THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF LYNCHBURG

• Identify community needs and collaborate with non-profit organizations across the community
• Dedicate time and talents through skills-based volunteering, education and public policy advocacy on issues important to the social and economic well-being of our community
• Serve thousands of individuals and families each year…for more than 80 years
• Primarily focus on bringing needed services to children and women and improving the health of our communities
• Provide grants to support specific programs within non-profit organizations

Impact – Community grants in 2009 supported:

• Girls on the Run—expanding their healthy living and self-esteem program for young girls at R.S. Payne Elementary
• Family Alliance—providing nutritious food to clients in need from the League-established food pantry
• New Vistas School—purchased physical education equipment to support the “Healthy For Life” curriculum for special learning needs children
• Lynchburg Literacy Council—teaching parents to read food labels and prepare nutritious meals for their children
• Amazement Square—sponsoring admission for low-income children to attend the museum’s health-focused tours
• Rivermont Area Emergency Food Pantry—purchasing diabetic food bags for special needs clients
• Lynchburg City Schools Best Practice Day—for the third year running, delivered teachers a Smart Moves training module to incorporate nutrition and exercise concepts into the classroom

Junior League’s Programs 2009-2010

Smart Moves  - The Junior League of Lynchburg (JLL) created a community-wide coalition to bring education campaigns and real solutions to Central Virginia families. The goal: to positively impact the childhood obesity epidemic we are battling in the U.S. Now in its third year, we support and offer programs that educate and motivate children and their families toward healthy living. Our community partners include Lynchburg Parks & Recreation, Centra Health, Lynchburg Grows, YMCA, Family Alliance, Lynchburg Youth and Prevention Services, and the Virginia Cooperative Extension, among others.

Kids in the Kitchen is a wellness program for families and children of all ages that makes learning about nutrition and exercise fun. Parents and families have access to resources and representatives from community agencies that provide family wellness ideas and tools for families. JLL members deliver education on nutrition, exercise and healthy living to children at the Boys and Girls Club, Jubilee Family Development Center, Carl Hutcherson Early Learning Center, Miriam’s House and more.

Smart Moves Sprayground is a Junior League collaboration with Lynchburg City Parks and Recreation. This exciting interactive water splash park is anticipated to open in Spring 2010 in Riverside Park. The Sprayground will provide a zero-depth water environment for children of all ages and abilities—free of charge.

Day in the Park – This annual “Family Fun Day” has been a Lynchburg tradition for more than 30 years. Held each September as a cornerstone event for Kaleidoscope—Lynchburg’s annual fall festival—Day in the Park provides 10,000+ area families and children free games, rides, exhibits and educational activities in Miller Park. The event promotes family togetherness and fitness, delivers education and links hundreds of people in need each year with health and human services agencies.