JLW Bridge Summer 2014

Summer 2014 Issue

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Moving Our League Forward Amidst a World of Changeby Erin DuBois, President, Junior League of Waco, Inc.

he Junior League of Waco, Inc. has much to be proud of over its 79 year history. The women of the Junior League of Waco, Inc. have been addressing the needs of our community since

1935. Throughout our community, the mark of our organization can be found in the arts, historic preservation, education, and healthcare. Example after example abound of partnerships, funding, and collaboration that resulted in the creation of self-sustaining non-profit agencies that continue to serve our community today.

League initiatives have addressed a full range of issues: hunger, isolation in the elderly, drug education, self-esteem, literacy, child abuse and many, many more. There is great pride in our history and a natural tendency to simply continue doing things as they have always been done. But as Thomas J. Watson says best, “Once an organization loses its spirit of pioneering and rests on its early work, its progress stops.” As history shows, The Junior League of Waco, Inc. thrives on progress. Many in our community are not aware that The Junior League of Waco, Inc. is part of a worldwide organization, The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI). This governing body provides many services to local Junior Leagues, but one of the most important is the monitoring of national trends and training on best practices. Based on recommendations and

field-researched data from the Association, we began a process of transforming from a project-based model to an Issue-Based Community Impact (IBCI) model of service to our community. This process will enable us to have a deeper, more meaningful impact in meeting the needs of our current community. Phase One of the IBCI process was completed in early April with overwhelming membership involvement in determining our issue focus. The Junior League of Waco, Inc. has designated Early Childhood Education and Development as its focus for the foreseeable future. This determination comes after over fourteen months of research into

community needs and education of those needs to our membership. Each of the options was carefully weighed by the members as to where we felt we could make the greatest impact with our volunteer time and dollars. This evaluation was based on information presented from experts in the field and included statistics, funding sources, and potential partnerships. We are very excited to begin Phase Two in the next few months as we begin developing new initiatives and furthering community partnerships with key entities. The Research & Development Committee will

begin work immediately to identify opportunities that maximize our financial and volunteer resources. Naturally, this means that several of our current projects will not be continuing in their present form because they no longer fall within the scope of our issue focus. This will be an intentional process of celebrating their successes and making a smooth transition with the least amount of disruption to our partners as possible. New projects focused on Early Childhood Education and Development will be presented to the membership in October and will be voted on in December. These will then be more fully developed and started in the community during 2015.

This is a paradigm shift for The Junior League of Waco, Inc. and one that will certainly change our next 79 years. It is also important to note that while Early Childhood Education and Development will greatly benefit from the League’s resources, knowledge, and service, we will continue our legacy of training women to be competent and committed volunteers who will continue to serve throughout their lives. They will continue the legacy of the Junior League of Waco, Inc. transforming our community for the better.

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“Once an organization loses its spirit of pioneering and rests on its early work, its progress stops.” -Thomas J. Watson

What We Do

2014-2015 President Laura Indergard (left) and 2013-2014 President Erin DuBois (right) welcomed Vicki Clark, an internationally known speaker on capacity building for nonprofits.

L-R: Amy Alexander, Laura Indergard, Vicki Clark, Rachael Fineske, Ellen Derrick, and Kristen Mynar celebrated a successful day of sessions.

L-R: Kat Stevens and Amy Alexander at the Vicki Clark training session.

L-R: Rachael Fineske and Beth Armstrong attended the Association of Junior Leagues International's Organizational Development Institute in Ft. Lauderdale, FL in February 2014.

Rachael and Beth made the most of their free time during the Institute and enjoyed walking on the beautiful Ft. Lauderdale beaches.

Member Status: ActiveMember Since: 2003

Kelly shared her thoughts regarding why she originally joined the League and what she does when she's not devoting her time to the JLW:I joined the Junior League because I grew up with it. Almost every female in my family was or is a member of the League; it was an integral part of my childhood. I started as a provisional in the Junior League of Austin, Texas in 2003 and have since been a member in Lincoln, Nebraska, Des Moines, Iowa, and now Waco. I am a former attorney, but I have chosen to be a stay-at-home mom and I love it! I have so many memorable moments, but my favorite so far is co-chairing Deck the Halls with my sweet friend, Beth Armstrong. We had an amazing committee that worked so hard! I love the Junior League...it has given me so much more than I have given!

