The Junior League of Greenwich Projects Spanning Six Decades
Present & Past Projects of the Junior League of Greenwich
Current Projects:
Boys Achieving More (BAM!)
2015 – 2020
BAM! was created by the Junior League to facilitate a discussion amongst 5th grade boys on the over-arching concepts of respect, trust, communication and leadership. Facilitators from local organizations and Junior League members lead workshops such an “Amazing Race,” “Survival Skills,” a Low Ropes Course, and a “Whale Watch.” The program takes place at the Seton Scout Reservation in Greenwich.
Done in A Day
1997 – 2023
In Done in a Day, members coordinate and participate in events throughout the year in conjunction with various community partners. Specific responsibilities of the committee include (1) researching potential projects, (2) selecting projects, (3) coordinating events with the community partner, (4) promoting the project both internally and externally, (5) recruiting and scheduling volunteers, (5) participating in the events and (6) follow up after the events.
PositivelyMe!
2006 – Present
A program for 3rd grade girls that helps girls develop the skills to be confident, to make good decisions, to be assertive, and to express themselves – all while meeting new friends and having lots of fun! Girls participate in a variety of activities including song, dance, writing, crafts, and special projects. The program runs Friday night and all day Saturday, with Friday night as the special pajama party! Girls must participate both days (Friday night and Saturday).
Money Sense
2019-2023
Money $ense was a free financial literacy program offered by the Junior League of Greenwich. Programs were offered to a variety of ages over the years and to both boys and girls. The JLG followed programs by Junior Achievement. Topics will included: Earning, Employment and Income, Budgeting, Savings and Investing, Credit and Debit, Consumer Protection and Risk Management
Completed Projects:
2010’s:
The Greenwich Pool in Byram Park Project
2011 – 2019
This is a public-private partnership between the Junior League of Greenwich and the Town of Greenwich to build a new community pool and revitalize Byram Park. The new pool complex includes a main pool, kiddie pool and splash pad with interactive water features. The benefits of a new outdoor pool include promoting water safety and providing a supervised place to swim, ensuring accessibility to all with a zero depth entry, providing a venue to teach swimming and healthy exercise programs, offering a gathering area with an outdoor terrace and café and fostering social interaction. The pool pavilion includes changing rooms, restrooms and a concession stand. The pool opened in June 2018, and has been inspiring lifelong fitness and providing physical activity that is fun, safe and accessible to all Greenwich residents.
Young Women’s Breast Cancer Support Group
2015 – 2017
A peer-to-peer style support group that was the first and only support group of its kind in Fairfield County designed specifically for young women diagnosed with breast cancer in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. Debuting in January of 2016, the group met monthly and was open to young women at any stage in their journey. The comfortable and supportive setting of the JLG was a place for women to connect with other young women in the community and find out about local services available to breast cancer patients and survivors.
Positively More
2014 – 2018
A self-esteem project designed for 6th grade girls. The project aimed to give girls the tools to avoid questionable situations, lessen the consequences of potential conflicts and identify lessons learned by those challenges. Workshops led by professionals in the community included Valuing Yourself, The Value of Friendships, Practice Using Your Moral Compass, and Your Digital Reputation.
Greenwich Youth Film Festival
2012 – 2015
The Greenwich Youth Film Festival completed its first film festival in April 2012. The project was created to provide teens in Greenwich, Fairfield and Westchester Counties an opportunity to create and present work in areas of filmmaking and production. This project was developed in response to the Greenwich United Way Needs Assessment view that teens need more positive and constructive activities outside of school. In 2015 the project was transitioned to the Garden Education Center.
Night Owls
2010 – 2011
Night Owls was an ever-evolving committee working with middle and high school students. Night Owls incorporated mentoring, the arts, as well as financial literacy and college visitation experiences. Night Owls focused on the needs of the community by satisfying those needs with programs that could potentially make difficult tasks, such as choosing a college, a little simpler.
2000’s:
Kids in the Kitchen
2009 – 2015
Kids in the Kitchen (KIK) was an educational project that involved kids and their family members in a hands-on environment that actually focused on preparing healthy foods. The project educated children and their families about the importance of healthy nutrition and fitness to prevent childhood obesity and promote long-term health and wellness. KIK empowered children and youth to make healthy lifestyle choices, therefore helping to prevent obesity and its associated health risks. This project was transitioned to the JLG’s Done in a Day program on a reduced scale.
Caregivers Circle
2009 – 2011
This committee provided support and information to caregivers of individuals with disabilities. With the help of Greenwich Adult Day Care, the Greenwich Red Cross, and the Commission on Aging, this committee gave caregivers a venue where they came to meet other caregivers and hear from professionals in the field. This project was turned over to the above named community partners in 2011.
Senior Task Force
2007 – 2009
The Senior Task Force was put in place to research and provide Greenwich seniors with solutions to their needs. The Senior Task Force worked with the Commission on Aging conducting research, creating reports and policy manuals that followed up on the results from the earlier Conference on Aging. The Junior League of Greenwich spent its time researching and working with seniors to identify all of their needs.
Nutrition for Life
2005 – 2006
The Nutrition for Life project attempted to tackle childhood obesity. Both at Parents Teachers Association meetings and at Greenwich Hospital, the Junior League of Greenwich provided information and activities regarding childhood obesity. This committee later led to Kids in the Kitchen, an education project that involved kids and their families in a hands-on environment that actually focused on preparing healthy foods.
Boundless Playground
2004 – 2009
A joint effort by the Junior League of Greenwich, the Greenwich United Way, the Town of Greenwich Department of Parks & Recreation, and private donors, the Boundless Playground opened in June of 2009 to fanfare at Bruce Park, Greenwich. Built with help and inspiration from nonprofit Boundless Playgrounds, a national developer of playgrounds for all ages and abilities, the space features a maze, sensory garden, and tetherball area, a series of fabricated rock structures linked by rope systems, in addition to more familiar playground attractions. The playground is so special because it provides a playing space to the growing numbers of children being diagnosed with learning disabilities and developmental disorders.
Teen Builder
2004 – 2006
Teen Builder worked with the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich to create programs for teens in the Greenwich community. Teen Builder focused on building self-esteem with 6th through 8th graders in preparation for high school.
