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Five Decades of Giving

The year of 1959 was filled with monumental moments for our country. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. Richardson’s fatal plane crash occurred February 3, which is known as “The Day the Music Died.” It was also the year that Lee Petty won the first-ever Daytona 500 NASCAR race, Alaska and Hawaii became states, and Mattel co-founder Ruth Handler invented the Barbie Doll (Yes, Barbie is 50. She ages well, doesn’t she?).

A little closer to home, the Community Service League of Springfield (today known as the Junior League of Springfield) was born. Obviously, the League’s formation wasn’t documented on pages in American history books, but locals still discuss and benefit from what the 50-year-old organization has accomplished for our community.

About the Junior League of Springfield

If two heads are better than one, the Junior League of Springfield is definitely in luck: The group consists of more than 600 members (including active members and sustainers). The group’s mission statement describes it as an organization of women who are committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community. Since the  League’s creation five decades ago,  its members have contributed more than 1.25 million volunteer service hours and more than $4 million to our local community.

So how does this group of more than 600 women get things done? Determination. Linda McAllister, who is a new member guide and  the organization’s immediate past president, describes the League as a very driven organization. “If the Junior League says they’re going to do something, and they move in a single focus, it just happens,” McAllister says.

What’s Happening Now?

Currently, the Junior League’s primary focus is reducing the incidents of child abuse and neglect in Springfield. The group opened Isabel’s House (2750 W. Bennett St., Springfield, 417-865-2273, isabelshouse.org) in June 2007.

Isabel’s House is the crisis nursery of the Ozarks. It was created to provide 24/7 residential care for kids when there is trouble at home. The house provides free services where qualifying families in crisis can receive education, respite, support and counseling services. “Before a parent would ever shake a child, or leave them with an unfit caregiver, or strike a child, he or she can bring them here,” McAllister says. “It’s a time out for the parents.”

Current Springfield Junior League President Andrea McKinney says many league members still donate a chunk of their time doing work for Isabel’s House. Many use their writing skills to craft grant proposals. “We are the strong arm of the grant-writing, where we get funding to keep Isabel’s House going,” McKinney says.

Lobby Day, which is held once a year in Jefferson City, is another way the group is working towards its current goal. This day includes a group of league members traveling to Jefferson City to help gain attention and funds from state legislators. “We are on a first-name basis with our legislators—when we go to Jefferson City, they welcome us and open the doors,” McAllister says.

In addition to its efforts to raise money for these causes, the league also focuses on giving to other community organizations, including: Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Ozarks, Boys and Girls Clubs of Springfield, Ambassadors for Children, Family Violence Center, The Kitchen, Newborns in Need and Operation Us.

Getting the Green

Funding for the Junior League of Springfield is raised through a variety of corporate partnerships and fundraisers, including the sale of two cookbooks: Sassafras! and Women Who Can Dish It Out. Each book can be bought at a shop that serves as the league’s largest fundraiser, the Plaid Door Resale Boutique (1920 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-890-1144). This is a resale shop that has been open since 1976 and is known for its first-quality, famous-name career and sportswear for both men and women. Other major fundraisers include the  annual Charity Ball dinner and dance. 

Want to Join?

The Junior League of Springfield reaches out to women of all races, religions and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and a commitment to voluntarism. If you would like to learn more about joining, visit jlspringfield.org or call Liz Schleuter at 417-887-8422.