he JLW prides itself on sending trained volun-teers into the Waco community. Our de-voted members receive training throughout ev-ery year of their mem-

bership that prepares them for their League work, as well as volunteer opportunities outside of the organi-zation. Training begins with the Provisional Year of membership in The Junior League of Waco. During this year, provisional members are trained on the issues affect-ing our community, as well as what the League is doing to address those issues. Hands on training begins immediately as they work togeth-er as a team to plan and execute a project benefitting the com-munity. Developing the skills of fundrais-ing, delegation, com-munity collaboration and teamwork are all necessary for a succesful first year. Active members are formally trained during the year by trainings orga-nized by the Training Committee on a host of league-specific as well as general topics. As each member completes her volunteer assignment, she hones her skills and learns new ones throughout her years of ser-

vice. Members had the wonderful opportunity to be trained by Vicki Clark, a national trainer on capac-ity building in non-profits. Sessions were held for general membership on Managing Change, as well as a more intimate training for the 2014-2015 Board. The Presidential leadership at-tended the Association of Junior League International's (AJLI) An-nual Conference in St. Louis. This four day event included sessions on community collaboration, finan-cial best practices, utilizing social

media, and much much more. AJLI provides tremen-dous resources through their con-ferences as well as an extensive library and infor-mation sharing between our sis-ter leagues. The Junior League of Waco, Inc.

continues to provide our great-est gift to the Waco community - trained volunteers that continue to serve as agents for change in our community.

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Successful leaders see the opportunities in every difficulty rather than the difficulty in every opportunity. - Reed Markham-

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2014-2015 President Laura Indergard, Outgoing 2013-2014 President Erin DuBois, and 2014-2015 President-Elect Ellen Derrick attended the Association of Junior Leagues International 2014 Annual Conference in St. Louis, Missouri in May 2014

Equipping Our Members for Changeby Erin DuBois

Member Spotlight: Kelly Meier

Contributors to Our Success

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Chair, Public RelationsRachael Fineske (2013-2014)

Vice Chair, Public RelationsCatherine Haynes Bauer

EditorSarah Hamm

Graphic Design & LayoutCatherine Haynes Bauer

ContributorsEllen DerrickBeth Olson DrewErin DuBoisStephanie DunnamRachael FineskeFelicia GoodmanSarah HammLaura IndergardKatie MeredithJo Ann Sharkey

a publication of the Junior League of Waco, Inc.

Junior League of WacoIncoming 2014-2015 Board of Directors

Laura IndergardPresident

Cara FisherVice President of Administration

Jana HixsonVice President of Finance

Holly BurchettVice President of Human Resources

Kristen MynarTreasurer

Berkley KnasAdvisory Planning Chair

Lauren ReitmeierElected Board Member

Sharon AllisonSustainer Advisor

Ellen DerrickPresident-Elect

Rachael FineskeVice President of Community

Beth ArmstrongVice President of Fund Development

Amy AlexanderCorresponding Secretary

Jennifer MillerNominating Chair

Beth Olson DrewIssue-Based Community Impact Chair

Maria SolanoElected Board Member

Junior League of WacoOutgoing 2013-2014 Board of DirectorsErin DuBoisPresident

Amy AlexanderVice President of Administration

Sara CoatsVice President of Finance

Teresa MellonVice President of Human Resources

Jana HixsonTreasurer

Ellen DerrickAdvisory Planning Chair

Beth ArmstrongElected Board Member

Rene TaylorSustainer Advisor

Laura IndergardPresident-Elect

Earind JacksonVice President of Community

Heather KeaheyVice President of Fund Development

Jana YoderCorresponding Secretary

Nancy McEachernNominating Chair

Felicia GoodmanIssue-Based Community Impact Chair

Kelly MeierElected Board Member

Special thanks to the following contributors to JLW's Rainbow Room:

Wal-mart / Garret Marek & West Troop 494 / Sport Clips and Jeff LeeH & M Landscape and Sprinklers, Randy Murphy / Becky Vardeman

Aquanauts Custom Pool & Pool Supply, Toby & Kathy McCarverKathy & Steve Garner / Home Place Interiors, John and Christi Proctor

Sherwin-Williams / the stylists at Salons by JC / St. Paul's Episcopal ChurchBaby Wait, Ashley Bass / Talitha Koum Institute / West Long Term Recovery Ctr Employees at Brazos Higher Education Service Corporation / The Willis Family

Amy Best / The Chiles Family / Juliet Indergard / Jordan Rhea / Tate Miller

The Rainbow Room would also like to thank all of our League friends for being so supportive all year. Our League ladies and their families, friends and co-workers donated baby items, clothing, and school supplies throughout the year. And, as part of our Secret Santa efforts, we received gifts and coats for over 100 children and families. These contributions have made a huge difference for the families who benefit from the Rainbow Room. We couldn't do it without you!x