Focus on Seniors
2004
The growing population of seniors in Greenwich identified by the Conference on Aging provided the focus for this project. The community had identified specific issues: the community’s Senior Center, senior housing, and senior programming. This project helped continue the work on areas of need identified by the Conference to prepare the Town to meet the rising number of seniors forecasted to be 20% of the Greenwich population by 2020.
Audubon
2003 – 2004
The Junior League worked with the Audubon Society in Greenwich and created nine themed nature boxes for the Kimberlin Education Center. The nature boxes provided opportunities for learning to scores of children in Greenwich.
Conference on Aging
2003 – 2004
The purpose of this committee was to create, promote and produce a 2-day seminar focusing on the growing elderly population in Greenwich, as well as to create a detailed summary of the seminar and develop ideas of ways the JLG can be effective in addressing this issue. Specific issues to be addressed included senior service agencies, Town government, current seniors at the time of the project, and those who would be seniors by 2020. This committee partnered with the Commission on Aging to research, develop and evaluate the event. The conference had 97 participants representing town organizations and government departments. The JLG compiled the results of the conference and mailed results to all participants.
Food Insecurity Solutions
2002 – 2005
Food Insecurity Solutions conducted research regarding food insecurity in Greenwich and identified all the providers of food for those in need. It also looked at ways other communities met the need for food donations and adopted several practices, in collaboration with Neighbor to Neighbor, to increase effective food donations. Many of the smaller food gathering programs agreed to identify Neighbor to Neighbor as the central agency to meet the needs for food distribution. Neighbor to Neighbor changed to a client choice pantry as a more successful way of providing food.
Youth Film
2002 – 2003
Youth Film was a program held at Arch Street Teen Center. This program provided teens a place to go with their friends to watch a pre-selected movie. The movie showing would be released to the public and the viewing would be open to all Greenwich teens. Youth Film brought the community together.
Here to Help
2002 – 2003
Here to Help primarily worked with seniors in the Greenwich community by trying to make their lives a little easier. Here to Help started an event where seniors would bring all their medication in a bag to the department of health, and the committee then started a database of their drugs for their doctors and pharmacies to access. Here to Help focused on ways to make daily life a little simpler and easier.
Partnership in Education (PIE)
2001 – 2011
This project addressed early literacy at Hamilton Avenue School. In partnership with the school’s staff and PTA, the project was designed to help Kindergarten children not only develop the necessary reading skills to become successful students; but, also develop a love for reading, a quest for knowledge, and a greater educational partnership with their families. The Partnership in Education Committee’s goal was to facilitate family reading time and make reading a fun activity enjoyed by the entire family.
Food Accessibility and Need (FAN)
2001 – 2002
The JLG FAN committee embarked on a project to conduct a thorough needs assessment on the issue of hunger in Greenwich. At the time, Neighbor to Neighbor and Greenwich Social Services were the only organizations offering supplemental food in Greenwich. The committee developed and implemented positive initiatives to assist those in need through a process that included a questionnaire and personal interviews. A formal document was then circulated among those involved and a round table discussion was executed to determine if further steps were needed to address hunger in Greenwich.
Calves Island Pilot Project
2000 – 2002
Calves Island served as a base for many projects put together by the Junior League of Greenwich. Calves Island provided the space to hold three separate programs. The first, Audubon Ecology Workshop for Teachers was a weeklong workshop for teachers looking to immerse themselves in training in ecology and earth sciences. An important element of this training was the immersion style learning. The Junior league of Greenwich and Calves Island helped allow hands-on learning for these teachers. The second project, OTTERS, on the island was originally created in 1999 by the Audubon Center in Greenwich. This summer program provided 6-8th grade youth with hands-on experience and research techniques regarding ecological research. The Junior League of Greenwich expanded this program to an after school club that provided these opportunities to local children throughout the year.
The last of these projects, School Field Trips, was put in place to provide schools the opportunity to have a naturalist-guided field trip to Calves Island, which, in turn would expand the available topics provided in school classrooms.
People Who Care
2000 – 2002
This project successfully completed the research needed to verify all the current information about respite care in Greenwich. The committee designed a brochure that was printed and distributed throughout the community.
1990’s:
Skatepark
1999 – 2003
The Greenwich United Way’s Needs Assessment found that there was a lack of activities for middle school aged youth in Greenwich. At the same time the Department of Parks & Recreation received a petition with over 300 signatures of town youths that there was no place to skateboard in Greenwich. The JLG and the Town of Greenwich developed Skatepark at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park as a safe and supervised facility for youths 6 years of age and over to skateboard and inline skate.
Greenwich Child Care Center at Children’s Day School
1998 – 2002
In 1998 the Child Care 2000 committee of JLG was charged with filling the long existing need for high-quality, affordable, full day childcare for children 6 weeks to 5 years of age for working parents who either worked or lived in Greenwich. This program was a direct result of the Greenwich United Way Needs Assessment, first noted in 1981. High-quality, affordable, full day childcare to 80 children, including up to 64 infants and toddlers, was the goal. The JLG in its research identified over 260 infants and toddlers in Greenwich who were waiting for space in existing child care facilities. Additionally, financial aid was to be available to a substantial percentage of the children. Child Care 2000 partnered with Christian Day School who enrolled 3 and 4 year olds. As the community partner and to meet the mission of Child Care 2000, Christian Day School changed its name to Children’s Day School. Children’s Day School at the Junior League of Greenwich Child Care Center proudly opened on February 4, 2002. The JLG raised $3 million to fund the set up costs and $1 million to fund the Tuition Assistance Fund.
Lifeskills
1998 – 1999
Lifeskills was a workshop created to help Greenwich adult residents who were not fluent in English, many of whom were in public housing. Lifeskills held sessions like “Dress for Success” in order to teach the Greenwich Community how to dress appropriately for jobs and interviews. The committee worked with the department of Social Services. Examples of the work done by the committee included how to fill out forms, how to read the classified section of the paper, how to read a map, time management, cash register and calculator skills, how to obtain a General Education Diploma, etc.
Respect Yourself, Protect Yourself
1998 – 1999
This project, formerly known as Aids Awareness, was to provide vital information, through presentations, on the spread, effects, symptoms and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases to women age 25 and up. This project was transitioned to the Venus Clinic at Greenwich Hospital.
