Junior League of Lake Charles Anniversary Insert

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Each Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc. (JLLC) president selects a theme for her year at the helm. I chose “Membership Matters” with a focus on building mechanisms for our members to connect with one another, enriching volunteer experiences and affirming the integral role each person plays in achieving the League’s mission. I am pleased to say that we accomplished our goals!

This was a year where we focused internally on our organization through conversations and collaborations to ensure we, as a League, can effectively address the changing needs in our quickly growing community. It was no small task and I am grateful for the support, hard work and valuable input from our members and community partners.

Our emphasis on membership enrichment infused new Outgoing President energy into our community projects, resulting in more than Beth Melancon 5,000 hours volunteered. Our members felt empowered to think outside the box, advocate for important causes and lead change.

While our favorite holiday fundraiser Mistletoe & Moss celebrated its 25th anniversary, our newer fundraisers—Truck Fest and Spring Gala & Auction were also hits! These three fundraisers are crucial to the success of our community outreach efforts. The support from our generous donors and patrons enabled us to raise more than $200,000 for local initiatives focused on education, health, arts and cultural enrichment for Southwest Louisiana’s children and their families.

I am proud of the accomplishments and changes of the past League year, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have served as president. I’d like to extend a thank you to all the members, community partners and my family for going on this wonderful journey with me. I look forward to seeing what the future holds in our 85th anniversary year and beyond!

Beth Melancon 2017-18 JLLC President

This year, the Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc. (JLLC) marks 85 years of serving, strengthening, and sustaining Southwest Louisiana. It’s hard to put into words the impact the League has had—and continues to have—in our community. We have created and nurtured some of the most beloved programs and projects in Southwest Louisiana, as you will find out in the pages ahead. From the Children’s Museum to the Black Heritage Gallery, from the Lake Charles Symphony to Family and Youth Counseling Agency, the League has a proud past and promising future of service to Southwest Louisiana.

However, these storied programs are only one part of what makes the JLLC so invaluable. Our other contribution to this community is the women who call themselves “leaguers.”

The League is comprised of provisional, active and sustaining Incoming President volunteer members who go out into our community every day Mallory Wall-Padgett and seek to serve. These women serve on leadership boards; they hold elected offices; they volunteer at food pantries; they read to young children; they teach healthy habits to families; they build community gardens. Their contributions to the community are innumerable.

At our core, we are an organization that trains women volunteers to go out and serve the community. The real weight and impact of the League’s work is measured by what our members do outside of their League service and the sustained impact they have on our community over the course of their lives.

The key to sustainability in any organization—and in any community—is to invest in its most precious resource: its people. I am honored and humbled to serve the League as president this year. In this historic 85th year, the League is poised to make significant investments in our members and in our community. In the coming months, we’ll officially launch our 85th Anniversary Campaign. I hope you will join me in ensuring that League can continue to serve, strengthen, and sustain Southwest Louisiana for the next 85 years.

Mallory Wall-Padgett 2018-19 JLLC President

2018-19 Junior League of Lake Charles Board of Directors

President-Elect Shellie Eskew

Treasurer Lynsay Fontenot

Community Council Director Julie Este-McDonald

Managing Director/Executive Vice President Chelsi Barfield

Secretary Stacey Simien

Assistant Treasurer Sage Middleton

Nominating Director Hillary Green

Membership Director Amanda Meche

Communications Director Julie Savoie

Strategic Planning Director Molly LeCronier

Fund Development Director Terra Jones

Types of Junior League Members PROVISIONAL MEMBERS New members who are engaged in a year-long training course established by the League to prepare them for effective community and League involvement.

ACTIVE MEMBERS Members who have completed Provisional Training and justify membership by demonstrating volunteer service to the community through the League.

SUSTAINER MEMBERS Members who have fulfilled their Active Membership requirements and who continue to support the League and community through dues and mentoring.

Since 1933, the Junior League of Lake Charles has served as a

nonprofit organization of women devoted to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

We are part of a network of more than 290 Junior League organizations across the globe. JLLC’s legacy began with 11 young visionaries and has grown to 600 members strong in 2018.

Highlights in our History

Junior Welfare League of Lake Charles established

1930s-40s

Established Arts Fest and Liberty Belles

1970s-80s

Assisted with tuberculosis and tonsillectomy clinics

Founded the Imperial Calcasieu Museum

1950s-60s

Launched Crippled Children’s Clinic and Emergency Child Welfare Committee

Assisted the Speech and Hearing Center of SWLA

Published Pirate’s Pantry cookbook

Launched Family & Youth Counseling Agency, the Children’s Museum of Lake Charles, the Literacy Council of SWLA, the Volunteer Center of SWLA, the Substance Abuse Resource Center & Harbour House

Began operation of the Nearly New Shop

Launched Teen Leadership Council, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), the Calcasieu Community Clinic and Memorial Hospital’s Cancer Support Center

1990s-2000s

Launched the Lake Charles Civic Symphony

Published Marshes to Mansions cookbook

Marshes to Mansions cookbook can be purchased for $30 at jllc.net . . . . . . . .

