Maybe you know the Junior League of Greenville through its resale outlet, The Nearly New Shop. Or maybe you or someone you know has benefitted from the service organization’s support of other local agencies.
Since its origin more than 90 years ago, JLG has contributed millions of dollars and supported over 300 agencies, all the while providing “countless hours of volunteer service to the community,” according to its website.
Claire Stam, 2023-24 president, said the organization’s enviable record of service could not have been accomplished without a robust, active membership.
“Members are the lifeblood of our organization,” Stam said. “Over the past 94 years, they have provided volunteer hours and community service; they have contributed monetarily to those in need. Without our members, we cannot do the work that we do.
“Our members have supported efforts that have founded landmark agencies in Greenville County such as the Peace Center, Warehouse Theatre, Pendleton Place and the Roper Mountain Science Center.”
Junior League of Greenville membersThe JLG has blossomed from an initial membership of 20 women to more than 1,100 and is actively recruiting more women to support its mission.
“The mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration and training,” Stam said. “We aim to support women in the community who are experiencing barriers, specifically as they relate to human trafficking and economic mobility.”
Stam said JLG also provides financial assistance and volunteer resources to other local agencies that focus on similar concerns. In March, the group will announce the recipients of the JLG’s annual Capacity Building Grants.
“These are agencies making a huge difference and the Junior League of Greenville is honored to help them grow their efforts and help more individuals,” Stam said of the recipients.
The JLG also benefits its members, too. Stam pointed to her own journey as an example.
“I joined the Junior League of Greenville when I was 25 years old,” she said. “I am a Greenville native, but I was looking for an outlet to not only grow personally but professionally. The Junior League of Greenville offers numerous training opportunities for women in the community, not only regarding our focus areas, but a wide range of topics. We also provide a lot of opportunities to socialize and get to know other members and women we may not have otherwise had the opportunity to meet.”
Get involved with the Junior League of Greenville!
Find out how at jlgreenville.org/join.
