Junior League of Boston Creates Homelessness Prevention Fund via Women’s Lunch Place
BOSTON (PRWEB) May 11, 2018 -- The Junior League of Boston, a 110-year-old women’s volunteer organization that improves the community through effective action of trained volunteers, announced that it successfully raised over $30,000 through its inaugural “Little Black Dress Initiative” program. The funds will go to the creation of the Junior League of Boston Homelessness Prevention Fund administered through Women’s Lunch Place of Greater Boston and will help 19 women to restore their housing and help others to avoid homelessness.
“We are thrilled to be able to support Boston’s women and families in such a meaningful and immediate way through our volunteer efforts,” said JL Boston president Karen Page. “Our volunteers’ passion for this cause enabled them to far exceed their initial fundraising goal of $12,500.”
The Little Black Dress Initiative is a program developed by the Junior League of London and adopted successfully within many American Leagues, now including Boston. As part of the Little Black Dress Initiative, participants wear the same black dress for five consecutive days to illustrate the effects poverty can have on a woman’s access to resources, her confidence and professional opportunities. The dress serves as a visual representation of the lack of choice for families living in poverty.
Sixty-three women, including both JL Boston members and supporters, individually fundraised as part of their commitment to the initiative, with a suggested participant commitment of $250. In addition, JL Boston hosted several supporting events during the program, including a kickoff fundraiser, member volunteer shifts at Women’s Lunch Place, and a Fireside Chat about poverty in the Boston community featuring Elizabeth Keeley, Executive Director of the Women’s Lunch Place.
“Partnering with the Junior League of Boston was an opportunity to highlight our organizations’ commitment to helping women experiencing homelessness and poverty in Boston. We are grateful for JL of Boston’s generous funding to help women find safe, affordable housing and to secure those who are at risk of homelessness,” said Keeley.
About Junior League of Boston
The Junior League of Boston, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
http://www.jlboston.org
About Women’s Lunch Place of Greater Boston
Women’s Lunch Place opened its doors in 1982 not only to feed and nourish Boston’s women in need of a safe and welcoming place, but also to provide medical care and support for women in crisis or women struggling with domestic violence, mental illness, addiction, or the stress of being homeless. Women’s Lunch Place also helps women who are pursuing employment, secure housing and other opportunities through their resource center. The mission of Women’s Lunch Place is to care for Boston’s most vulnerable women with dignity, foster their resilience, and empower them to pursue their dreams. 100% of the money raised during LBDI will go to The Junior League of Boston Homelessness Prevention Fund via the Women’s Lunch Place, who will utilize the funds to select the deserving families and work to get them back into securing housing. http://www.womenslunchplace.org
Stephanie Lincoln, Junior League of Boston, http://www.jlboston.org, +1 5089514938, [email protected]
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