As April is National Volunteer Month, we wanted to spotlight some of the many groups and individuals who donate their time and talent in support of our mission of Kid Success. This week we are highlighting the Junior League of Detroit.
The Junior League of Detroit is a dynamic group of women leaders who have been making change happen since 1914. Through projects and programs they work continuously to impact the lives of children and families and help build a better community. The Junior League of Detroit has completed 53 major projects in and around the City of Detroit and awarded over $250,000 dollars in community grants. For over 100 years their valued members have donated thousands of hours of volunteer time, continually working to help broaden the educational, cultural, recreational, and health opportunities for children and families in our much-loved community.
The Junior League chose to focus their efforts on our Morningside hub. This focus has allowed them to make a great impact on this east side community while sustaining relationships with families and our staff.
The Junior League of Detroit (JLD) first connected with Brilliant Detroit in the fall of 2021. A JLD member, Cathy, who was already volunteering independently with Brilliant suggested us as a formal partner of JLD. Cindy visited the Junior League at one of their meetings and it was quickly evident that our missions aligned. An official memorandum of understanding was laid out and the partnership began.
As is the Brilliant Detroit way, the Junior League started with listening to learn what projects would be the most impactful. As our partnership began at a time when COVID quarantine measures were still in place, the JLD’s initial project was helping organize donated goods and preparing our Morningside location for the return of in-person programming. We needed significant help in converting spaces from storage and distribution centers to welcoming and versatile spaces for in person programming. The Junior League was instrumental in this with volunteers coming weekly to get the project over the finish line. Special thanks to Joana for her dedication to this project!
The Junior League is expert in mobilizing its members and has spearheaded numerous donation drives for books, baby supplies, and clothing. They love to engage in hands-on projects from gardening to arts and crafts.
Pocket park support – In listening to neighbors, Brilliant Detroit learned that there was a desire for a safe place for children to play outside. With this in mind, we purchased the lot adjacent to our Morningside location with the intention of developing a pocket park. The Junior League saw the power of creating such a community asset and generously donated $18.5k to support the development of our pocket park and play structure. The Junior League prides itself on the sustainability and longevity of its projects. Our pocket park is a perfect example!
Sneaker ball – The Junior League wanted to create a magical experience for our Morningside families and with the community came up with the idea of a Sneaker Ball. Families would dress up in fancy clothing while rocking their favorite sneakers. The event featured music, food, and activities all provided by the Junior League. JLD members donated dresses and other clothes to make sure that all guests had something beautiful to wear and felt comfortable and confident. The event was a huge success and something that families look back on fondly.
Right now, the Junior League of Detroit’s primary focus is working with women and children on issues such as food insecurity, literacy, and educational opportunity. In addition to supporting organizations through voluntarism, the Junior League provides direct financial assistance through their Community Assistance Grants, which are quarterly grants awarded to non-profit organizations in Wayne County.
The Junior League of Detroit has a focus on developing its members, offering educational and leadership training opportunities. They accept new members in the fall of every year. Any women interested in joining must be 21 years of age and reside within a 25 mile radius of Detroit. New members are onboarded each fall.
The Junior League has several projects in the works with Brilliant Detroit. The one we are most looking forward to is a Mother’s Day celebration put together by JLD provisionals.
Want to support The Junior League in style? Consider attending their Second Act Soiree and Fashion Show taking place on Friday, June 20th at the Hudson’s Detroit building. This will serve as an exciting soft launch for the new Hudson building and Brilliant Detroit will be the main recipient of funds raised from this event!