The Junior League of Greater New Haven

For the 2010-2011 League year, members of the League will contribute volunteer hours and resources to improve our community through the following projects:

All Our Kin

In the fall of 2007, the JLGNH provisional class conducted a children’s book drive for All Our Kin (AOK). AOK is a nationally-recognized, New Haven-based nonprofit organization that trains, supports, and sustains family child care providers to ensure children and families have the foundation they need to succeed in school and life. It equips caregivers with skills and resources to move out of poverty and open child care businesses in their communities; builds the capacity, quality, and viability of existing child care businesses, through individualized mentorship and support; and furnishes working parents with resources to find and keep high-quality child care.

Done in a Day

To expand our reach in the community, the Junior League of Greater New Haven works with a number of partner organizations to provide "Done-in-a-Day" projects for our community in need.  Check back soon for volunteer opportunities.

Fighting Hunger Project

Since 2005, the League has partnered with The Connecticut Food Bank (CFB) , a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to alleviate hunger by supplying food products and resources to eligible programs throughout Connecticut. To help raise awareness about the issue of hunger and to feed families in need, League members have donated, sorted, and packed non-perishable food for distribution to agencies, participated in the Caravan of Carriages, and walked in the Walk Against Hunger.

The League is also the sponsor of CFB's Virtual Food Drive, where a $10 donation can purchase 40 meals for families in need.  Visit the Virtual Food Drive to contribute today!

The goal of the Junior Leagues' Kids in the Kitchen initiative, which is supported by The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc. and its member Leagues, is to empower youth to make healthy lifestyle choices and help reverse the growth of childhood obesity and its associated health issues.  The Junior League of Greater New Haven has participated in the Kids in the Kitchen Program for over four years.  For resources on healthy lifestyle choices including recipes and games for kids click here .

New Haven Home Recovery

Established in 1990 as a provider of emergency shelter for families, New Haven Home Recovery works to address the housing and support service needs of women with children. Junior League provisional members created the Reading Room at the Martha’s Place housing unit. Additionally, League members have created a garden at Martha’s Place and have given the residents a much appreciated spa night.  In 2009 the League held a  "Homeless Awareness" Happy Hour to benefit the residents of New Haven Home Recovery.  The League collected over $1000 in items to support the purchase of new women's robes and slippers.

New Haven Public School Cooperative Project

This project began in 2005 in collaboration with the Timothy Dwight Elementary School. Over the years, the project has changed and expanded to include the Student Family Parenting Services program at Wilbur Cross High School, and most recently the Clarence Rogers Elementary School and the Polly McCabe High School.  The League has sponsored a wide variety of cultural enrichment programs and contributed volunteer hours by reading with the students, donating books, creating cozy reading corners, providing support to students and teachers for CMTs, and bringing “Kids in the Kitchen” to the school, a program to educate children about healthy lifestyle choices.