Project Period
Period poverty is an epidemic. Many people are not able to access or afford menstrual products for their period. These products are expensive, not covered SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid, and in many states, taxable. A recent survey by MassNOW shows in Massachusetts alone 56% of school nurses observed students missing classes to get menstrual supplies. Approximately one out of seven children in the state of Massachusetts lives in poverty and struggles to get access to these supplies, according to Massbudget.
We are partnering with leaders in Worcester County, like Pernet Family Health, to supply menstrual products to our community. We are raising funds, donate here, specifically for this initiative and also have an Amazon wishlist for people to purchase supplies that will be directly shipped to our community partners for distribution.
Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI)
The Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI) is an awareness and fundraising campaign about the effects of poverty on society. LBDI is a week-long endeavor – usually held in February – where JLW members will be wearing one black dress, for five consecutive days, illustrating the impact of limited resources on access, opportunities and self-esteem.
In February 2014, the Junior League of London pioneered the first Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI) with the goal to “Make Poverty Unfashionable.” While their fellow Londoners were attending London Fashion Week that month, local Junior Leaguers were wearing the same black dress evert day to work, parties, dinners, and events to raise funds and increase awareness of poverty in the city. Since its inception, the initiative has been adopted by over 80 different Junior Leagues around the country.
Done-In-A-Day (DIAD)
Done-In-A-Day is a series of projects that provide assistance to non-profit agencies by offering volunteers and/or resources for community-based events on a short-term basis. Done-In-A-Day volunteers have assisted with local community organizations such as Abby’s House, Rise Above, Habitat for Humanity and many others.
Junior League of Worcester Scholarships
Each year, JLW awards a scholarship to one or more Worcester-area female graduating seniors who have demonstrated outstanding volunteerism or community service during their high school careers. These scholarships are a reflection of the belief of JLW members in the value of “doing” for the community. Awarding the scholarships is a way of expressing our admiration for the young volunteers working in local organizations. Read more about JLW’s Scholarship program.
Thank YOU to our Program Sponsors!
The work of The Junior League of Worcester is made possible by individuals, local businesses and community partners from across the greater Worcester community. During the 2019-2020 league year, we wish to thank these program and event sponsors: