Community Impact

 

2009-2010 Community Projects 

The Junior League of Hampton Roads is getting H.I.P. (Hope, Inspiration, and Power) about Women's Reproductive Cancers!  Through a partnership with Riverside Cancer Center, our organization wants to raise awareness around women's reproductive cancer and provide related support services for women in the seven communities it serves. After conducting a comprehensive search process, CRPD and the Community Council presented and the membership voted to address a relatively underrepresented issue within our community: Education around and prevention of women’s reproductive cancers. Our league has a rich history of stepping forward to address issues that are on the cutting edge or considered taboo, such as child abuse, teen smoking, and AIDS. This signature project is a proud continuation of that history.  Our members will be supporting our signature project and mission through the following committees this year:

Partnership Support and Projects Committee

 Our largest committee within the Community Council, this committee will be responsible for identifying volunteer opportunities and assisting Riverside Cancer Center through support of health screenings, support groups, Community Awareness Forums, community education, and by sponsoring a community 5-K race. 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Miles of Smiles

The Miles of Smiles Committee will plan and host two events throughout the league year at local museums and attractions.  The events will be held for families who have been impacted by cancer.  Modeled upon last year's events that were hosted for families with special needs children, these events will allow families to explore the abundant museums and attractions in our area for an evening of fun.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Girls of Excellence

Through our continued partnership with South Morrison Elementary School, the JLHR hosts events during the school year for 5th grade girls, who are enrolled in the Girls of Excellence program. The events focus on life skills, citizenship, and features the AJLI Kids in the Kitchen program.  New this year, a separate women's health educational component for mothers and guardians of Girls of Excellence participants will take place, to allow trained community professionals to provide education around women's health and screenings. The most exciting event of the school year is the cotillion, held  at the end of the school year.  Volunteer opportunities for JLHR members include preparing food, putting together goody bags, and setting up for the events.

K.I.T.S. (Keeping in Touch with Women and Children in our Society)

K.I.T.S. has grown from a single idea into one of our most supported and appreciated contributions to our community.  In keeping with our Signature Project, the K.I.T.S. committee will provide materials to Riverside Cancer Center to assist patients and their families. The specific kits are:

Dignity Kits: These kits consist of scarves, hats, and appropriate head gear for women during their treatment. Events to supplement these kits are also being scheduled.

Bereavement Kits: These kits consist of crayons, coloring books, a hand mold, and developmentally appropriate materials for children facing the terminal illness of a loved one.

Family Care Kits: These kits consist of coloring books, games,  and activities that families can do together.  Additinally, American Cancer Society literature for families facing the diagnosis of cancer in a family member is also included.

Community Projects from 2000-2009 

The Junior League of Hampton Roads has impacted the lives of women and children through the following community projects: 

  • Virginia Living Museum Touch Tank
  • Instructional Mini-Grants Partnership with the National Council of Jewish Women
  • Food 4 Kids Back Pack Program
  • Keeping in Touch with Women and Children in our Society ( K.I.T.S.)
  • Girls of Excellence Family Literacy Project (FLiP)
  • Spring Sweep
  • Peninsula Agency on Aging
  • Habitat for Humanity - Women Build Project
  • Read Baby Read
  • Done-In-A-Day
  • Community Impact (Relay for Life & VLM Holiday Dress Up)
  • Community Opportunity Grants
  • Signature Project/PEERS