Learning Differences Network
1997 – 1998
Learning Differences Network was a series of educational discussion groups for parents of children with learning difficulties. These discussions covered topics such as: self-esteem, managing behavior and social interactions, improving sibling relations and, finding appropriate programs to meet the child’s needs.
Safety Town
1996 – 2004
The project sought to: (1) organize four half-day week-long courses for 400 kindergarten eligible children attending Greenwich schools on safety awareness and accident prevention, (2) update and distribute a play date checklist, and (3) run four parent information sessions complete with parent folders. In 2004 the JLG transitioned this project to the American Red Cross.
Action Against Violence
1995 – 1999
Action Against Violence was a project created for the local level in Greenwich, which helped to raise public awareness of the level of violence and monitor the amount of violence that exists in our community.
Foster Care Initiative
1995 – 1996
Foster Care Initiative researched all types of foster care and wrote an extensive report in an effort to identify the best model to transition children from the crisis nursery at Kids in Crisis until they were reunited with their family. The committee also brought a speaker from the Child Welfare League who spoke to the community on how to become foster parents and what the current situation was in the state and privately funded foster care.
T. E. C. S (Teach Each Other Computer Skills)
1995 – 1999
T. E. C. S was put into place to provide Greenwich residents with necessary computer skills. Junior League members were trained with some computer skills and sessions were held in the computer room at Wilbur Peck. These sessions were open to residents and taught them learn how to operate a computer successfully.
Women’s Wellness
1995 – 1996
Women’s Wellness researched and began development of a women’s health record booklet, worked collaboratively with Greenwich Hospital in the research and development phase of the project, distributed copies of these booklets to Junior League members, hospitals and the general public.
AIDS Awareness
1994 – 1998
AIDS Awareness was a program put in place to raise awareness about the seriousness of AIDS in the Greenwich Community to help bridge the gap from knowledge to behavior modification. This was accomplished by: distributing cards and brochures with information on AIDS, having a consistent column in the JLG Currents providing “Did You Know” information and, giving AIDS awareness presentations. A data base on HIV, AIDS, and STD’s was developed. The name of this committee was changed to Respect Yourself, Protect Yourself to reflect the comprehensive program targeted to reach women aged 25-45 to teach self-respect, dating skills, and medical facts on the spread of many diseases.
Greenwich United Way JLG Joint Project
1994 – 1995
The purpose of this project was to work with the Greenwich United Way to conduct a needs assessment of local services for that population which is both elderly and mentally handicapped. This committee drafted questionnaires to service providers, assembled background information on service providers, analyzed questionnaires to assist the Greenwich United Way in articulating trends and providing recommendations.
Playground Pals
1993 – 1996
Playground pals worked with the Town of Greenwich to understand safety issues, review all playground surfacing and equipment, and rebuild the Bruce Park playground and the Western Greenwich Civic Center playground. Playground Pals made sure playgrounds were safe and new for the community’s children.
Life Steps
1993 – 1995
The purpose of this committee was to provide a pre-school opportunity for the residents of the Town’s housing developments. The 2 pre-schools the JLG helped open had the capacity of 46 children in total. While working with Family Centers and the Greenwich Housing Authority, pre-schools at Wilbur Peck and Armstrong Court were opened. The JLG provided $5,000 for furnishings for the Armstrong Court pre-school and $2,700 in funds to the Wilbur peck pre-school for furnishings. The committee members volunteered 3 days a week at Wilbur Peck and 4 days a week at Armstrong Court pre-schools.
Children’s Room at the Bruce Museum
1992 – 1993
In the Children’s Room, children explored the contents of various Discovery Boxes and gained real-life experiences. The boxes contained bugs, seashore life and other wildlife. The Junior League of Greenwich, with the help of the Bruce Museum, put this learning opportunity together.
MOVE (Management & Organizational Volunteer Expertise)
1992 – 1995
MOVE was developed to create awareness in the nonprofit sector of the availability of free management consulting by the JLG. This was accomplished by: having an article in the Community Issue of the Greenwich Time, developing a letter and brochure for distribution, and creating a presentation for the Greenwich United Way and the Greenwich Youth Council. This project was created to have a quality system of providing short-term management consulting to nonprofit organizations in Greenwich.
Christmas in April
1992 – 1993
Christmas in April was put together to recruit Junior League members to participate in the national program Christmas in April which repairs the homes of the elderly, handicapped, or low income on one day in April. This project allowed committee members to have hands on experience and see a project through from beginning to end. On Saturday, April 24, 1992 the committee spent the day repairing the home of an elderly woman in Cos Cob from 8am to 4pm. The team painted, made electrical repairs and landscaped.
The Den, A Center for Grieving Children
1991 – 1997
The Den was founded in 1991 as a support group for children and their families grieving the loss of a loved one. The program was modeled after the Dougy Center in Portland, Oregon. The support groups were executed by Junior League members who were trained in grief counseling. The Den was a peer support center in a supportive environment where families were able to express feelings and begin the healing process through understanding, acceptance, and caring. The Den opened on January 11, 1993 at its initial site, Greenwich Country Day School. The school donated their facilities for the JLG’s use. Now, part of Family Centers, Inc., The Den currently serves over 100 families per year.
Safe Haven Steering Committee Pilot
1991 – 1992
This is the committee that researched and began the work to create The Den, A Center for Grieving Children. In its infancy, Greenwich Hospital agreed to be affiliated with this project. The hospital agreed to screen facilitators, recruit and select a part time coordinator, share its mailing list, and provide meeting space. The committee executed a facilitator training. In response to the search for a part time coordinator, 20 resumes were received. Committee member narrowed the list to 11 and proceeded to check references and interview the candidates. To let the community know about the proposed program, may community partners supplied mailing lists targeting social services, nurses, agencies, regional psychologists, etc. From this pilot, The Den, A Center for Grieving Children and Their Families, was born.
Education Foundation Task Force
1991 – 1995
The Education Foundation Task Force was a Junior League sponsored research project formed to investigate ways that Greenwich might set up a local education foundation to provide funds for specific projects or programs that could otherwise be disregarded due to school budgeting.
