In the two months since an interest meeting held at Evans Jewelers to share the vision for the organization with potential members, the Junior Women’s League of Smithfield, Inc. (JWL), Johnston County’s newest volunteer organization, has already had a positive impact throughout the county. More than 120 members have joined the organization, whose mission is to promote volunteerism, develop the potential of women, and improve the community through effective leadership of trained volunteers.
JWL founding President Jessica Davis said, “It is inspiring and humbling to see so many women come together who are committed to the mission of JWL and are passionate about being catalysts of change for Johnston County. Our board saw the need to create an organization to provide women with an opportunity to network and develop leadership skills while giving of their time to better Johnston County as a whole. We could not be more pleased with the outpouring of support from our members and community.”
Since February of 2016, JWL has contributed over 300 volunteer and service hours to local communities. For the 2016 service year, JWL has partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Johnston County, Harbor of Johnston County, Me Fine, Inc., Partnership for Children of Johnston County, and the Smithfield Rescue Mission to provide volunteer services and support. The JWL’s first community fundraising event will be Big Night Out, scheduled forJune 24, which will raise money to benefit the Partnership for Children. A Touch a Truck event will follow in the fall.
In addition to serving the community, JWL members have had an opportunity to meet like-minded women from across the county. Meredith Vaughn had this to say about her involvement in JWL, “My husband and I moved to Smithfield in November 2015 and shortly after I learned about the Junior Women’s League. I am thrilled to be part of such an impactful organization that has allowed me to build lasting relationships while serving the community that I now call home.”
JWL is open to all women ages 25 and older who reside in Johnston County, possess an interest in volunteerism, and a commitment to community service. Women interested in joining the JWL will be invited to apply in late summer. For more information about the Junior Women’s League of Smithfield, please visit www.jwlsmithfield.com.
