PUBLIC INFORMATION FACT SHEET

The Junior League of Summit, Inc.:

• Is a nonprofit, charitable and educational organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

• Accepts new members each year through its new member training course.  The Junior League of Summit, Inc. reaches out to women of all races, religions, and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism.

• Has a membership of approximately over 400 women committed to being active participants in our community.

• Was founded in 1929 as the Summit Junior Service League and will celebrate its  80^th anniversary during 2009-2010.  League members have contributed over one million hours of community service since its founding.

• Is one of 292 Leagues in the United States, Mexico, Canada and the United Kingdom belonging to the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc., totaling over 170,000 members.  2001 marked the 100^th anniversary of the founding of Junior Leagues.

• Has returned over $3,000,000 to the community in the form of grants, projects, programs and scholarships.  These funds are raised primarily via the the Thrift  Shop.

• In 1967, the JLS founded the Summit Speech School to enable children who are deaf or hard of hearing to take their place in a hearing world.  Only one of 51 private oral/OPTION schools in the country, it is the first in New Jersey to teach children how to speak without the use of sign language.  

• In 2003 established, in partnership with HomeFirst, the first SAFE House for victims of domestic violence in Union County.  In 2005, additional proceeds allowed for a second SAFE Home to be established.  These homes were made possible by a total of $650,000 in gifts from the JLS and HomeFirst.

• Annually awards Community Grants and Scholarships.  Community Grants are made to non-profit organizations to address demonstrated community needs that fall within the JLS focus area.  Scholarships are given to exceptional high school seniors who have demonstrated a commitment to voluntarism.

• The Junior League of Summit Community Project Endowment Fund surpassed its goal of $50,000 in 2005.  Community projects now benefit from the interest generated.

• The League’s newest initiative, “Connecting and Protecting Generation TXT:  Promoting the safe and inventive uses of technology,” will educate and empower the community, parents, kids and educators on technology issues.