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The Junior League of Springfield selects projects each year that are aligned with its mission and vision statements. Countless volunteer hours will be given this year to the following JLS projects.

Sojourn Shelter:

Project H.O.P.E. Medical Advocates- Our Junior League enters its second year working on this exciting and rewarding project. Junior League volunteers are given 40 hours of domestic violence training. After training, volunteers are asked to be "on call" one 8-hour shift per month as a medical advocate at St. John's or Memorial Medical Center Emergency Rooms. Those volunteers will counsel victims of domestic violence. Current JLS participants in the program find it a heart-wrenching, yet rewarding experience. The volunteers feel the lessons learned will impact them for their lifetimes.

WSEC-TV Fun Time Station:

This fun family event is currently scheduled to take place April 20, 2002. The event is an annual one, and plans are under way for 2003. The purpose of the event is to promote the educational goals embodied by WSEC-TV's children's educational programming. Volunteers for this fun, well-known event will participate in the one-day, seven-hour event, held in the Orr Building at the State Fair Grounds, by assisting both parents and children in a variety of learning activities. An opportunity will also be made available for two JLS volunteers to act as Fun-Time Station committee members. Those volunteers will work with the Fun-Time Station committee to help plan the big day!

The Parent Place:

Teen Mother Mentoring Workshop: This unique project is a one-day commitment which will allow JLS volunteers to have a direct impact on young expectant mothers. Volunteers will participate in the one-day workshop by working one-on-one with young women embarking on a very frightening experience. The expectant mothers will be coached on the basics of infant care including bathing, nutrition, and diaper changing.

Senior Services of Central Illinois:

Participation in this project allows JLS members to provide services to the elderly in the Springfield community. Senior Services of Central Illinois provides meal delivery to its beneficiaries on a daily basis. JLS volunteers help with midday meal delivery. This program is a wonderful opportunity to help a group of individuals who are unable to provide for their own daily needs without assistance. The individual volunteer determines her time commitment.

Women's Distance Festival and Fall Women's Health Conference:

A fun day walking in the park and helping to raise money for heart disease prevention and education among women is what this project is all about. JLS members participate in the Springfield Road Runner Club's two-mile run/walk in Washington Park as a race volunteer or runner/walker. Members spend time with old friends and get to know new ones while helping to raise awareness about the leading killer of women across the country - Heart Disease.

In the fall, members volunteer as educators at the Fall Women's Health conference sponsored by the Prairie Heart Institute and the Bone and Joint Institute of St. John's Hospital.

JLS Anniversary Park Project:

The Anniversary Park Project celebrates JLS's 50th year as a Junior League and the 100th year since the founding of the Association of Junior Leagues International! The project, which began in 1999, will create Springfield's first fully accessible playground in the newly developed Centennial Park. In collaboration with the Springfield Park District, JLS will build a rest/relaxation area adjacent to the playground. The area will be paved with engraved bricks purchased by the community and League members. The playground will enable children of all abilities to play side by side.