Since 1929 the Junior League of Williamsport (JLW) has been a driving force behind initiatives that have significantly contributed to health of our community. The members of JLW reflect a wide range of backgrounds, interests and professional pursuits that work together to identify unmet needs and create bridges to facilitate change. The League trains its members to become active civic leaders who make a lasting impact on the community.

• 1920-1929The Start of a New League

  Founding and Early Community Impact of the Junior Charity Guild

  The Junior Charity Guild, founded in 1926 by Mrs. Edgar Munson and Mrs. Kathryn Mosser with twelve charter members, quickly began making a significant impact in Williamsport. In 1928, the Guild established the Protective Home for juveniles committed by the Court, providing essential financial aid. By 1929, the Guild was accepted into the Association of Junior Leagues of America, sponsored by the Pittsburgh League. Early initiatives included organizing Braille classes, funding glasses for the blind, starting a pre-natal clinic at Williamsport Hospital, and providing volunteer help for various local organizations, including the Visiting Nurses Association and Crippled Children’s Society.

   

• 1930-1939

  Community and Cultural Contributions by the Junior League of Williamsport

  In the 1930s, the Junior League of Williamsport focused on health services, cultural programs, and community support. They established well-baby clinics, sponsored art exhibitions, and launched a Children’s Theatre program. They provided ongoing services to organizations like the Red Cross and Williamsport Hospital, including volunteer casework and transportation for the Crippled Children’s Society. The League also supported financial aid for social service workers, organized a Christmas Toys project for needy children, and facilitated cultural events such as art exhibitions and dramatic recitals. Additionally, they conducted a housing survey in 1938 and formed a Motor Corps for the Red Cross in 1939.

• 1940-1949

  Community and Wartime Efforts by the Junior League of Williamsport

  During the 1940s, the Junior League of Williamsport focused on both community enrichment and wartime support. In 1940, the League transitioned the Children’s Theatre to offer professional productions. War efforts in 1941-42 included extensive volunteer service for organizations like the Red Cross and U.S.O. The League also hosted a public forum on Socialized Medicine. Post-war, the League continued its work by assisting the Williamsport Hospital Auxiliary, organizing clinics, and producing a directory of health and welfare agencies. They also contributed to local projects like equipping a playground and supporting the Blind Association.

• 1950-1959

  Health, Community, and Cultural Initiatives by the Junior League of Williamsport

  In the 1950s, the Junior League of Williamsport continued its long-standing commitment to health services, community projects, and cultural enrichment. The League received the Benjamin Rush Award for 20 years of service, including their successful prenatal clinic. They sponsored notable events such as a performance by Charles Laughton and a trip to Washington, D.C. In addition, they supported the Red Cross Bloodmobile and established the “Golden Age Club” for senior citizens. Their outreach expanded to children, with in-school theater productions and the creation of a Summer Drama Workshop. They continued their “Toys for Tots” collaboration and provided substantial funding to local organizations, including mental health services, schools, and hospitals.

• 1960-1969

  Growth and Community Engagement by the Junior League of Williamsport

  In the 1960s, the Junior League of Williamsport continued its impactful community involvement and expanded its projects. The League supported the first Community Arts Festival and maintained its long-running initiatives, such as the Children’s Theatre and Christmas Toys. They also launched new health programs, including Glaucoma Day, and continued their financial support for local organizations. The League’s work with historical preservation grew, with projects like the “Homes and Heritage of the West Branch Valley” book and the Historic Homes Committee. The League also played a key role in the creation of the Community Youth Home and contributed significant funds to its establishment. By 1969, the League celebrated its 40th anniversary with recognition from the Chamber of Commerce and expanded its efforts with the Exchange Mart, raising funds for several community initiatives.

• 1970-1979

  Community Support, Expansion, and Strategic Growth by the Junior League of Williamsport

  In the 1970s, the Junior League of Williamsport made significant strides in community engagement, project development, and internal growth. They purchased the Lycoming County Youth Home for troubled girls and celebrated the opening of Tudor Hall, marking years of effort. They supported several new initiatives, including educational programs for learning disabilities and environmental education, while continuing long-standing projects like the Exchange Mart, Bloodmobile, and Children’s Theatre. The League celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1978 with major contributions to historic preservation and new community partnerships. They also modernized their membership and admissions processes, evaluated their internal structures, and launched new total League projects like the “Envelope of Life” and “CIP.” The Exchange Mart became a key fundraising tool, generating significant contributions to the Community Trust Fund.

• 1980-1989

  Strengthening Community Impact and Expanding Membership Opportunities

  The Junior League of Williamsport’s 1980s saw a decade of significant achievements, including continued growth in community projects, fundraising, and membership development. The League celebrated its 55th and 60th anniversaries, expanded its community focus to address issues like AIDS, substance abuse, and elderly support, and successfully launched new initiatives like the Children’s Discovery Workshop (CDW) at the YMCA. The Exchange Mart remained a key fundraiser, contributing significantly to the Community Trust Fund, while the League also focused on increasing member involvement and leadership through educational programs and bylaw changes. New community placements, increased financial support for local initiatives, and enhanced public relations efforts marked this period as one of strategic growth and continued dedication to local service.

• 1990-1999

  Junior League of Williamsport Community Impact and Organizational Growth

  Throughout the 1990s, the Junior League of Williamsport (JLW) focused on increasing community involvement and organizational development. Key initiatives included the creation of the Sustainer Council, enhanced communication with sustaining members, and the launch of new projects such as the Toy Lending Library and Born to Read, which promoted literacy and supported children’s health. Significant fundraising efforts included the Breast Health Walk and the launch of the “Victorian Thymes and Pleasures” cookbook. The JLW also concentrated on defining a focus in children’s health and welfare, while expanding community partnerships, improving internal processes, and adapting to new goals and strategic plans.

• 2000-2009

  Junior League of Williamsport’s Community Impact, Organizational Growth, and Member Development

  Between 2000 and 2008, the Junior League of Williamsport focused on enhancing community service projects, strengthening membership engagement, and refining internal processes. Notable community initiatives included family literacy programs like Born to Read, the launch of Cinderella’s Closet, and support for local organizations through grants and Projects in a Day. The League implemented strategic changes, such as adopting a rolling three-year plan, increasing media visibility, and improving leadership development through certification courses. The League also focused on member recruitment and retention, securing sponsorships, and celebrating achievements like hosting successful community forums and fundraising events. This period marked a commitment to training, community partnerships, and delivering impactful programs.

• 2010-2019

  Junior League of Williamsport’s Rebuilding, Community Impact, and Member Development

  From 2013 to 2015, the Junior League of Williamsport focused on rebuilding, training, and strengthening its community projects. The League emphasized training for both active and sustaining members, particularly in 2013, with support from key leaders like Cindy Stearns. Signature projects like Cinderella’s Closet continued to thrive, providing essential services to the community. In 2014, the League expanded, inducting new members and launching projects like job application training and a diaper drive for Expectation’s Women’s Center. The League also hosted several successful fundraising and community engagement events, such as the Easter Bunny Breakfast and the March Madness Raffle. By 2015, the League had grown to 14 active members, with continued involvement in community service, including a shoe drive and the adoption of a family for Christmas. Education and professional development remained a priority with members attending various training events. Throughout this period, the League’s efforts to support local organizations and promote member growth solidified its impact in the community.

• 2020-Current

  Coming Soon