The Diaper Co-Op
The Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk, Inc. (JLSN) Diaper Co-Op seeks to ensure that low-income families in our area have an adequate supply of diapers for their infants and toddlers. JLSN will also build community awareness about the challenges that these families face, and reform public policy to ensure that diapers are included in “basic human needs.” Diaper distribution began in October 2008. Since then more than 200,000 diapers have been distributed to nearly 50 families identified by our community partner, Person-to-Person and residents of Malta House. This year JLSN will continue to focus on increasing awareness of the issue in the community as well as expanding the number of agencies we work. JLSN volunteers manage the fund-raising and diaper collection and/or purchase process as well as the distribution of diapers.
Building Healthy Families
The Building Healthy Families initiative, which provides health, nutrition and fitness programs, as well as education and resources, for community members of all ages, enters its fourth successful year. Programming will focus on two target groups:
Healthy Parents: Parents are the foundation for building a healthy family. This year JLSN continues the Healthy Parents education outreach in partnership with Stepping Stones Children's Museum in Norwalk. JLSN will provide parents and caregivers in the community with the knowledge and skills to create a healthy lifestyle for their families through a series of hands on education programs held at the museum. Topics will include purchasing and preparing healthy food on a budget, incorporating exercise into everyday life and promoting healthy habits at home and in public.
Healthy Kids: With obesity and diabetes rates soaring among young children, providing education about the importance of good nutrition and healthy habits is a priority for every community. JLSN will reach out to agencies and partners in the community to develop programs and activities for children from infants through teens. The popular Kids in the Kitchen program, which coordinates with the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc., (AJLI) Kids in the Kitchen initiative, will be presented for the fourth year. Each event incorporates educational programming in four topic areas: nutrition, exercise, adult programming, and topical arts and crafts projects and games.
Done In A Day
The Done in a Day committee presents monthly events and activities in coordination with our community partners including but not limited to Brien McMahon H.S., Stillmeadow Elementary, the Lower Fairfield County Food Bank, the Norwalk Emergency Shelter, Malta House and Person-to-Person. JLSN has participated in the One Warm Coat program, collecting winter outerwear donations throughout our service area. The League also continued its longtime participation in the annual International Coastal Cleanup and the Angel Tree project to donate and wrap holiday gifts for participants in the Nurturing Families program of Family Centers, Inc.
Community Program Development And Advocacy
The Community Planning Committee is responsible for educating and raising awareness among League members and in the community about public policy issues addressed by JLSN’s Position Statements through education, outreach, and advocacy. The Committee represents JLSN in advocacy efforts on a state and local level. Activities are often coordinated with other Junior Leagues throughout Connecticut.
The Community Planning Committee also assesses critical community needs and identifies potential areas where JLSN can become involved. Once a need is determined, the committee develops ideas and implements programs that will have a lasting impact. Several JLSN-developed programs continue to operate as self-standing entities today. The JLSN Program Development process produces initiatives that best fill gaps in the community and utilize the talents of our trained volunteers.