Special gifts to the Endowment...• McLane Brown Foundation designated by S. Boyce & Len M. Brown to the JLW Endowment Fund•Donation to JLW Endowment Fund by the Clifton Foundation•Donations in memory of Anne Meyer •The Training Committee made donations in honor of Erin DuBois, Dr. Dianne Sawyer, Emily Sandvall, and Cacee Tate for speaking at our Training Sessions this year

Mr. & Mrs. James R. Hawkins / Suzi Pagel in honor of Cheryl AllenHilary Grant / Missy Larson / Christine Holze / Camille Johnson Harriet Fadal / Debra Burleson

Congress Clothing - we were their chosen philanthropy for their "Congress Community" giving for the months of July & August

With sincere thanks and appreciation for the guidance received from our dedicated community advisors...• Laveda Brown (Cen-Tex Aftrican American Chamber of Commerce)• Dr. Jimmy Dorrell (Mission Waco, Mission World)• Dr. Krystal Goree (Baylor School of Education)• David Lacy (Community Bank & Trust)• Doug McDurham (Texas Hunger Initiative)• Clifford Reese (Waco ISD)• Virgil Teeter (KWTX News 10)• Dinh Tran (Robinson ISD)• Dr. Gaynor Yancey (Baylor School of Social Work)

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Who We Are

Thanks to the success of the Junior League of Waco’s annual Deck the Halls gift market, each year we are able to make grants to support the work of local nonprofit organizations. In 2013, the League made five grants totaling $15,000. •The JLW grant funds supported the Children’s Advocacy Program at the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children, whose mission is to promote healing of children and crime victims through advocacy, collaboration, prevention, and treatment. Last year, 483 children received a forensic interview for case investigation. Of those children, 119 received a medical exam. Family enrichment was provided to 95 parents through this program. Visit www.advocacycntr.org to learn more. •Every year, the Heart of Texas Homeless Coalition hosts Project Homeless Connect at the Waco Convention Center. This year, the JLW grant helped to fund the rental of the Convention Center and other costs associated with hosting the event. 115 individuals experiencing housing and homelessness issues were served at the event, which included a hot meal for each person; health screenings that included 51 blood sugar/blood pressure tests and 11 foot care screenings; 60 dental screenings that led to 30 follow up appointments; 40 haircuts; screenings and referrals for 27 Veterans; and free items available to those in need including coats, hygiene kits, hats, gloves, reading glasses. Visit www.heartoftexashomeless.org to learn more. •The Family Abuse Center (FAC) exists to eliminate domestic violence in Central Texas by sheltering victims of domestic violence and preventing abuse from occurring through intervention and education. In 2013, the FAC provided shelter to 281 adults and 230 children fleeing family violence. The JLW grant funded prescription and over-the-counter medications and medical supplies for 58 clients, as well as 100 bus passes designated for medical purposes. The funds also provided repair and replacement parts to the industrial freezer in the FAC’s commercial kitchen, ensuring that the agency could continue to provide three hot meals a day to every shelter client. Being assured of basic needs allows clients to focus on making other lasting life changes during their time as an FAC client. Visit www.familyabusecenter.org to learn more. •The Junior League grant to the Waco Civic Theatre brought the Missoula Children's Theatre program to Waco for the first time. This first-class program provided a week-long residency which began with auditions and casting of local children on Monday and culminated in two full-scale musical performances the following weekend, which included over forty children and ninety families from throughout Central Texas. Visit www.wacocivictheatre.org to learn more. •Funds from the JLW League were used to support summer camp at Art at the Arc, for children with intellectual and developmental differences. This past year, the camp enrolled 42 campers and employed 21 staff. The Arc’s summer program seeks to accommodate the schedules of working parents while providing a safe, fun, and educational experience for children while school is not in session. Because of the level of care required, traditional daycare settings are seldom an option. Children are provided artistic opportunities (through a partnership with Waco Cultural Arts) with paint and clay and campers enjoyswimming and bowling, movies, cookouts, and trips to the library and museums. Visit www.wacoarc.org to learn more.

Fulfilling Our Mission Through Community Grantsby Felicia Goodman

Volunteers at the Family Abuse Center serve lovingly prepared meals.

Children from the Missoula Children's Theatre program perform The Secret Garden at the Waco Civic Theatre.

Doreen Ravenscroft and fellow volunteers work with students at Art at the Arc to develop their artistic talents.

Students at Art at the Arc learn artistic skills that may enable them to pursue careers in the creative arts.

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Who We Are

With a modest budget of $1,500 paired with an impressive 300 volunteer hours, the 2013-2014 Junior League of Waco's Provisional Class secured a playground and office upgrade for Avance Waco, a local non-profit committed to effective parenting education and support programs. The journey to its success was nothing short of serendipity mixed with old-fashioned hard work and determination.