Wellness Center at Wilbur Peck
1991 – 1993
The committee initiated the Giant Step Pre-School Program at Wilbur Peck Court. Committee members met with tenants of the complex to discuss and explore needed program services in order to provide top quality family services to residents to promote healthy family life. Other potential program ideas included establishing a pre-school at Armstrong Court, Parenting Programs, Teen Services, and Nutrition Services.
Kids in Crisis
1990 – 1995
This project started in 1978 as The Youth Shelter for 12 to 17-year-olds through the partnership between the Junior League of Greenwich, the Greenwich United Way, and Hotline as a safe place for runaway kids dealing with abuse, neglect, and family conflict. The Youth Shelter became an independent regional agency in 1981. In 1989 the Youth Shelter came back to the Junior League of Greenwich and said many teens had younger siblings who needed crisis intervention as well. The JLG Kids in Crisis project developed the model for the Crisis Nursery and on May 8, 1993 Kids in Crisis opened its doors to children ages newborn to 17 years.
Environmental Education
1990 – 2011
This project taught school children the practical application of pre-cycling and recycling and the ramifications of exploiting our environment. The project reached in to both the private and public schools. Education materials included a recycling guide for the community, community posters, school program displays, DVD presentations, etc. The project was introduced to over 38 Junior Leagues nationwide and received the Model Project Award from the Association of Junior Leagues International.
Business Day Care
1990 – 1992
The goal of the Business Day Care committee was to improve the availability of infant day care by encouraging corporations to support childcare provisions for their employees. The JLG identified the need for on-site day care in local corporations and distributed guides for working parents to educate them about childcare in the area.
Teen Pregnancy Prevention
1990 – 1992
Teenage Pregnancy Prevention was put in place to educate teenagers in the Greenwich community about the risks of sex and pregnancy. The Junior League of Greenwich created brochures containing important risk factors and traveled to speak at the high schools in the area informing both young men and women of the risks.
State Public Affairs Committee (SPAC) Task Force on Long Island Sound
1990 – 1991
SPAC Task Force on Long Island Sound worked to keep the Long Island Sound clean and healthy. Starting with surveys, SPAC attempted to find some of the fixable problems affecting the sound and its wildlife. Creating a team of volunteers, SPAC went out and helped make our backyard and the Long Island Sound a cleaner place.
1980’s:
Environmental Writing
1989 – 1990
This project was designed to address the JLG members’ strong interest in having a project on the environment. This project produced a booklet on how to protect our environment and how to lead an environmentally responsible life. The booklet was designed for adults and included information specific to Greenwich. The booklet addressed (1) complete recycling by the Town come 1991, (2) water conservation, (3) disposal of hazardous waste, (4) testing for toxic substances, and (5) toxic waste clean-up. In addition to writing, designing, and publishing the booklet, members were involved in the dissemination of the booklet to the community.
Lend a Volunteer
1989 – 1994
This committee was established to offer members placement opportunities outside the JLG. Examples of placements included Community Answers, Byram After School Program, Social Services, Commission on Aging, Greenwich Green & Clean, and Family Centers. Members of this committee cross-trained by responding to the short and long-term needs of the community. Additionally, this committee made diverse aspects of the community aware of the JLG.
Woman to Woman
1989 – 1991
Woman to Woman was designed to provide public information about alcoholism among women, facilitate referrals for treatment and provide support following treatment. The JLG implemented the three-phase program “Woman to Woman” developed by the AJLI. In collaboration with the Greenwich Hospital’s Alcoholism Recovery Center, the Alcoholism Council, and the Eastern Fairfield County and Stamford Leagues, the JLG started a community awareness campaign.
Task Force on the Homeless
1988 – 1990
The Task Force on the Homeless worked to broaden community awareness about the subject of homelessness. They also worked with the Stamford Shelter for the Homeless on a program for recruiting, training, and managing volunteers to work at the shelter, as well as coordinating and managing clothing donations.
Saturday Parenting
1988 – 1990
This pilot was designed to provide parents with a weekend opportunity to meet and discuss child-related topics. The program was to consist of discussion groups and lecture series. Participants met every other week and babysitting was available.
Group Living for the Independent Elderly (GLIE)
1988 – 1992
Initiated with the cooperation of the Commission in Aging, this project aimed to provide a residential alternative for the physically well older person who did not need the care of a nursing home. Group living aimed to provide senior citizens with companionship and social interaction. GLIE was incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in December 1998 and received tax-exempt status in March 1999.
Infant Daycare Task Force
1987 – 1990
This project researched the long-term needs of infant day care in Greenwich with a view towards recommending programs and building a network of family day care homes within the community to meet these needs. Members of the committee worked with agencies in Greenwich, such as Family Centers of Greenwich and the Child Care and Parenting Council to determine what currently was available in Greenwich and what was being done at the State level.
Elderly Pilot Project – “In Touch with the Homebound Elderly”
1987 – 1988
This JLG pilot project sent members to visit elderly in the community. The purpose of this project was to help members of the JLG cope with the economic, physical and psychological strain of caring for an elderly family member from afar by setting up a reciprocal visitation type program with Junior League members from the city where that relative lives. This pilot project began between the JLG and the Junior League of West Palm Beach. Research was done to see if there was interest through the Association of Junior Leagues International to expand the pilot to include other Junior Leagues.
In Touch with The Homebound Elderly
1986 – 1987
The purpose of this committee was to establish relationships with isolated elderly in Greenwich and educate the community about the need for visiting the elderly. Committee members were paired in a ‘friendly visitor’ relationship with an individual elderly person. Members also helped with exercise programs run in three local nursing homes. Last, the committee created a 12-minute promotional video highlighting the enjoyment and rewards of visiting the elderly.
Saturday Morning at Bruce Museum
1986 – 1988
The overall goal of this project was to offer children the opportunity to explore paintings and design and gain an increased appreciation of and interest in visual arts and art history. The Junior League of Greenwich trained volunteers and established a regular offering to the general public of programs like “Learning to Look”, an art appreciation course, within a year’s time. The JLG also offered Story Hour focusing on life, art, and natural history.
Growing Up Healthy
1985 -1988
This project was created to make health education materials available to children in Kindergarten – third grade and fourth – sixth grades. By 1988, health education videos and materials had been organized and established as part of the Board of Education’s video library. Catalogs were sent to individual schools, and the project was turned over to the Greenwich Health Association.
Video Series Intro
1985 – 1986
The purpose of this committee was to use videotape to increase communication within the JLG and the community by producing videos that illuminated JLG areas of interest. Members gained training concerning editing skills and equipment usage. The committee filmed “In Touch with The Homebound Elderly”.
Parent Seminars on Sexuality
1985 – 1987
This series of four seminars was designed to help parents communicate effectively with their adolescent children on the subjects related to their sexuality and sexual behavior. The Junior League volunteers were facilitators for the seminars, covering a vast amount of topics. These seminars covered: understanding better today’s issues, trends of adolescent sexual behavior, understanding better the sexual development of today’s teens, assisting parents in clarifying what they can do to help their children make appropriate choices concerning their sexuality, and to prepare parents to recognize and use opportunities to discuss issues of sexuality with their children.
Project Charlie
1985 – 1990
This drug abuse prevention program, based on building a positive self-image in children, was begun in Greenwich in 1985. Project Charlie stands for “Chemical Abuse Resolution Lies in Education.” Volunteers taught the classes at all three private schools in town at the time, as well as five of the nine public elementary schools.
Safe and Sound at Home Alone
1985 – 1987
Recognizing that children need to feel safe and confident at home when they are without adult supervision, the Junior League conducted a course for them. Taught by both Junior League volunteers and members of organizations including the Red Cross and Greenwich Fire Department, it included instruction for children on proper telephone procedures, fire, safety, first aid, and handling emergencies.
The Wish Book
1985 – 1986
The Wish Book was prepared by the Junior League of Greenwich to determine what needs people living in the Greenwich Community had and how the JLG could use this information to better the community and offer programs that the community felt were important.
Accessory Apartment
1984 – 1986
Recognizing a great shortage of affordable housing for the elderly in the area, the Accessory Apartment project was begun in 1984 to educate the community about the possibility of converting unused space into housing for the elderly. It also provided assistance for people applying for residential conversions.
Task Force on Aging
1984 – 1986
This project had two primary goals — one was to identify and establish relationships with the isolated elderly in Greenwich and the other was to teach the community about the enjoyment and rewards of visiting the elderly. A videotape was made to educate volunteers.
The Pavilion Club
1983 – 1984
Originally a program to enhance senior citizens’ thinking and remembering skills, this project of memory-related games became an integrated part of the programming at the Greenwich Adult Day Care program housed at Nathaniel Witherell.
Pathways Fellowship Club
1983 – 1985
This program provided a course of orientation and training about mental illness to Junior League members and the Greenwich community. It addressed the needs of patients in the areas of community acceptance, employment, housing and self-esteem. In 1985 this project was turned over to Pathways.
Great Estates
1982 – 1995
In an attempt to record the transformation of Greenwich from a farming community to a genteel town, the JLG, upon the recommendation of its Historical Preservation Study Group, initiated a three-year Great Estates survey project. The book represents a culmination of a volunteer effort, which included hundreds of hours of research; over 300 interviews with people from all over the United States; the acquisition of over 500 photographs; and hundreds of hours of writing and editing. The Great Estates coffee table book was first published in 1986. In 1986 the book had a full color hardcover, 224 pages, 30 color plates and 150 black and white photos. 3000 books were printed and sold for $60. The second printing was in 1989, and the third in 2005.
Hotline
1982 – 1984
In 1982, Junior League members saw increased need in the community for expanded hours for the community’s Hotline. Volunteers were trained in crisis intervention, counseling and referrals to professionals, thus expanding the capability of the service, which still exists today.
Domestic Abuse Services
1982 – 1984
Established under the auspices of the Greenwich YWCA to coordinate and supplement services for abused persons and abusers in Greenwich. Junior League volunteers helped provide walk-in and telephone information on counseling and referral, shelter in the form of short-term “safe homes,” and support groups for women. The program also included community education and awareness and is now a service of the YWCA.
Parents Together
1982 – 1984
A cooperative effort of the Greenwich Advisory Council on Youth and Drugs, the PTA Council, the Greenwich public and private schools, and the Junior League, Parents Together was formed to bring delegates together from the Town’s schools to plan programs for parents of children in grades K-12. The group also published a newsletter for parents of adolescents. The organization and newsletter continued under the auspices of the Greenwich Advisory Council on Youth and Drugs.
The Parents Exchange
1982 – 1990
The purpose of the Parents Exchange was to run weekly discussion groups for parents of preschool children. The groups provided education and support in a friendly atmosphere at Christ Church. Eventually the meetings were sponsored by the Greenwich Health Alliance.
School Loan Project
1981 – 1983
The purpose of the project was to organize, package, and assemble museum artifacts for loan to teachers to supplement traditional classroom instruction. Working with the Bruce Museum, this committee designed and constructed boxes containing museum artifacts suitable for the classroom. Completed boxes included mounted birds, North American Indian artifacts, and replicas of Egyptian Art.
Child Care Council
1981 – 1987
At the suggestion of the Greenwich United Way Planning Council in 1981, the Junior League formed the Child Care Council to plan, coordinate and advocate for services for young children. A Board was established and consisted of the Executive Director from Community Answers, a member of the National Day Care Center, the Director of Elementary Education for the Board of Education, the Administrator of Greenwich Hospital, a Minister, and Early Childhood Educators. Its goal was to act as a town-wide coordinator of child care and parenting services, to provide up to date child care and parenting information, to conduct seminars for day care providers, to advocate for full-day Kindergarten, to advocate for expansion of after school programs, and to monitor legislation. This project later became an independent non-profit organization.
Parents Information Exchange
1980 – 2007
The JLG began a monthly newsletter for parents of preschool children in Greenwich. Newsletters were distributed to nursery schools, libraries, the YMCA, and other agencies serving families throughout Greenwich. In 1987 the newsletter was renamed the Parents Information Newsletter and had a circulation of over 4000 monthly copies. It was staffed by JLG and non-Junior League members.
Great Estate Survey
1980 – 1985
The goal of this committee was to produce a booklet that provided a history of many families and estates in Greenwich. The Historical Preservation Study Group asked the JLG to indicate possible interest in working with them. The JLG expressed great interest in researching and expanding Alan Burnham’s work on the large estates in Greenwich. As a result, the JLG researched 76 large estates in Greenwich that are historically and architecturally significant. The committee engaged a Research Director and an Architectural Expert. Significant research was done at Greenwich Library. Photographs of structures were gathered for the booklet. In the end, the JLG wanted to donate 1/3 of the booklets produced and sell the other 2/3.
Children & Youth Task Force
1980 – 1981
The Children & Youth Task Force was created to provide help for children placed in foster care and who struggled with issues of neglect and abandonment. Considerable research regarding this topic and this group of children in the Town was put forth by the committee.
Fundays on Sundays
1980 – 1981
This JLG mini project brought entertainment for families, friends, neighbors to Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in the summer months of the JLG year to build community.
1970’s:
Dinosaurs in the Park
1979 – 1980
A unique sculpture exhibit by Jim Gary, Dinosaurs in the Park featured 50 large sculptures in and around the Bruce Museum in the fall of 1979. League members served as docents, and a total of 15,000 people attended the event.
Arts in the Park
1979 – 1980
Arts in the Park was created to produce free family programming geared for the child during the summer. Arts in the Park provided children with two free summer programs held in the Roger Sherman Baldwin Park.
Foster Care Task Force
1979 – 1980
This JLG task force was committed to work with other organizations to insure that a child will be removed from his/her home only when necessary; that once a child is removed from his/her home, the family will receive adequate services to prepare for the child’s return home and for the child’s future care; that when the child is in a foster care placement, it will be a secure and nurturing environment; that a child will receive as soon as possible a permanent home that is in the child’s best interest; and that the rights of children will be protected by those Administrative, Judicial and Legislative Agencies charged with the child’s care.
Committee for Children & Youth
1978 – 1980
This committee of Provisionals was formed to improve delivery of services to children and families under stress. A directory was printed that contained an easy reference of services and programs available to the children and youth of Greenwich. In 1979, in conjunction with other Connecticut Leagues, the committee presented a public hearing attended by many agencies that deal with children. Entitled “Foster Care, Who Is Accountable?”. The hearing was a very successful effort to emphasize the extraordinary needs of children placed out of their home and to increase public awareness of the inadequacies of the foster care system in this area.
Senior Communications Committee
1978 – 1982
Senior Communications Committee was created to allow the Junior League of Greenwich to meet the expressed need to improve communications among the elderly in Greenwich. The JLG created, funded and published a newsletter, Senior Outlook, for elderly citizens utilizing the talents and interests of at least six seniors. The paper remains in existence today, totally managed by those it was originally developed to serve.
Alcohol Education
1977 – 1982
This project was developed in cooperation with the Alcoholism Council to train Junior League volunteers to present a two-day program to sixth graders, which would enhance existing drug and alcohol education efforts. The program is now part of the Greenwich School Curriculum.
Parent Project and Child Advocacy Program
1976 – 1978
In 1976 a Child Advocacy Program was formed by the JLG to learn advocacy skills, to assess the needs of children in our community, and to develop the means for implementing its skills on behalf of children. In 1977 the Parenting Project was born out of a need from the Child Advocacy Program. It was decided that the vehicle to meet the goals was a series of radio programs. The goal of the Parenting Project was increased impact on the community in the area of parenting skills. Ten hours of service broadcast time were secured. The JLG paid for Dr. Clara Appell, host of WGCH “Family Talk”, to host the broadcasts. Parent Project and Child Advocacy programs were developed by the JLG in response to a nationwide emphasis on child advocacy by the Association of Junior Leagues.
Emergency Shelter/Greenwich Youth Shelter
1976 – 1981
A two-story building on Prospect Street in Greenwich was leased to establish a safe, temporary residence to house as many as 10 young people for a period of up to three weeks. The Youth Shelter was successfully run by a professional staff of 20 who provided 24-hour emergency service, counseling and temporary housing to young people and their families in crisis situations. It became an independent regional agency in 1981.
Nursery School Seminar
1976 – 1977
The Nursery School Seminars developed from the Pre-School Learning Problems Study Group. The original goal of this Study Group was to involve the JLG in meeting the needs of preschool children with learning and developmental problems. The objective was to provide support for nursery school teachers. The objective of the Nursery School Seminar Committee was to hold three seminars of 2 hours each to help nursery school teachers recognize, plan for, and handle children with special needs. Topics covered included motor development, visual and auditory perceptual skills, social skills, language development, spatial orientation, hearing and visual problems, and legal aspects of the State’s responsibility and the parents’ rights as it concerns the school.
Marine Discovery Room
1976 – 1980
Researched and designed by Junior League members and opened in 1977, The Marine Discovery Room introduced children to the marine life of Long Island Sound through a touch and feel tank located in the Bruce Museum. This marine discovery room is now located at the Bruce Museum Seaside Center. The Seaside Center is a beachside museum located in Greenwich Point Park, Old Greenwich, about 6 1/2 miles from the main Bruce Museum in Greenwich.
Bicentennial Guides
1975 – 1977
JLG tour guides dressed in 1750’s reproduced costumes were on duty as guides at the Putnam Cottage and Bush-Holly House. In this project’s existence, approximately 2000 individuals listened to JLG tour guides describe the history of these two houses. Guides were trained via group lecture and on-the-job experience.
Greenwich Community Video
1973 – 1979
Beginning in 1973, Junior League volunteers worked with Greenwich Library to improve community communications and information through the utilization of videotapes. A video production room was established at the Greenwich Library, which included production and editing equipment, and a tape library. Instructional and educational tapes were produced for the Greenwich Arts Council, Greenwich Hospital and the Greenwich Library. Training tapes were also produced for the Marine Discovery Room and Bush Holley House guides.
Drug Film
1973 – 1975
In an effort to prevent elementary school children from experimenting with drugs, the film, “Drugs Are Like That” was distributed to the Greenwich Schools. More than 800 students saw it before it was given to the Board of Education in 1974.
Fresh Air Activities
1972 – 1974
The Fresh Air Program allowed Junior League members to blend their enthusiasm and skills by working with inner-city children during eleven consecutive summers at a two-week camp.
