Community Research & Project Development Open House

Submitted by Holli Armstrong, Done in a Day Chair

Looking for more ways to give back to the community, the Junior League of Columbia hosted an open house earlier this month for local nonprofits to learn more about how they can get involved with the League. There were new faces and old friends representing in attendance for an energizing and engaging event hosted by JLC’s Community Research and Project Development (CRPD).

The highlight of the open house was the unveiling of the Community Enrichment Grant Program Request For Proposal (RFP). As a reminder, this new RFP program is made possible due to excess funds that the League has available to invest back into the community funding projects that align with the League’s mission. For our community partners, the sky really is the limit with this grant program. Attendees were encouraged to think big, really BIG, and to imagine what they never thought possible. Because of your support and the League’s sound fiscal management, we are going to make dreams come true and life better for children living in the Midlands when these grants are awarded. The application deadline is September 15, and more information can be found online.

During the open house, we also brainstormed NEW…BOLD…FRESH community projects for the Done in a Day (DIAD) committee to tackle this year. A record 28 DIAD applications for potential projects were submitted. For our members, this means more diverse and creative volunteer opportunities. If you know of a community partner that DIAD could help, please let them know the application deadline is mid-August. An updated application will be posted on our website later this month.

By the way, did you know the League can step in and help out an organization in a pinch? Our community assistance funds provide immediate funding assistance to address  urgent needs. If you hear of an organization that needs our help and has a mission that aligns with JLC, please encourage them to submit an application online.

Epworth Children's Home Provisional Project

Submitted by Active Ambra McGuinn (Member of the 2012-2013 Provisional Class)

Joining the Junior League of Columbia has been such a blessing to me in many ways. This year was my provisional year and as part of the process, I was placed  on a team to do a provisional project. Each provisional was asked to list our top three project choices, and I knew from the start that the Epworth Children’s Home project would be a great fit for me since I have a passion for helping and working with children. About three years ago, my family and I started volunteering with Epworth Children’s Home on Sundays and we absolutely fell in love with the children. Seeing kids that had so much joy and laughter even though they had been put through so much just brought joy to my heart! 

When I was told I would be working on the Epworth project, I was excited and immediately began thinking of all the ways I could help to make this project the best it had ever been. Luckily our provisional group was amazing and all had the same goal in mind - - making this a day for the children to always remember.

The purpose of the Provisional Project was to spread education to the children about healthy living through a day filled with excitement. During the day, we promoted healthy living by feeding everyone a meal with sandwiches, fruit and bottled water. We also created an educational piece for  the children to learn about the different types of foods that are good and bad for your body. Last, we presented fun physical activities to show the children that working out can be extremely enjoyable!

Our team spent a lot of time meeting and planning for the big day. We divided our big group up into three groups to get more accomplished. My small group  worked on the food and nutritional piece; another small  group worked on the activities for the day; and one group worked on the decorations, t-shirts and goody bags for the children, including  toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, healthy snacks and much more.

The day of the provisional project, we  paired the girls up in to four different groups giving them different colored shirts. Then we had a healthy lunch together and really got to know the girls. After lunch, we went to the gym to learn about nutrition and how it is so important to eat the right kinds of foods. Everyone then joined in for a fun Zumba workout. The girls had a ball and did not want to stop! Once we all cooled down from the Zumba workout we headed right over to the obstacle course. After a long, exciting day, the girls all huddled up for lots of hugs!  

I have to say that my provisional project was probably one of the best experiences that I’ve had during my time with JLC. Looking back on that day, I knew I wanted to continue to volunteer with Epworth Children’s Home. I hope that I can continue to bring excitement and love to these children for a very long time. Thank you Junior League of Columbia for allowing me to be a part of such an amazing experience!

Check out the pictures from the event!