Women of Junior League aim to fill community needs
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — From offering prom dresses to those who can’t afford them to providing a better way for kids staying in shelters to store their belongings, one local women’s group is filling unmet needs in the community.
The Junior League of St. Joseph is the unsung hero behind several local initiatives, including the St. Joseph Marathon, Cinderella’s Closet and Hope Totes. The women of the Junior League dedicate countless hours to making the community better through action, volunteerism and leadership.
The nonprofit organization was founded in 1921 by women who were ready to serve and lead in St. Joseph. More than 100 years later, the group continues to build bonds and relationships that foster a stronger and more vibrant community.
Samijo Mitchell, president of the Junior League of St. Joseph, said the group is essential in the community due to its focus on providing opportunities specifically for women and children.
“There’s nobody saying ‘Hey, how are we making sure we’re reaching out to these women and making sure they still feel like they can be leaders in the community?’” she said. “Junior League does a really good job of filling those gaps and providing that outlet for women who want to embrace leadership and embrace community in whatever form they want it to be.”
Mitchell said the many opportunities to volunteer and lead through Junior League proved to be invaluable to her, and she hopes other women find that same passion through the group.
“I hope that anybody that’s active in the Junior League has just found their community,” Mitchell said. “And I, gosh, it sounds cliche to say it, but has found their village and their tribe and the people that resonate with them.”
The women of the Junior League are making strides year round not only to improve the St. Joseph community with their efforts, but also to become better leaders themselves and inspire younger generations to make an impact through volunteering, collaborating and imagining a better tomorrow.
“I really hope that the Junior League will continue to foster those relationships among women so that you’re going to have a whole generation of people that have been brought up in this need for this community of women and understand how beneficial it is to belong to that,” she said.
The Junior League is gearing up for its biggest initiative, Cinderella’s Closet. The effort offers young women dresses for prom, formals and military balls at no cost so every girl, no matter size or style, can feel like a princess.
“These young women come from literally, we’ve had them from two hours away,” Mitchell said. “Show up and find a dress and go home and tell more people about us, and then come back and re-donate the dress, which is great.”
The Junior League accepts donations of dresses, shoes, purses and jewelry year round. The closet currently is most in need of plus-size dresses and prom shoes, which can be dropped off at the United Way, 118 S. Fifth St., or to a member of the group.
Whether they’re making a young woman feel like royalty, cheering on runners in a marathon or providing literacy and community assistance grants, the women of Junior League continue to prove that behind every great woman is another great woman.
“I hope that they understand how much easier your life can be if you can seek out a community of like-minded women,” Mitchell said. “There is something bonding and unique about a group of women coming together to solve problems.”
To learn more about the Junior League of St. Joseph or join in its mission of promoting volunteerism, developing women’s potential and improving the community, visit the group’s website at juniorleaguesj.com.
