09/17/2024
From PACF newsletter
A Century of Impact: The Junior League of Parkersburg's New Charitable Fund
After 100 years of dedicated service, the Junior League of Parkersburg is ensuring its legacy lives on through the creation of the Junior League Charitable Fund. Founded in 1904, the League has been a cornerstone in advancing women’s leadership and making meaningful community impacts through volunteerism and collaboration. As they decided to disband after a century, their commitment to the community continues with this new fund, established in April 2024 with the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation. The fund is dedicated to supporting women and children in Wood County, WV, with a focus on promoting volunteerism and community engagement.
Throughout its history, the Junior League spearheaded numerous impactful projects. These include a milk fund for needy mothers, the creation of a Fine Arts Center, and the establishment of a children’s behavioral health clinic and the Hope Recovery Manor—both now managed by Westbrook Health Services. They also founded a Children’s Theater, a thrift shop now operated by the Arc, and a Girl Scout troop. Their efforts extended to establishing a Sheltered Workshop, now SW Resources, organizing the Harvest Moon Festival, and transferring the Cook House to the Museums of the Mid-Ohio Valley.
Additionally, they launched a silent witness program to raise awareness of domestic violence, which was later entrusted to the Family Crisis Intervention Center, and founded a women’s halfway house now run by the MOV Fellowship Home.
One of their most enduring contributions is the Boundless Playground at Parkersburg City Park, which continues to thrive today. The League’s approach of identifying community needs, developing projects, and transitioning them to stand on their own has left a lasting impact on the area.
The Junior League Charitable Fund ensures that the League’s century-long legacy by continuing to support women and children in Wood County, WV, with a preference for programs promoting volunteerism and community engagement.
After 100 years of dedicated service, the Junior League of Parkersburg is ensuring its legacy lives on through the creation of the Junior League Charitable Fund. Founded in 1904, the League has been a cornerstone in advancing women’s leadership and making meaningful community impacts through volunteerism and collaboration. As they decided to disband after a century, their commitment to the community continues with this new fund, established in April 2024 with the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation. The fund is dedicated to supporting women and children in Wood County, WV, with a focus on promoting volunteerism and community engagement.
Throughout its history, the Junior League spearheaded numerous impactful projects. These include a milk fund for needy mothers, the creation of a Fine Arts Center, and the establishment of a children’s behavioral health clinic and the Hope Recovery Manor—both now managed by Westbrook Health Services. They also founded a Children’s Theater, a thrift shop now operated by the Arc, and a Girl Scout troop. Their efforts extended to establishing a Sheltered Workshop, now SW Resources, organizing the Harvest Moon Festival, and transferring the Cook House to the Museums of the Mid-Ohio Valley.
Additionally, they launched a silent witness program to raise awareness of domestic violence, which was later entrusted to the Family Crisis Intervention Center, and founded a women’s halfway house now run by the MOV Fellowship Home.
One of their most enduring contributions is the Boundless Playground at Parkersburg City Park, which continues to thrive today. The League’s approach of identifying community needs, developing projects, and transitioning them to stand on their own has left a lasting impact on the area.
The Junior League Charitable Fund ensures that the League’s century-long legacy by continuing to support women and children in Wood County, WV, with a preference for programs promoting volunteerism and community engagement.
The Junior League of Parkersburg celebrating its 100th anniversary at the Blennerhassett Hotel in May of 2024. From left: Doug Hess of The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley; Tres Ross of the Ross Foundation; Keith Campbell of the Mid-Ohio Fellowship Home, Brandy Blatt of the Mid-Ohio Fellowship Home, June Rhodes of the Parkersburg-Wood County Public Library, Juli Kerns of the Junior League, Jeremy Keller of the Mid-Ohio Fellowship Home, Augusta Cox of The Arc Thrift Stores and, seated, Sharon Dugan of the Junior League.
The team at the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation and Regional Affiliates of Doddridge County, Ritchie County, and the Little Kanawha Area (PACF) is honored to serve as a resource and sounding board as you build your charitable plans and pursue your philanthropic objectives for making a difference in your community. This newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, accounting, or financial planning advice. Please consult your tax or legal advisor to learn how this information might apply to your own situation.
For More Information Contact:
Amy Nahley
[email protected] | 304.428.4438
