LaKeysha Greer Isaac, Junior League of Jackson (JLJ), 2019-2020 president spoke to the Rotary Club of North Jackson at the club’s May 12, 2020 meeting. She discussed the projects and accomplishments of the 2400 women strong organization. The JLJ is the largest women's organization in Mississippi and it is the 6th largest Junior League in the world.
Each year the JLJ welcomes approximately 160 new members, termed Provisionals. Members generally stay active in the League for 5-8 years. Isaac noted that she is completing her 10th year. Members who remain in the league after their active membership are termed, Sustainers. The predecessor organization to the JLJ was the Junior Auxiliary of Jackson which was organized in 1927. The JLJ itself was formed in 1941.
The purpose of the JLJ is to improve lives in our community by working with community partners to deliver services and assistance to those in need. It utilizes a Community Based Impact Model to select projects. All of its projects focus on at least one of the following three impact areas: early literacy, children’s health, and the social development of children and youth. All JLJ projects are staffed with JLJ volunteers. Provisionals are required to complete an intensive first year of volunteer service. Key service projects for JLG are the Batson Children’s Hospital, the Mississippi Children’s Museum, and improving High school graduation rates. Over 800,000 dollars are raised annually from JLJ events such as Junior League Jumble, the ultimate rummage sale, Touch a Truck Jackson, and Mistletoe Marketplace. JLJ just fulfilled a $1,000,000 pledge to the Mississippi Childres's Museum and made a $1,000,000 pledge to Batson Children's Hospital
We thank Ms. Isaac for her presentation to our club and for her extensive service to our community. She is shown in the following photo:
