Junior Welfare Association

08/24/2026

Since 1938, Junior Welfare Association has been showing up for Macon County — supporting local children and families, investing in our community and partnering with organizations that help make our community stronger, including the James Millikin Homestead.

Our history is rooted in service. Our future depends on women who are ready to keep it going.

Ready to be part of the next chapter? Join JWA! ✨ Applications are due TODAY, August 24. Apply now ▶️ juniorwelfare.org/join-jwa

This is a photo of the main hallway of the Homestead, circa 1970. After the completion of the Kirkland Fine Arts Center, the Decatur Art Institute (the James Millikin Homestead) was no longer needed as an art center. The Junior Welfare Association began the work of restoring the interior of the home to what it would have looked like before 1920. This photograph shows the blank, white walls that were added above the fireplaces to make room for more art. Once JWA took over, they began to remove those walls, thus unveiling the beauty we now see today.

08/21/2026

👟👟 Thank you to our 2026–27 JWA Sole Sponsors! 👟👟

We’re incredibly grateful to the generous individuals who have chosen to become Sole Sponsors this year. Because of their support, local children in need can receive new shoes, socks and undergarments when they need them most.

Every $100 Sole Sponsor gift fully funds a voucher for one local student, helping JWA meet a basic need and make a direct impact in the life of a child in our community.

Want to become a Sole Sponsor, too? There’s still time to join them in making a difference! Make your $100 gift today and help provide a local child with the essentials they need.

Become a Sole Sponsor ▶ juniorwelfare.org/product-page/jwa-sole-sponsor-2026-2027

08/19/2026

Junior Welfare Association brings together women from across Macon County who are passionate about making a difference through hands-on service, community projects and strong community partnerships.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to get involved in our community, serve local children and families, and have fun along the way, we’d love to have you join us.

Ready to get involved? Submit your application by Monday, Aug. 24 ▶ juniorwelfare.org/join-jwa

07/30/2026

✨ Tonight's the night! ✨ Join us at Bar 231 for JWA Pouring for Pairs!

🍹 Signature cocktails & mocktails
🍰 Desserts available for a donation
🎟️ 50/50 raffle
👟 Every tip benefits the Deborah Collier Memorial Shoe Fund, helping provide shoes and undergarments for children in Macon County.

Whether you're stopping by for one drink or staying all evening, we'd love to see you. Come sip, support and make a difference for children in Macon County!

07/26/2026

Looking for a fun way to give back to the community? The Junior Welfare Association brings women together to make a meaningful impact in Macon County through hands-on service, community enrichment, and programs that help local students thrive. From volunteering throughout the community to supporting our signature initiatives, there's a place for everyone to get involved.

Want to see what JWA is all about? Join us at our upcoming JWA Pouring for Pairs event on July 30 at ! Meet current members, learn about our mission, and enjoy a fun evening supporting the Deborah Collier Memorial Shoe Fund.

✨ Ready to get involved? Apply today at juniorwelfare.org/join-jwa.

07/23/2026

WE'RE TAKING OVER THE BAR! 🍹 Join us for JWA Pouring for Pairs, where the ladies of JWA step behind the bar for an evening of fun, community and giving back.

Enjoy your favorite drinks while supporting a great cause—every tip goes directly toward providing new shoes for Macon County children in need through JWA's signature program, the Deborah Collier Memorial Shoe Fund. 👟

📆 Thursday, July 30 | 4-10 p.m.
📍 Bar 231 | 231 N. Main St. | Decatur

We hope to see you there!
--------
Learn more about the Deborah Collier Memorial Shoe Fund ▶️ https://www.juniorwelfare.org/vouchers
--------
Can't make it? You can still help a child put their best foot forward. A gift to the Deborah Collier Memorial Shoe Fund helps provide new shoes for local children who need them most. Every dollar makes a difference. Give now ▶️ https://www.juniorwelfare.org/shop-1

07/20/2026

Become a JWA Sole Sponsor and make a direct impact in the life of a local child!

With a $100 gift, you'll provide one local child with a voucher for new shoes, socks, and undergarments—helping them walk into school with confidence.

Sole Sponsors will be recognized throughout the 2026–27 year, including at our JWA Pouring for Pairs event on July 30.

Become a 2026-27 Sole Sponsor today ▶ juniorwelfare.org/product-page/jwa-sole-sponsor-2026-2027

05/15/2026

Since 1938, Junior Welfare Association has been dedicated to improving the economic, educational, and social well-being of the Macon County community through volunteer service and financial assistance. For the past 10 years, this commitment has included awarding scholarships to goal-oriented Macon County seniors who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and a strong record of service.

This year, JWA proudly awarded four scholarships to exceptional Macon County seniors who exemplify a passion for volunteerism and community engagement. Congratulations to our 2026 JWA Senior Scholarship recipients:

✨ Grace Gorden
Meridian High School

✨ Kamryn Johnson
MacArthur High School

✨ Ashley Schelling
Meridian High School

✨ Eleanor Short
Mount Zion High School

Young Leaders in Action

05/04/2026

We had an amazing time spending the afternoon with many of our current and lifetime members, in celebration of our Patronesses. Cathy Briggs, our current Education and Arrangements board chair, led us in a Paint and Sip of terracotta pots! It was a wonderful time to socialize and create space for making art.

We also had the pleasure of giving a soft debut of our revamped and dearly loved JWA Cookbook: Simple Pleasures, A Second Helping. More to come soon on public availability!

💙

05/01/2026

Need an excuse to get a Frosty today? Support JWA’s mission of providing shoes to Macon County students in need with your Wendy’s order in Decatur! Show this flyer to have 30% of your order donated to our organization. 🩷

Need a break from cooking breakfast, lunch, dinner, or all of the above this Friday?

Support JWA’s Dine to Donate at Wendy’s on Pershing in Decatur! 30% of your order will be donated to our mission of providing shoes, socks, and undergarments to Macon County students in need. You must show this flyer at checkout to give back to our cause!

💙