Lagniappe Fall 2023

7 Run, Walk, Give 8 League Faces

Fall 2023

LAGNIAPPE STAFF

Editor

Kate Uhle

Assistant Editor

Kylie June Tahana

Writers

Taymika Sharrieff, Kristin Durand, Camille Rome

Photographers

Delana Lynn Photography, Kristin Durand, Kendra Reade, Hope Clay

PUBLISHER STAFF

Art Director

Ali Sullivan

Production Manager

Rosa Balaguer

On

President-Elect Tara Waldron, President 20222023 Holly Adkins Paczak, and President 20232024 Ashley Cangelosi Llewellyn

Production Designer

Meghan Rooney

Chief Executive Officer

Todd Matherne

A Welcome from the President

Welcome to the 2023-2024 League year! I am honored to serve as the 100th President of the Junior League of New Orleans. As the Board of Directors prepared for this year, a few themes kept recurring in our discussions as we considered feedback from our members, our approaching Centennial in 2024, and the recent completion of our Headquarters renovation.

Reintroduce. Reimagine. Reengage.

Over the next year, JLNO looks forward to reintroducing our organization to the community it has served for over 99 years. We are excited to reimagine how we fulfill our mission as “an organization of women whose shared mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.” We welcome opportunities to reengage our members, community partners, and the broader regional community through purposeful programming. Let’s embark on this journey together!

This summer, we welcomed 101 new members to our organization, trained 95 youth through our Safe Sitter® program, hosted numerous

JLNO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Ashley Cangelosi Llewellyn

President-Elect Tara Waldron

Secretary Kelly Rauser

Treasurer Trish Thibodeau

Assistant Treasurer Paige Farrell

Business Council Director Robin Carubba

Communications Council Director

Allison Shapiro Dandry

Community Council Director Rachel Robinson

Membership Council Director Hope Clay

Planning & Development Council Director

Blair Broussard

Ways & Means Council Director Sarah Howard

Nominating Committee Chair Dale Ellen O'Neil

Sustaining Advisor to the Board Kristen Koppel

groups at our Headquarters through our facility rental program, and distributed essential diaper, period supplies, and adult incontinence products through our network of local partners. We invite you to connect with the Junior League of New Orleans by purchasing tickets to Get on Board and Touch a Truck® this October, attend Holly Jolly Market in December, and volunteer alongside us to sort and package essential supplies for community distribution at our Diaper Bank.

We are women leading for a greater New Orleans, deeply committed to advancing the wellbeing of women.

In

service, Ashley Cangelosi Llewellyn President, 2023-2024

Photo by Delana Lynn Photography

Photo by: Delana Lynn Photography

Safe Sitter ® Empowering Young Caregivers in New Orleans

Written by: Taymika Sharrieff | Photos by: Delana Lynn Photography

Every summer, something magical happens in the heart of New Orleans. Young adults between the ages of 11 and 13 are offered a unique opportunity to embark on a transformative journey through the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) Safe Sitter® program. This one-day training equips preteens with essential life skills, ranging from emergency response to childcare safety, empowering them to become confident and responsible caregivers.

Under the guidance of JLNO members serving as Safe Sitter® instructors, participants delve into an action-packed curriculum where students learn everything from how to rescue someone from choking, to responding effectively during severe weather situations. With each topic, their knowledge deepens, building a solid foundation to handle any emergency with poise and skill. During interactive sessions, young sitters even get hands-on experience, using a doll as a stand-in for a baby to practice diaper-changing techniques and honing their CPR skills on a manikin.

Students receive a comprehensive handbook covering childcare safety, safety signals, first aid skills, and valuable business and life skills. Engaging in both large group discussions and small group sessions with instructors, they actively participate in meaningful dialogues to enhance their understanding.

As JLNO member and Safe Sitter® instructor DarLisa Riche proudly states, “At the end of this training, students walk away with a certificate of completion where they can show they are Safe Sitter® certified,” Riche proudly states, highlighting the tangible evidence of students’ newfound skills.

Curiosity and compassion fuel the desire of these young adults to enroll in the Safe Sitter® program. We spoke to some students who shared their motivations:

Luke expressed his desire to learn babysitting skills so that when his parents needed to be away, he could confidently support them by looking after his sister.

