Program areas at JLNO
Membership: our nearly 1,800 jlno members collaborate to advance the wellbeing of women and families in the greater New Orleans area. Since our founding in 1924 jlno has trained members to understand the communitys needs, envision ways to better others lives, and bring forth change. Jlno members gain valuable skills and experiences that enable them to reach their potential as a leader in our community. They are able to create a member experience that meets their interests and needs, provides personal, professional, and leadership development and connects them with both like-minded women and other organazations committed to helping others.
Community assistance fund: the community assistance fund provides jlno with a flexible means to grant money to nonprofit agencies that can effectively demonstrate that they have a need for funding and seek to advance the wellbeing of women. The community assistance fund committee thoroughly examines requests for funding before submitting them to jlnos community council and board of directors for final approval. Jlno awards community assistance fund grants once a year in the following areas: 1. Economic opportunity supporting womens potential to seize economic opportunities 2. Physical and mental health improving womens health, allowing them to live healthy and happy lives 3. Family assistance providing needed family support to alleviate the burdens on women caregivers total awards given this year was in the amount of $40,000.
Diaper bank: : jlno believes families shouldnt have to choose between diapering and feeding their child. Caregivers should not be prevented from work or school because they dont have diapers to send with a child to daycare or an early education program. Providing diapers means a child will not have to spend from dawn to dusk in the same diaper because a caregiver doesnt have the money to buy the six to ten diapers they need in a day. Jlnos diaper bank distributed over 641,000 diapers this year through our community partners.
Safe sitter: preparing young people for the profound responsibilities of nurturing and protecting children; trained 200 adolescents in summer workshops.
We fellowship: started in january 2016, jlnos woman entrepreneur (we) fellowship is a yearlong program supporting a female business owner with funding as well as mentoring and in-kind services sourced through jlnos membership. Women with at least a 50% stake in an enterprise that has been in operation between one to five years and making less than $750,000 are eligible to apply. The we fellowship committee reviews the submissions and selects up to six finalists. Each finalist will meet with a growth consulting firm to craft a 10-minute pitch. A judging panel selects the fellow, and jlno members develop a plan to secure in-league mentors and resources. Our we fellows have scaled their businesses, increasing staff, revenue, and industry recognition, and the finalists have gained knowledge, connections, and exposure through the pitch process. The we fellowship goes beyond giving financial support to a small business. It aligns with the Junior League mission tenet to develop the potential of women by offering mentoring, training, and support. The program is innovative, specific, and impactful. Most importantly, we fellowship emphasizes the unique capacity women have for creative endeavors and perseverance, providing examples to which women and girls can aspire. The winner of the pitch competition receives a yearlong program supporting a female entrepreneur business owner with mentoring and in-kind services sourced through jlnos membership, such as legal, accounting, marketing, and consulting guidance. The we fellowship also provides a $5,000 grant to the winner of the we fellowship pitch event.
Covenant house: for over 30 years, covenant house New Orleans has cared for homeless and highly at-risk youth, helping them achieve stability and build independence. It provides comprehensive residential and supportive services to youth (ages 16 to 22), including mothers and their children. Covenant house is a safe haven where at-risk youth can take advantage of professional care and services to move their lives in a positive direction. Jlno members plan and host monthly birthday celebrations for covenant house residents. This includes developing the theme for each party, complete with party decorations, birthday cake and ice cream, and a small gift for each resident. One evening a month, members participate in the birthday celebrations in the covenant house cafeteria. About 50 residents attend, and between 5 and 8 (both youth and children) have a birthday each month. Jlno members serve cake, take pictures, interact with guests, and help everyone have a good time. By hosting monthly birthday celebrations, jlno volunteers share joy and love with these young residents and learn of their resiliency and promise.
Scholarships: jlno launched a scholarship opportunity in 2017 to help women obtain degrees or certificates necessary for joining the workforce or for advancement within their careers. The scholarship opportunity is geared towards non-traditional female students looking to begin post-secondary programs or needing the support to help complete the final term of their programs. Helping to alleviate educational financial burden allows jlno scholars the opportunity for economic success and independence.
Period supply bank: one in four women have struggled to purchase period products in the past year due to lack of income. As a natural extension of our diaper bank, the Junior League of New Orleans has joined the alliance for period supplies to help get period products to individuals in need. In addition to providing period products through our distribution partners, this program endeavors to raise awareness about period poverty and educate people on the barriers faced by individuals unable to afford feminine products.