History of JLOCNY

In 1901, Mary Harriman, a poised and brilliant 19-year- old New York City debutant with a social conscience, formed the Junior League for the Promotion of Settlement Movements. Harriman mobilized a group of about 80 other young women, (hence the name junior) to work to improve children health, nutrition and literacy among immigrants living on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. By rolling up their sleeves and with the help of notable friends such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Mary Kingsbury Simkhovitch, and Jean Reid the movement began to take hold and expand into the northeastern region and the state of New York.

In 1916, the movement reached Orange County with the formation of the Junior Welfare League of Newburgh which was later incorporated as the Junior League of Newburgh or JLN. A small Middletown community within JLN was created in 1928 in order to tackle the needs of the vast county from two vantage points. In 1973, the Junior League of Newburgh (JLN) and its Middletown subcommittee merged to form the Junior League of Orange County, Inc. Similar to the founding members the Junior League, The Junior League of Orange County New York continues to promote volunteerism by improving communities through effective activism and leadership.

Mission of JLOCNY

The Junior League of Orange County is part of an international organization of women, The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI) with more than 125,000 members in 295 communities in the US, the UK, Canada and Mexico, committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of Orange County NY, Inc. reaches out to women of all races, religions, and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to volunteerism.

2022-2023 JLOCNY Leadership

The Board of Directors is comprised of the Governance Board and is joined by the Chairpersons of the Membership Development, Public Relations, and Nominating Committee, and the Sustainer Liaison. The BOD manages the activities and affairs of the Junior League of Orange County, NY, and sets and revises governing policies and ensures the alignment of the JLOCNY mission and vision at all levels of the organization through policy administration, financial management, strategic planning, operational continuity and public relations.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT…

Welcome to the Junior League of Orange County, NY (JLOCNY) League Year 2022-2023.  I am honored and excited to serve as our Leagues President this year. We have a dynamic, diverse, and creative team. Each member comes to the League with business acumen in their respective careers, life insight, and professional skills willing to share, learn and empower each other to grow into the best civic leader for Orange County. Founded in 1922, the Junior League of Orange County, NY has a long history of community service locally. We are part of a global powerhouse movement known as the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI). As we continue to celebrate our 100 years in service to the community, we reflect on the lives touched by the League's reach and, equally important, know we need to look to the future as the community's needs are constantly changing. Based on membership inspiration, relevant programs and projects are created or built upon each year focusing on Ending Gender-Based Violence, Improving Health Outcomes and Disparities, Closing the Gender Gap, Eradicating Poverty and Food Insecurity, or Advancing Childhood Education. Highlighting several past projects:

-The Foster Family Picnic, RAPP, Girls Empowerment Program, and Teen Outreach Programs focused on family wellness.

-The Unstuff the Bus Project, the Food Chain Project, and the Done in a Day project with the Hudson Valley Food Bank to fight food insecurity.

-The Baby BookStart and School Supplies Backpack Program to improve childhood literacy.

JLOCNY had tackled many complex societal challenges through the years, taking them head-on when many remained silent. Today, we continue to delve into new opportunities for positive and sustainable change through our member's creativity and innovation. Our League supports the member's personal journey in understanding our unconscious biases and becoming culturally influential leaders.

We seek inspiration from our community partners, supporters, and non-profit organizations to explore the current needs and build partnerships.

Some women join the League to network, meet new people, or volunteer. The depth of what you receive is much more. As a member of the Junior League of Orange County, you improve your civic leadership skills, build deep and lasting friendships, grow your community, and receive training that transcends career, community, and personal development.

I value each member for their time, talent, and passion for creating a better tomorrow because we indeed ARE better together!

In Your Service, 
Trish Chelsen
2022-2023 JLOC President