Layla, inspired by a neighbor who cared for her younger siblings, wants to step up and take over the responsibility.

Juliette, with a love for babies and the encouragement of her parents, aspires to become the go-to babysitter for her parents’ friends.

Lisa’s sister, who herself had a rewarding experience as a babysitter, recommended the program to Lisa, igniting an interest to follow in her footsteps.

As the Safe Sitter® training concludes, participants not only walk away with the knowledge and skills to care for others but also the ability to take better care of themselves during emergencies. Armed with confidence, they become equipped to handle their younger siblings or other children with responsibility and care. Moreover, some even embark on their journey to establish their own babysitting business, bringing a whole new dimension to their teenage years.

The roots of Safe Sitter® run deep, stretching back over 40 years when Patricia A. Keener, M.D., recognized the need for better, safer babysitters. She founded Safe Sitter® with a vision to teach young teens life and safety skills, setting them on a path to become exceptional caregivers. Today, Safe Sitter® remains a pioneer in providing vital life skills, safety education, and childcare training for the youth of New Orleans.

The success and impact of the Safe Sitter® program have paved the way for an exciting development. In an exclusive interview on WWL, JLNO President-Elect, Tara Waldron, revealed JLNO’s plans to extend the availability of Safe Sitter® classes throughout the school year, thoughtfully coordinating with school holidays. This expanded schedule will allow even more young adults to access the program and unlock their potential as reliable and skilled caregivers.

If you have a child in grades 5-8 eager to become a certified Safe Sitter®, don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity. Visit www.jlno.org and explore the ‘Training’ section to sign up for available classes. Classes are $80 per student; for groups or additional inquiries, email safesitter@jlno.org. •

Honoring the Passage of Time Through Tradition

Written by: Kristin Durand |

by: Delana Lynn Photography

Green was everywhere to be seen - in the trees, on the programs, on the dresses. And why not? Green often symbolizes new beginnings, the start of something new and exciting. It was only fitting that the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) held their 99th Passing of the Gavel ceremony encircled by the lush backdrop of the world-famous Audubon Zoo at its renowned Audubon Tea Room.

JLNO members and their guests packed this dazzling venue on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 to witness a time-honored tradition. Since its founding in 1924, the current President of the Junior League of New Orleans has passed her leadership to the incoming President by ceremoniously handing over the gavel used to usher in meetings of the Board of Directors. As time went by, more past President’s joined in the ceremony which evolved into the celebration seen today.

This year’s event served a dual purpose. Not only did it allow members a chance to reflect on JLNOs accomplishments, but it was also the perfect opportunity to champion the dedication displayed by the recipients of JLNO’s Community Assistance Fund (CAF) awards, Scholarship grant, and Woman Entrepreneur Fellowship. 2022-2023 Ways & Means Director, Amy Flower, says the inclusion of these awards was intentional. “We wanted to re-center Passing [of] the Gavel as a League celebration that brings together our larger community and is a culmination of the past year’s successes.”

Representatives were on hand from Dress for Success and Hagar’s

House, a program of First Grace Community Alliance. These two CAF grant recipients were awarded ceremonial checks of $5,000 and $10,000 respectively. Although unable to attend, their fellow 2022-2023 CAF recipients – Operation Restoration, Jericho Road and Market Umbrella – were also acknowledged for the steps their programs are taking to advance the lives of women throughout New Orleans.

Established in 2018, the goal of JLNO’s Scholarship Fund is to alleviate the financial burden of women seeking to improve their careers through furthering their education. This year’s scholarship recipient, Hayle Stephens, was chosen due to her lifelong passion for nursing coupled with her desire to complete her education while raising her child and working full time.

In her outgoing address, 2022-2023 President, Holly Adkins Paczak, highlighted JLNO’s myriad of accomplishments throughout the year, including the long-awaited reopening of JLNO Headquarters after being severely damaged by Hurricane Ida in 2021. She proudly shared the impressive numbers JLNO generated over the past year, such as partnering with 60 nonprofit organizations, hosting over 1,500 attendees at Touch a Truck, training 200 students in Safe Sitter® curriculum, and providing approximately 15,000 volunteer hours and 3,000 training hours. Finally, she thanked the Board of Directors who served alongside her over the previous 18 months, recognizing each woman by name.