Environmental Mini Course
1971 – 1974
This course was given to the Old Greenwich School for 4th, 5th and 6th graders. The content was tailored to the interest and knowledge levels of the students with the support of the school principal and teachers. The fall course of two-hour sessions, weekly, was conducted by for 35 students in October and November. The fall course included field trips to the sewage treatment plant, water company filter plant, and Byram River. The spring course was taught to 40 students in a seven-week model that followed a similar program topic schedule to the fall course.
Museum Treasures
1971 – 1973
This committee worked exclusively with the Art Department at Greenwich High School. The four art teachers at the school were most interested in research material. Specifically, slides depicting the research, because the visual aid was so beneficial to the student. Topics researched by the committee for the Art Department included the Art of Silk Screening, comparison of Greek and Roman Sculpture, and contemporary architecture with an emphasis on Greenwich. Many of these researched topics were turned over to the Media Center at Greenwich High School and were used by English teachers, Social Studies teachers, and Art teachers in their classrooms.
Summer Recreation Program
1970 – 1972
This program was held at a JLG member’s home in Old Greenwich. The program encompassed 2-week sessions for 10 year-olds from the Hamilton Avenue School and for children aged 6-12 from the West Main St. area of Stamford. Children enjoyed a wide range of activities from 9am to 12pm. Swimming in the pool at the residence of the hosting JLG member, as well as swimming in the Mianus River highlighted the program. Another JLG neighbor offered her tennis court where lessons were provided to the children. The Grace Notes, nature walks, puppet shows, and arts and crafts exposed the children to creative dramatics and music. The JLG members provided wholesome snacks to the children each morning.
Metropolitan Museum Program
1970 – 1972
This project brought the Metropolitan Museum Program into the 6th grade classrooms in Greenwich with slide programs for the children. During this project, committee members travelled to the Met to familiarize themselves with the facility and the exhibits. Topics brought into the classrooms included Medieval Art and Egyptian and Greek objects.
Bruce Museum Programs
1970-1973
The JLG developed and funded the first Bruce Museum newsletter and helped to establish the Bruce Museum Associates in the early 1970’s, beginning a long association with our town museum. A traveling exhibit of early Colonial life was trouped to Greenwich public and private schools.
1960’s
Community Answers
1968 – 1972
Originally known as the Telephone Clearing House when it was created in 1961, Community Answers began as a calendar of events. The Planning Council of the Community Chest, now known as the Greenwich United Way, recognized a need to provide information enabling individuals to make informed choices among the many facilities at their disposal in 1968. The JLG funded and staffed Community Answers from 1968 – 1972. Since 1972 Community Answers has been a member agency of the Greenwich United Way and housed in the Greenwich Library. It operates 5 days a week with volunteers answering questions about almost every aspect of our community. Beginning in January 2016 Community Answers relocated to the Greenwich United Way Headquarters at 1 Lafayette Court, Greenwich.
Greenwich Library Docents
1968 – 1969
This committee enriched the art exhibits sponsored and produced by the Art Committee and the Friends of the Greenwich Library. In addition to research, the volunteers edited the artists’ material, prepared items of interest for the Bulletin Boards within the Greenwich Library, and wrote articles for the Greenwich Time. The committee also taped a live interview of one of the artists.
American Field Service Party
1968 – 1969
This gala event provided food and entertainment to 90 American Field Service students who were on their way home after a year of school in the USA.
Taping Service/CCTV, Videotaping
1967 – 1976
Operating from 1967 to 1971, the Taping Service produced educational audiotapes for elementary school children. JLG volunteers made audiotapes of classic books, as well as books based on the school curriculum, so that the child could “read” at his own level. In 1968 the committee produced a tape on the “Town of Greenwich.”
Symposium for “The Arts – Change and Challenge
1966 – 1967
A Symposium entitled “The Arts – Change and Challenge” was presented by the Arts Investigation Committee to explore the possibility of an Arts Council for the Town. This was done as a public service and appeared to have stimulated community thinking for the future. In October-November 1967, the Community Arts Committee presented an IBM exhibition at the Models of the Inventions of Leonardo da Vinci at the Bruce Museum.
Arts Investigation Committee
1966 – 1967
This committee organized a symposium entitled “The Arts – Change ad Challenge”. This event had a moderator and three prominent speakers who presented an evening filled with information and inspiration. The major local arts groups exhibited examples of their work and displays of their activities. This symposium was so well done that it was featured in the AJLI Spring Magazine.
Pre-Kindergarten Project – Hamilton Avenue
1966 – 1972
This project was located at the Hamilton Avenue School and served four year-olds referred by the Housing Authority, Social Services Department, and other town organizations and provided the educational and creative stimulation that many children lacked at home. The Board of Education took over this highly successful program in 1972.
Arts Unlimited
1966 – 1967
This committee was begun on a trial basis. Its purpose was to fill community requests for projects in the arts and crafts field and provide placement for the creative members of the JLG. The group met every Monday and completed art tasks at Milbank School, School for Emotionally Disturbed Children, Junior League Pre-Kindergarten, Family Centers Nursery School, Nathaniel Witherell Hospital, and Community Centers, Inc. Although there were many requests for this service, the demand was not great enough to warrant the service of committee members.
Youth Employment Service (YES)
1965 – 1988
For over 23 years the JLG helped young people in Greenwich find summer employment. Begun in 1965, the program was housed at Greenwich High School in cooperation with the Connecticut State Labor Department. Junior League members maintained a job bank, interviewed applicants and employers, and provided funding for public relations to attract new employers. Each year, over 400 students found work through the program. At the conclusion of 1988, YES’s 23rd year, the project was taken over by the Greenwich High School and PTA and is now named the Student Employment Service.
Musical Therapy Workshop for Elderly
1965 – 1969
This project met twice a month and offered a group singing and rhythm band called the Grace Notes as entertainment for members at both the Senior Citizen Home and Nathaniel Witherell house. Even though the project ended in 1969, the Grace Notes continued to sing every Wednesday.
Guide to Southern Fairfield County for the Handicapped
1965 – 1967
As an aid to both the handicapped and the elderly, Junior League volunteers researched the guide, which was published in 1965. This award-winning handbook listed the public buildings, stores and churches accessible to those with physical limitations. The guide was titled, Architectural Barriers Committee. 500 booklets were distributed throughout Town. The award given for publication for this guide occurred in October 1966.
