The History of AJLI & 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...?
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.
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.
The Junior League of Pine Bluff is made up of women who are mothers, daughters, home-makers, doctors, lawyers, students, teachers, bankers and so much more. Women who want to make a difference in their community by volunteering their time and energy. Women who envision change and make it happen! Interested in joining the JLPB? CLICK HERE for more information.