The most memorable moment of the evening occurred when it was time to pass the gavel to the 2023-2024 League President, Ashley Cange -

Photos

losi Llewellyn. All past Presidents in attendance were invited to participate in the traditional ceremony, and when a record-breaking 22 women stepped forward to mark the historic occasion, the impact was evident. Tomi Gilliam Joseph, 2022-2023 Passing of the Gavel Committee ViceChair, credits this impressive turnout to her committee, the Board and JLNO Staff, saying “I am so thankful [to] all the Past Presidents who were present as well as their contributions to JLNO.”

In her remarks, Ashley shared the groundwork of the Centennial Board’s vision for the coming year. Their goal is to reintroduce, reimagine and reengage their members, community partners and the community at large to the good works JLNO is honored to provide. In her words, “Organizations only last as long as people will them to. We need to look back at what we’ve accomplished over the past 99 years, and we get to dream really big about what the next century can hold for us.”

As JLNO nears its 100th year, it would be wise to allow Ashley’s words to serve as its inspiration. Always be mindful to celebrate the work you have contributed to the Greater New Orleans community by, “honoring our past, considering our present, and setting a bold vision for the future.” •

Period Poverty Awareness JLNO Takes a Stand

Written by: Taymika Sharrieff | Photos by: Kendra Reade

In New Orleans, the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) has been on the frontlines, battling period poverty with unwavering determination. With one in four people facing the struggle to afford safe and clean period supplies due to financial constraints, JLNO, in collaboration with eight community partners, has been diligently working to combat this pressing issue within our community. During the 2022-2023 League year, they have distributed an astounding 139,559 period products, including 3,060 kits, bringing much-needed relief to those in need.

One of JLNO’s respected community partners, the New Orleans Public Library, recently made a significant announcement by offering free period supplies in all their bathrooms and distributing free kits, starting at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. library. The impactful work done by JLNO has garnered recognition from entities like the New Orleans City Council and the Governor, who have presented Proclamations applauding their efforts in tackling this critical issue.

A startling study conducted by Kotex in 2021 revealed that two in five women have struggled to afford period products, resulting in over onethird of women reporting missed work, school, and other important activities due to a lack of access to period protection. This dire situation extends to students as well, as per a study commissioned by Thinx and PERIOD, where one in four students miss school or class time due to inadequate access to period products.

Despite the repeal of Louisiana’s pink tax on menstrual products, schools are not required to provide free and easy assistance to students most in need. Representative Aimee Adatto Freeman (D-New Orleans) sponsored Louisiana House Bill 117 to address this disparity. The bill sought to mandate schools across the state to offer free menstrual products in easily accessible locations. Although the bill passed the House, it faced hurdles in the Senate, stalling its progress.

When asked about the challenges faced over the last two years in trying to pass the bill without success, Representative Freeman expressed optimism, stating, “there is support for this on both sides of the aisle, it’s just a matter of getting funding in place, and we are not going to give up.” Emphasizing her commitment to improving maternal healthcare outcomes in the state, she affirmed her dedication to tackling these critical issues that impact all Louisiana families.

To raise awareness about period poverty and educate the community on the challenges faced by women and girls, JLNO has joined forces with the Alliance for Period Supplies. Together, JLNO and the Alliance for Period Supplies are working tirelessly to ensure menstrual products reach those in need. You too can contribute to this noble cause by sharing this information on your social media platforms, making a financial contribution on the JLNO website at jlno.org/community/periodsupplies/, purchasing items from JLNO's Amazon Wish List to be directly shipped to JLNO, hosting a Period Supply Drive, or dropping off supplies at JLNO headquarters located at 4319 Carondelet Street, New Orleans, LA 70115.

JLNO’s unwavering dedication to fighting period poverty serves as an inspiration, igniting hope and progress for the women and girls in our community. Join the movement, raise your voice, and together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by period poverty in New Orleans. •

League Members Raise $16,000 During Run, Walk, Give Event Fundraising efforts part of official charity partnership with the Crescent City Classic

Written by: Camille Rome | Photos by: Kristin Durand

On a wet weekend in early April, nearly 70 Junior League of New Orleans members ran, walked or gave their time volunteering during the 45th annual Crescent City Classic. As an official charity partner of the Crescent City Fitness Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the 10K race, JLNO raised approximately $16,000 this year during the event—the most JLNO has raised since 2019! JLNO now officially calls the fundraising event Run, Walk, Give, with committee chairs and members recruiting the fundraising team and volunteering at the event.

