While the world shut down for much of 2020 because of the coronavirus, one thing that never abated was the number of women struggling through hard times.
Though forced by safety protocols to do a lot of its work virtually, the Junior League of Greenville was nonetheless there to help.
Now it’s looking ahead to better days, new projects and reenergized engagement.
“Last year was a tough year all around for everyone,” said Lenna Blaser, communications vice president for the nonprofit, which helps women in the community overcome barriers.
“But it’s a new League year and there are a lot of exciting things going on.”
The League partners with local agencies — Jasmine Road, the Julie Valentine Center, The Family Effect, Pendleton Place, SWITCH and United Ministries — focusing on ending human trafficking and improving economic mobility.
“We want to be a key connector, resource and support for these issues in the Greenville community,” said Elizabeth DuBose, community impact vice president for 2021-2022.
“We care about the health and well-being of women and want to empower and support all women to succeed in life.”
With a new motto of “Stronger Together,” the League is recommitted to helping women with upward mobility challenges get the tools they need to make a better life for themselves and their families.
In the past year, for example, the League provided $2,400 in direct support to its partner organizations and collected more than 2,300 items — from office, school and cleaning supplies to housewares, canned goods and gently-used professional clothing for the Nearly New Shop, the League’s resale shop.
A highlight of the year was the League’s Empowered Women of Greenville workshop. Originally planned as an in-person event, it went virtual to help 72 women learn about job searching, financial literacy, network building and more. Those who attended four seminars also received a gift certificate to the Nearly New Shop to get an outfit for job interviews.
One residential care specialist from Jasmine Road said the event was “highly-useful” and “relevant to the ladies we support.”
“The residents in our program had nothing but positive feedback,” she said.
And a clinical director from SWITCH said it “made it possible for several of the women we serve to come in and hear great tips and learn but also to feel loved and valued. That is always a good day.”
The 1,200-member League also held an Amazon wish list project, where members could ship donated items directly to partner organizations.
“Before, we would go and volunteer in-person,” Blaser said. “But with the COVID restrictions, that was not possible.”
League members volunteered more than 350 hours last year, running collection drives and organizing voter registration efforts among other tasks.
Leaders also organized trivia games, held outdoor running clubs and yoga classes via Zoom to keep members upbeat and engaged through some dark days.
“With COVID still around, we continue to pivot as we need to,” Blaser said, “and our goal is to continue to be creative in meeting the needs of our partner agencies and our members.”
To learn more, to donate or to join the League, go to https://www.jlgreenville.org or reach out by email at join@jlgreenville.org.