The provisional class struck small-town gold in the fall of 2013 just weeks after the initial project was identified. The Waco Tribune Herald ran a story entitled, “Children design new playground for Family Abuse Center. (FAC)” We quickly learned that the Family Abuse Center would be replacing their playground equipment. We made the call, and the gently used playground—soon to be replaced and no longer needed—was ours.

As luck would have it, it was the Junior League of Waco that had donated the playground to the Family Abuse Center years ago. And not only did we secure a huge, sustainable structure, the FAC introduced the provisional class to MannaWorks, a local non-profit committed to supporting fellow non-profits through facility maintenance. Within twenty-four hours of playground adoption, we had a foreman and two able-bodied men on our team.

From there, the project continued to grow into something greater. We built an outdoor chalkboard and music panel. We secured materials for the sensory tables and furniture for the office. We gave the lobby and director’s office a fresh coat of paint. And last but certainly not least, we gained new, lasting friendships while learning how to be effective community organizers. Our project may not have been on the grandest of scales, but for the children who will enjoy this playground, it was a dream come true. What we achieved together as a provisional class reinforced our collective belief that our decision to join the Junior League of Waco was well-founded; a woman’s personal and professional development can and will be nourished through the Junior League community. Without the home town feel of Waco, the speed with which we made connections would not have been possible. We walked away from this project knowing that the ambition and sincerity of individuals within this city is great and that the future for our city and its children is very bright.

2013-2014 Provisional Project - Making Play Our Workby Stephanie Dunnam

PACK OF HOPE AWESOME OUTINGS - MCC OPERA

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN

AWESOME OUTINGS - BAYLOR BASKETBALL

JLW PLACEMENT FAIR

Transforming Together

BURGERS, BREWS, & BINGO AT CLIFTON HOUSE

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AWESOME OUTINGS - 5TH GRADE GRADUATION

RAINBOW ROOM

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1. L-R: Haley Griffis and Kristin Clements sort backpack contents for McLennan County Pack of Hope / 2. L-R: Kristin Clements, Haley Griffis and Tiffini Porter 3. L-R: Gwen Parmer, Teresa Mellon, Jennifer Wright, Paige Pennington (Chair), Jamie Youens (Vice Chair), Kristin Volcik, Jennifer Burwell / 4. Clockwise from left: Stephanie Lenamon, Rachel Wilde, Dawn Hall, and Devin Mejia / 5. L-R: Kat Stevens and Jessica McAdoo / 6. L-R: Ashley Canuteson, Jennifer Allison, and Sarah Thompson at the JLW Placement Fair in March / 7. L-R: Teresa Mellon, Jamie Youens, and Kristin Volcik / 8. Jean Nixon / 9. Awesome Outings participants enjoyed McLennan Opera's performance of Alice in Wonderland at McLennan Community College's Ball Performing Arts Center on March 29, 2014 / 10. Essie Reymolds (center) / 11. Far Right: Carey Pryal / 12. Awesome Outings participants and volunteers attended the Baylor Women's basketball game on February 9, 2014; Clockwise adults in lime T-shirts: Tiffany Brummett, Flor Avellanda, Beverly Sterling, Essie Reynolds, Lauren Jones / 13. L:-R in lime green shirts: Beverly Sterling, Lauren Jones, Essie Reynolds, and Flor Avellanda / 14. Kids in the Kitchen hosted 45 children from Waco, Connally and LaVega ISDs at the Dewey Community Center on April 25, 2014 / 15. Sara Coats provided a cooking demonstration / 16. Flor Avellanda (far right) and Awesome Outings participants enjoy a game of bowling after 5th grade graduation / 17. McKenzie Miller (Mission Waco) embraces an excited 5th Grader / 18. Adults L-R: Carey Pryal, Shae Harris and Shannon Williams of Mission Waco , Lauren Jones

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Deck the Halls

2014 DECK THE HALLS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

NOVEMBER 6-9, 2014 Ladies’ Night OutTHURSDAY, November 6th, 7:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.Silent Auction Fabulous Food Drinks Holiday Attire Pick-a-Prize(21+ event) VIP ShoppingFRIDAY, November 7th, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.Stroller-free Crowd-free Continental Breakfast Drinks(21+ event) College DayFRIDAY, November 7th, Noon - 5:00 p.m.$5 at the door with valid college ID Breakfast with SantaSATURDAY, November 8th, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.Greet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Elves Craft Breakfast Gingerbread House EventSATURDAY, November 8th, 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.Gingerbread House Decorating Entertaining Elves Fun Snacks Mother-Daughter TeaSUNDAY, November 9th,12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.Live Entertainment Gourmet Lunch Hat Raffle Professional Pictures General Market ShoppingFRIDAY, November 7th,11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.SATURDAY, November 8th, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.SUNDAY, November 9th, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.*$5 Single Day Market Pass with valid Military ID* Café & Sweet ShoppeFRIDAY, SATURDAY, & SUNDAY During General Market ShoppingSandwiches Soups Salads Drinks Desserts

Corporate Sponsorships available. Email [email protected] for sponsorship information or call 254.753.5574.