Each year, the Crescent City Fitness Foundation selects local charities to support, partnering to raise funds to give back to local causes. Crescent City Fitness Foundation’s overall goal is to raise $1 million annually and serve the needs of the Greater New Orleans area. JLNO has been an official charity partner since 2019, with race participants raising nearly $69,000 total for the League over the past four years.

“[Chairing the event] was challenging with teachable moments, but well worth the effort,” said Robin Meyers, Run, Walk, Give committee chair. “We helped raise funds to support the community and had a great time doing it. It was one of my favorite committees to date.” About 45 League members participated in this year’s race, committing to fundraise at least $250 for JLNO, in addition to the athletic training needed to run or walk over 6.5 miles. And the success of the event extended beyond the funds raised; it also served as a catalyst for promoting the League’s mission and creating awareness about its efforts to improve the lives of women in our community.

“I grew up playing sports, but not running distances or races,” said Emilie Montgomery, Run, Walk, Give committee chair. “This committee changed my mind on running that’s more like walking, and I enjoyed getting JLNO members excited to do it as well. I loved getting to know each committee member and how they were excited to be part of the group. I know I’ll be back next year—and look out, I’m coming for those prizes!” League volunteers cheered on the race participants from the start to the finish line, with all members contributing 185 volunteer hours to the cause.

The generosity of the community also played an indispensable role in the success of the event. Through resourceful committee member efforts, race day events were fully sponsored, from the comfortable t-shirts provided by NOLA Societees, to the food and wine from Dorignacs, Flour Moon Bagels, Martin’s Wine & Spirits, The Wine Seller and Trader Joe’s, and the awesome prizes donated from The Chicory House, Cocktail & Sons, Noxgear and Silver Slipper Casino and Hotel, SPI.

The impact of the event extended far beyond the dollars raised. The event fostered a sense of camaraderie among the League members, through weekly run meetups across the greater New Orleans community and event update emails, all of which provided an opportunity for these members to connect with the broader community, forging lasting partnerships that will hopefully continue well into the future.

“I said yes to vice-chairing because sports and exercise are an important part of my life, so it was a great fit,” said Catherine Fabre. “I loved working with all the Run Walk Give ladies and can't wait to continue our momentum as a chair next year!”

The committee’s motto, #RunOnPurpose, was initially intended to be a “running joke.” However, it quickly turned aspirational within the committee. In fact, JLNO board member Amy Flower was the top fundraiser for Run, Walk, Give this year. “Being on the board this year has given me an upclose look at all the community projects our fundraisers support. It’s compelling! And it compelled me to focus on raising as much as I could this year.”

Consider participating next year as a volunteer or race participant through JLNO’s Run, Walk, Give. Follow along at jlno.org/run-for-it/ for updates, and we’ll see you March 30, 2024! •

League Faces

New and transfer members participate in training sessions to help learn about the Junior League mission and active community projects which members can get involved in throughout

JLNO Members work hard into the night to get period supplies unloaded and ready to pack into supply kits during volunteer shifts. Photo by Kendra Reade

Passing of the Gavel Celebration Committee members were among those gathered under the oaks and inside the Audubon Tea Room during the time-honored JLNO tradition. Photo by Delana Lynn Photography

(L-R) Raven Benoit, Ty Salvant, Erica Camese-Gallardo, and Seane Rice enjoying time together to witness past, current, and future leadership of the League during Passing of the Gavel. Photo by Delana Lynn Photography

Lindsey Raborn (Volunteer Opportunity Management Chair) and LeeAnn Moss (Esprit Chair) were among the 45 League members who participated in the 2023 Crescent City Classic to raise funds and awareness for JLNO during our Run, Walk, Give event. Photo by Delana Lynn Photography

the year. Photo by Hope Clay

(L-R) Ashley Stevens, SarahGant Holleman, Julia Watt and Esme Robert are working to make the new member experience both fun and fulfilling, and help set women up for involvement and leadership in the League. Photo by Hope Clay