The Junior League of Waco is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. As they begin their 85th year in our community, one can see their contribution stamped across the community - typically in respect to spaces that benefit and provide value to the lives of women and children. A few notable gifts they have given to improve the city is Anniversary Park, a play space in Cameron Park that benefits all children even those with developmental difficulties and an $80,000 gift to Family Health Center to return the Reach Out and Read program to build and encourage literacy milestones in our youngest Wacoans.
Their most recent focus has been on early childhood education where they are have committed to promoting the Power of Pre-K believing that investing early in a child’s life proactively sets them up for success which will have an indelible impact on Waco. Junior League President, Jana Hixson, shared, “Our work provides an impact on the children and families we are trying to reach by providing them support and resources. Education is important and laying that foundation early is critical. Our work also makes an impact on the women in the organization as our members are investing their time in our community while developing their own leadership skills.”
Their mission, having two sides, develops women by training them on healthy board structures, leadership skills and how to strategically give of your time not only changes our community through the value they bring programmatically but also through the strength they build in a woman during membership with the hopes that they will continue to give of that talent in a variety of ways to other meaningful organizations throughout our city and ultimately carry out their grand vision that all women and children in McLennan County are equipped to thrive and fulfill their full potential.
When asked how we could support them in their continued success, Jana responded, “We would love for others to join us in making an impact in the lives of young children in Waco, whether that means joining as a member, supporting the JLW as a donor, or participating in our upcoming Deck The Halls events, all are ways to ensure that the Junior League of Waco is able to continue to do important work in our community.”