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Letter From the President Setting the Trajectory of Transformational Impact
The Junior League of San Antonio is in its 96th year as a community of women serving our mission and realizing our gifts, passion, and purpose. For a League to attain 96 years of growth and advancement, it takes bold female leadership, generous donors, and community support to set the foundation in place to build what you see today.
Over nearly 100 years, JLSA has established and shaped many programs in San Antonio that are still in place, such as the docent programs at the Witte Museum, San Antonio Zoo, and McNay Art Museum. For 65 years and counting, the Junior League has provided scholarships to students at Sunshine Cottage. More recently, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of our partnership with Goodwill through our annual Rummage Around Goodwill event. Last year, League members donated nearly $150,000 in goods to Goodwill, and the event is Goodwill San Antonio’s single largest revenue day of the year.
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In 1925, JLSA became the first Junior League to utilize a historic building as its headquarters, placing us at the forefront of historic preservation. For many decades, our property served as the setting for various events and activities, and it experienced a healthy growth in value. Last year, through the sale of the Bright Shawl, we were able to establish investments that will continue to contribute to our sustainability as an organization for decades to come.
It is our passion to continue to serve the communities of San Antonio, to foster incredible women leaders, and to leave a legacy of transformational impact. 2019-2020 marks a landmark year as we launch towards our 100th anniversary and so we have aptly named it “Liftoff to 100.” The trajectory and advancement, as a League, are being set in motion by the implementation of several programs.
• New Mission Credit Hour format, which provides greater flexibility for members when it comes to volunteer and leadership development opportunities. • Introduction of 20 new Trailblazers for the second year of Paving New Paths, our centennial fundraiser. Funds support renovations of the future Junior League of San Antonio Educational Center at Clarity Child Guidance Center. Funding will also support our Signature Project, a program in partnership with Clarity Child Guidance Center aimed at making significant strides in children’s mental wellness education.
• Newly formed Sustainer Leadership Board focused on enhancing the sustaining member experience and providing guidance to our JLSA.
• Relaunch of our Community Advisory Board, composed of influential community leaders and ambassadors for the Junior League of San Antonio, who advise the League on long-term direction and strategy.
Our mission and vision are not achieved by one single member or confined to four walls; they are embodied in the spirit of giving and leadership that all our members, past and present, demonstrate every single day. The generosity of our donors and supporters who give their time, talents, and treasure, strengthen our ability to set a trajectory of lasting impact in the city of San Antonio.
From all of us at the Junior League of San Antonio, I extend a heartfelt thank you to our members and our supporters. Our legacy continues, thanks to you.
Sincerely,
Yvonne Addison 2019-2020 JLSA President
Passion for a Purpose Luncheon
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Mays Family Center Witte Museum
