The History of AJLI and JLPB

In 1901, Mary Harriman, a 19-year-old New York City debutante with a social conscience, founded the first Junior League. Moved by the suffering she saw around her, Harriman mobilized a group of 80 other young women - hence the name "Junior" League - to work to improve the squalid conditions in which immigrants were living on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Mary Harriman's vision for improving communities by using the energy and commitment of trained volunteers inspired others around the country. The second Junior League was started in Boston, MA in 1907 and was soon followed by the founding of the Brooklyn, NY Junior League in 1910. In 1921, the Association of Junior Leagues was formed to provide professional support to the Leagues. Today, the Association of Junior Leagues International governs 296 Junior Leagues in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Great Britain. To learn more about The Association of Junior Leagues, visit http://www.ajli.org.

The Junior League of Pine Bluff began as the Junior Auxiliary in 1935, becoming the 220th member of the Association of Junior Leagues, Inc. in 1972. In its earliest stages the Junior League of Pine Bluff began demonstrating commitment to volunteerism and community service through its projects. Today the JLPB tradition lives on thanks to our sponsors in the community and to those who serve.

Did you know that:

In 1939, we helped establish a prenatal clinic and in 1948 established a well-baby clinic in Pine Bluff?

In 1949, we financed and sponsored a Speech Clinic in Pine Bluff?

The JLPB helped set up the Arts Center (now known as Southeast Arkansas Arts & Science Center) in 1958?

In 1960, we provided a gift of $2,400.00 to the Jefferson Hospital (now known as Jefferson Regional Medical Center) to furnish one of their nurseries and to purchase an isolette?

In 1973, we established the Salvation Army Auxiliary in Pine Bluff?

In 1980, we co-sponsored the widely known "Reading is Fundamental" program in local schools?

In 1983, we started a Women-in-Crisis Center (now known as CASA) in Pine Bluff?

In 1984, we sponsored a dinner for 200 players, coaches and parents in support of Pine Bluff’s first King Cotton Classic basketball tournament?

In 1985, the JLPB was recognized as the Outstanding Civic Organization at Pine Bluff’s first All Civic Night?

The JLPB established its own Community Assistance Fund in 1988, providing over $5,000.00 in grants to community organizations?

In 1988, we spent over $68,000.00 in the community with various projects?

In 1990, we decorated and helped furnish a playroom at Jefferson Regional Medical Center? Did you also know that in 1990, we gave $7,500.00 to Neighbor-to-Neighbor to help feed the needy and provide funding for their Children’s Christmas Party?

In 1995, we distributed approximately $10,294.00 to local community non-profit agencies?

In 1997, we gave $35,000.00 back to the community?

                    In 2000, a bond the JLPB had earlier given the city of Pine Bluff matured to the tune
                    of $10,000.00?

                    The JLPB, through funding given to the City of Pine Bluff, helped fund the Observation Room                        at the Delta Rivers Nature Center?

                    In 2004, we gave $8,850.00 in grants to non-profit agencies in this community?

And that's not all.  Every year, we try to improve our fundraising ideas, to improve the impact we make on and for our community.

Did you know that the Junior League of Pine Bluff is made up of women just like you? Mothers, daughters, home-makers, doctors, lawyers, students, teachers, bankers and so many others? Women who want to make a difference in their community by volunteering their time and energy. Women who envision change and make it happen!

Are you one of these women? Would you like to be?

If you are interested in making Pine Bluff and all of Jefferson County a better place for our children, then the Junior League of Pine Bluff needs your help! Founded in 1935, the Junior League of Pine Bluff is committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The Junior League is open to women of all races, creeds, religions and national origins.

The Junior League of Pine Bluff is just one of the many chapters of an international organization of women volunteering to better their communities. Joining the Junior League is a wonderful way to make a difference in your community, in addition to learning new skills and creating a great network of friends and colleagues.

Get involved! Join your Junior League … the Junior League of Pine Bluff! 

 

 

 

Mission Statement: The Junior League of Pine Bluff, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.