Audubon Program
1965 – 1977
In 1965 Junior League volunteers began a training and guiding program at the Audubon Nature Center in Greenwich to give young children exposure to the outdoor trails of this unique sanctuary. The committee designed their tours to supplement the school science programs and to show the children the wonderful world of nature.
Community Centers Drop in Program
1965 – 1968
Identifying the need for a recreational, after school program for teenagers, the Junior League joined forces with Community Centers, Inc., known as CCI, and made a major funding commitment to provide a place where teens could congregate after school with adult supervision. The facility is now located across the street from the YMCA and is known as “Our House.” At this location, snacks, records, arts & crafts, and a drama group were provided.
Tape Recordings for Nathaniel Witherell Hospital
1965 – 1966
The tapes were designed for the bedridden, blind and illiterate patients of Nathaniel Witherell Hospital. All patients enthusiastically received the tapes. Each volunteer who produced a tape had to choose a topic, select and organize materials, both literary and musical, that would be recorded by JLG members. Examples of tapes produced include Our New England Folklore, Sir Winston S Churchill, Paris, Walking in London, A Trip to Jamaica, Life with Father, and The Life of Christ. Each member who recorded and produced a tape became a familiar voice in the life of patients at Nathaniel Witherell.
Luke’s Convalescent Hospital Volunteers
1963 – 1964
The Junior League established and helped fund the position of Volunteer Director at St. Luke’s Hospital. Money was also raised for much needed medical equipment. In addition, volunteers helped in all areas of the hospital including the hospitality shop, nursery school, recreation department and library.
The International Pryor Doll Library
1963 – 1970
The Junior League provided docents for this collection of 7,000 dolls. The project lasted from 1963 to 1970, and during these years, thousands toured the collection. In addition to guiding, Junior League members did research, cataloguing and sewing for the dolls.
Babysitting Course
1962 – 1963
Junior League members volunteered their time and talent to conduct a six-week babysitting course for twelve-year olds. The American Red Cross now sponsors the course.
Greenwich Association for Retarded Children (GARC)
1962 – 1974
Junior League participation with this group began in 1962. The JLG provided funding and volunteers who worked at the GARC and the Retarded Day Care Program at the YMCA. Transportation for the Summer Camp program was provided, in addition to staffing of the weekly classes for the children. Greenwich Association of Retarded Children is now known as Abilis.
Luke’s Nursery School
1962 – 1966
JLG opened a nursery school for preschool children at St. Luke’s Convalescent Hospital. Not only was there a need for recreation and instruction for these chronically ill children, but also a need for them to be able to relate to caring adults on a consistent basis. The school operated three days a week, and several Junior League groups such as the Puppeteers and the Keynotes were involved. The hospital closed in 1964 and all were saddened by the forced conclusion of this worthwhile project.
Greenwich Tutoring Program
1961 – 1977
In their search for ways to help the school system, six volunteers, all of whom had teaching experience, began working in 1961 with a small group of children at two Greenwich public schools. These children were unable to afford a tutor, but needed help with their studies because they spoke other languages or because of absence from school. By 1964 there were 35 tutors in 11 schools. In 1977, the Tutoring Program absorbed TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and was taken over by the Greenwich Board of Education with a paid coordinator – a JLG member.
Summer Recreation Program
1961 – 1974
This program provided informal Day Camp to underprivileged children at the private home of a JLG member, Mrs. Peter Bloch for 3 weeks each summer. The program provided puppets, sets, and costumes for puppet performances for the children.
Pilot Workshop for Senior Citizens: The Merry Go Round Arts & Crafts Workshop
1961 – 1971
For ten years, beginning in 1961, Junior League volunteers met with a group of elderly women bi-monthly to provide companionship and arts and crafts activities. In 1965 the workshop split into two groups – one providing assistance with craft projects and the other providing musical therapy in the form of sing-a-longs.
Telephone Clearing House – Community Answers
1961 – 1972
Originally known as the Telephone Clearing House when it was created in 1961, Community Answers began as a calendar of events. The Planning Council of the Community Chest, now the Greenwich United Way, recognized a need to provide information enabling individuals to make informed choices among the many facilities at their disposal in 1968. From 1968 to 1972, the JLG funded and staffed the agency. Since 1972 Community Answers has been a member agency of the United Way of Greenwich. Today it operates six days a week with 50 volunteers answering questions about almost every aspect of our community.
1950’s:
Library Committee
1959 – 1964
Beginning in 1959, Junior League volunteers aided the Greenwich Library by moving books, decorating and staffing the Children’s Room and freeing staff members from clerical duties, which enabled them to spend more time with young readers.
Community Loan Closet
1959 – 1966
In 1959, in cooperation with the Public Health Nursing Service, the Junior League established the Community Loan Closet, which provided sick room equipment, free of charge to those in need.
Glee Club/Keynotes/Grace Notes
1958 – 1966
This choral group formed while future Greenwich Junior League members were still part of the Stamford League, and provided musical therapy to patients in nursing homes and home bound senior citizens. Later, children’s groups and community functions were added to their performance schedule. The group became the “Grace Notes,” a therapeutic musical organization in 1965. No longer under the auspices of the JLG, the “Grace Notes” became a popular and sought after professional singing group, performing all over the country. Many JLG members are still active in this group today.
Bush Holley House
1958 – 1963
Junior League members, trained by the Historical Society of the Town of Greenwich, beginning in 1958, provided guiding services at the landmark house, decorations for special events and refreshments for children touring the house. The Junior League’s interest in historic guiding was renewed in 1976 when Bicentennial Guides were trained for both the Bush Holley house and the Putnam Cottage.
Greenwich Puppeteers
1958 – 1966
This committee had two purposes: to demonstrate simple functional puppets to the community and to make puppets to sell so that they would be self-supporting. The puppet show was shown at all Greenwich Elementary Schools, St. Luke’s Hospital, Nathaniel Witherell, the NY School for the Deaf, and the children from Southfield Village. Rehearsals were held at the YMCA, while the puppets were stored at Drinkwater’s for a nominal fee. Nearly 40 JLG members were involved in some capacity with the Puppet Group when it was at the height of its existence. Members from the committee even attended a puppet convention in June to bring back to the JLG new ideas. One example of a show put on by the puppeteers was ‘The Country Mouse and the City Mouse”.