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Rent The Clifton HouseClifton House Rental Rates (for individuals):First 4 Hours: $400Each Additional Hour: $50

Security deposit required: $250

For reduced rental rates for non-profit organizations and Junior League of Waco members, please contact The Clifton House at (254) 753-5574.

The Junior League of Waco purchased the historic Clifton House at 2600 Austin Avenue in Waco, Texas, with a generous grant from the Cooper Foun-dation that facilitated a complete renovation in 1995. Another generous grant from the Waco Foundation in 2006 made it possible to further update and repair what serves as the permanent headquarters of the Junior League of Waco. The League makes the lovely building available for community use. A full caterer's kitchen is provided.

The Clifton House

Available for your next event

The Junior League of Waco's Endowment Funds were established in the year 2000 to sustain, expand, and initiate League-created programs. The Com-munity Projects and Clifton House funds were designed to be self-sustaining in order to provide long-term financial security for the League to continue to impact the Waco community. The JLW Endowment Funds are excellent vehicles through which to honor or memorialize someone associated with the League. Every donation helps us prepare for the future while continuing to serve the needs of our community today. To contribute to either of the En-dowment Funds, please mail a check payable to the Junior League of Waco to: Junior League of Waco, Attn: Endowment, 2600 Austin Avenue, Waco, TX 76710 and note in the memo line whether it should be applied to the Clifton House or Community Project fund. If your gift is in honor or memory of someone, please enclose a note and an acknowledgment will be sent by the Endowment committee to the person, family, or organization you designate.

Photo Sessions, Per Hour:Interior: $50Exterior: $25

¦CLIFTON HOUSE FUND:

$264,384.79*COMMUNITY PROJECTS FUND:

$35,860.47**as of March 31, 2013 (reported quarterly)

Where We Are

2600 Austin AvenueWaco, Texas 76710

(254) 753-5574

NonprofitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDWaco, Texas

Thank you to our generous sponsors and advertisers!Z

Upcoming Events

2600 Austin AvenueWaco, Texas 76710

(254) 753-5574www.jlwaco.org f T

September 8 October 13November 6 - 9December 8January 12

February 9March 16April 13

*See your placement advisor to find out which home meeting you should attend.

ZDevelopmentOpportunitiesUpcoming

EventsGeneral MeetingGeneral MeetingDeck the HallsGeneral MeetingGeneral Meeting - Home Meetings*(Note: Home meetings will replace our normal gathering at Wardlaw Claims)

General MeetingGeneral MeetingGeneral Meeting

The LeadershipPlenty® Institute (LPI) Waco, now in its fourth year, is a leadership training program sponsored by Today's Action Tomorrow's Leaders (TATL) that specifically targets people with a passion and interest in the continued development of Waco. LPI utilizes a nationally recognized curriculum designed to enable individuals of varying backgrounds, occupations and experiences to confidently identify problems in their communities and implement a plan of action to address those problems. The program provides practical tools for developing and strengthening civic leadership skills, as well as enhancing other qualitites of leadership. To request an application or to learn more about the program, contact Catherine Bauer at (254) 754-3404 or [email protected]. Applications are due September 12, 2014.

http://todaysactiontomorrowsleaders.org/our-programs/the-leadershipplenty-institute/

Questions? Comments?Send a message to [email protected]

Note: These opportunities are not affiliated with the Junior League of Waco and participation is not guaranteed. Participants are selected by the respective organizations and the opportunities are listed for informational purposes only.

The LEAD program is a business and education part-nership sponsored by the Greater Waco Chamber. The program pairs Waco ISD, Rapoport Academy and Harmony Science Academy high school students with business leaders to foster mentoring relationships that educate and expose students to various business fields. LEAD Mentors are committed to the development of students with leadership potential who need guidance and encouragement towards the pursuit of higher edu-cation and career goals, which in turn ensures greater employability and quality of life. The LEAD program is beginning its eighth year with a 100 percent grad-uation rate with all students having gone onto higher education. For more information or to become a LEAD mentor, call Rachel Martinez at (254)757-5633 or e-mail [email protected]://www.wacochamber.com/lead.php