Our History

The Junior League of Akron Has Been Serving the Greater Akron Community for 100 Years

The Junior League of Akron began in 1923 as the Junior Charity League, founded with 67 members who wanted to make a difference in the community. The core of the Charity League was formerly the Babies Aid Society of Children’s Hospital. In 1926 the Junior Charity League was accepted into the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc., and became the Junior League of Akron. The Junior League of Akron is committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The Junior League of Akron is a volunteer organization for women interested in making an impact in their community.

PAST COMMUNITY PROJECTS

Adopt-A-High-Rise: A collaboration with Mobile Meals, this project began with the Junior League of Akron “adopting” the Saferstein Towers high-rise. Initial programs involved working directly with Mobile Meals clients at these towers, but has been expanded to include programming open to all residents. Last year, the program was expanded to include Old Trail School who has adopted the Fowler high-rise, and who also has begun regular programming. In 2008-09 the Junior League will be approaching other non-profit organizations in the Akron area to adopt buildings and provide much needed and appreciated programming for the residents.

Children Who Witness Violence: A collaboration of Akron Children’s Hospital and 28 community partners, this program offers immediate home-based crisis intervention and trauma support services for children ages birth to 17 who witness domestic violence in Summit County.

Family TIES: Begun as a collaboration with Child Guidance, the Akron Child Guidance Center Women’s Board, and the Junior League of Akron, Family TIES was the first family counseling and education center of its kind in Northeast Ohio.

Guardian Ad Litem:
provides every child who enters the court system as a result of allegations of abuse, neglect, or dependancy with a trained community volunteer to advocate for what is in the child’s best interest.

Oral Health Initiative:
included programs such as the Junior League Dental Clinic, Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Awareness Campaign, In-School Dental Education, and Free Dental Sealants in the Akron Public Schools.