, empty nesters, grandmothers and students. All women age 21 and older, of all races, religions, and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism are welcomed by JLSN. Members reside in all towns in our service area of Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, New Canaan, Wilton, Weston, Westport, and Ridgefield. No sponsors are required. New members participate in a provisional training course that provides a complete overview of JLSN and our community programs. JLSN members receive ongoing training in diverse skills including leadership, advocacy, public speaking and team building.
Funding
Funding for our education and community initiatives comes from generous donations made by community, foundation and corporate sponsors; contributions to our Annual Appeal; and revenues from our annual Winterfair Gift Market, the Spring Spirits cocktail party and other small events. JLSN administrative functions are financed by membership dues.
Association of Junior Leagues International
JLSN is one of 292 member Leagues of the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI). Together, the Leagues have nearly 170,000 members in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom. The Junior League represents one of the largest international volunteer organizations for women interested in making a positive impact in their communities. For more information, visit the AJLI website http://www.ajli.org/.
Contact Us
For more information, email us at info@jlsn.org. The JLSN Headquarters and office is located at
748 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820. Phone: (203) 655-4662. Fax: (203) 655-4692.
