A Message from the Community VP

For over 80 years, Junior League of Jackson (JLJ) volunteers have worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life of those in our community. We do this by building partnerships with community organizations and developing shared solutions and projects that provide better health, education, welfare, and safety for children and youth.

To ensure our volunteers’ service has a maximum and measurable impact, the League uses an issue-based community impact model to select its projects. This model requires the League to identify critical needs in the community. Then, volunteers are matched with projects in these areas, enabling our members to serve where they can make the most significant impact. The League currently focuses on three key areas: early literacy, children’s health, and the social development of children and youth, with the ultimate goal of improving our community’s high school graduation rate.

Our membership works year-round with our community partners on more than 30 issue-based projects throughout the Jackson metro area. More than 2,200 members provide more than 55,000 volunteer hours each year, giving their time and talents to help build a stronger community. Whether working one-on-one with students to practice reading skills or providing backpacks of nutritious food for students, our dedicated volunteers serve the community in meaningful ways.

Although many of JLJ’s projects focus on making a positive difference in the lives of individual children and youth, our work ripples through the entire community. For example, JLJ led the charge to create the children’s cancer clinic at Mississippi’s only children’s hospital and Mississippi’s first children’s museum. Most recently, JLJ responded to the Jackson Water Crisis by working with our community partners to meet critical needs related to water in Jackson.

Thank you to our community partners, supporters, and members, for your work in deepening our community impact.

Best regards,

Carla Lewis
2023-2024 Community Vice President