Developed new programs dedicated to children in foster care

Meet Today’s League Today, our membership comprises a diverse group of women, from homemakers, professionals and volunteer community leaders, who bring a wide variety of skills and talents to their individual placements across 18 committees.

Where you can find the League lately

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Community Outreach Supply bags for children placed in foster care

Runs an Angel Tree program to fulfill Christmas wishes for local children

Provisionals

Launched Thanks and Giving Bags to provide food support to students over holidays

Literacy

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Installed Reader Feeders encouraging children to take home a book of their choice

Leadership Development

Installed a teaching garden at F.K. White Middle School Created two Little Free Pantries to provide 24/7 food support

Fit Kids Teaches Fit Kids nutritional and exercise program at area schools with Partnership for a Healthier SWLA

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Launched Read to Your Doll at Calcasieu Parish Public Libraries

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Sponsored Calcasieu Parish School Board’s Young Entrepreneur Event for the SPARK program

Grants and Scholarships

We awarded more than $21,000 in grants & scholarships to area students & teachers/staff last year alone.

The Junior League of Lake Charles is proud to serve as a catalyst for the creation of nearly 40 local community projects, organizations and resources that have served the Southwest Louisiana community for years and are still thriving today.

This is our legacy . . .

Imperial Calcasieu Museum

The Children’s Museum

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

Literacy Council of Southwest Louisiana

Lake Charles Symphony Calcasieu Community Clinic

Harbour House Arts & Humanities Council of SWLA

Black Heritage Gallery Family and Youth Counseling Agency

Events and More

The Junior League of Lake Charles hosts three major fundraising events each year to raise money for its community projects.

Save the Dates for our 2018-19 year!

Mistletoe & Moss |

November 15-17, 2018 For more than 25 years, vendors from all over the United States will set-up shop at this annual event to help nearly 6,000 shoppers jumpstart their Christmas spirit. Booths feature items for everyone, including apparel, jewelry and accessories, specialty foods, and seasonal and year-round decorative items and home furnishings.

Spring Gala & Silent Auction |

April 27, 2019 The public is invited to join our members for an enchanted evening soiree of entertainment, dancing, auction and fabulous food and cocktails provided by local vendors.

Truck Fest |

Spring 2019, TBA Children and families have a hands-on experience opportunity to explore more than 40 vehicles of all types—construction, public service, emergency, utility, landscaping, transportation, delivery and more. Attendees will learn about the importance of safety and meet the men and women who serve and protect our communities. A silent hour is offered for those with sensitivity to lights, noise and crowds.

Get Involved!

If you are interested in supporting JLLC’s mission via event sponsorships or in-kind donations, please contact us at resource_development@jllc.net.

Sponsorship levels start at $50. We welcome the opportunity to work with you!

Each year, the JLLC leadership awards a deserving sustainer and active member who have embodied the mission of the League, demonstrated leadership skills and excelled in volunteer service both supporting our initiatives and those within other community service organizations.

CONGRATULATIONS to our 2017-18 honorees!

2018 Outstanding Active Service Award – Hillary Green

By any measure, Hillary has exceeded expectations throughout her seven years of JLLC service.

She was placed on the community council for five of her seven active years and has served on the board for two terms. For her last two placements, she was challenged to serve on newly created positions, the Executive Vice President and Community Outreach Chair. She seized this challenge as an opportunity to create a foundation and direction for those who will fill these positions in the future. In every role she has held within the League, she has made significant contributions and a lasting impact. Her experience as a teacher has served her well as she serves as a mentor and role model for younger members. Hillary is not only devoted to the League, but contributes to other areas of our community as well. She has taken home the mirror ball trophy at Mad Hot Ballroom and always volunteers with Fashion Gives Back. She was recognized as a Thriving ThirtySomething and has mentored girls on the McNeese basketball team. In her most important roles, Hillary is a wife and mother of four.

2018 Sustainer of the Year – Sally Fenet

Sally epitomizes the definition of a community volunteer. Originally from Lake Charles, she joined the JLLC in 1973 and served on many committees as an active, including the Nearly New Shop, Cookbook, a Tutorial Program, Speech and Hearing, Puppets, News-Sheet and Provisional.

Sally had a productive career as an educator, and for the past 20 years, has served on the Ward 3 Recreation District, currently serving as Chair. From its inception, the district has grown from one facility on Lake Street to dozens of locations and facilities throughout Ward 3, serving all ages with a wide variety of sports leagues and recreational activities. More growth is on the horizon thanks to Sally’s tireless passion and dedication to leaving a legacy for generations of children to enjoy in Southwest Louisiana. Sally also works with the Women’s Shelter to provide holiday meals and is active in her church, serving on its governing board. A wife and mother of four children, Sally continues to be a role model and source of inspiration for all who know her.

It starts with you!

If you’re interested in joining our legacy, please visit our website or email provisionals@jllc.net for more information on becoming a member.

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