Building Better Communities, 

  

One Project At A Time  

"Community" is what the Junior League of Omaha (JLO) is all about. It is what prompted the organization's founder, Mary Harriman, to establish the movement in 1901, when the first Junior League was founded in New York City. Harriman was an 18-year-old college student who was concerned with the suffering she saw around her community. In response to this problem, Mary mobilized a group of 80 other young women to work at a settlement house in lower Manhattan, providing support and guidance to families. The Junior League idea spread rapidly across the country.  In 1919 the Junior League of Omaha (JLO) was founded and in 1921, more than 40 Leagues joined together to form the Association of Junior Leagues (AJLI). 

 
Since it's beginning, the JLO has selected community projects on a regular basis that provide hands-on training for its members and service to the community.  From Day Nurseries and Community Chests in the 1920's and 30's, to producing Follies-style shows and starting the Joslyn Art Museum Volunteer Association in the 40's and 50's, to co-sponsoring and developing projects in the 60's and 70's such as Haven Academy, Kaleidoscope and the Parent Assistance Line (PALs) throughout the community and projects that increase learning opportunities for children in the 80's and 90's through the Omaha Children's Museum, Ident-a-Kid, Healthy Kids-Ready by Six, and the Campfire Boys and Girls program - JLO has never hesitated to step up to the plate and meet community needs.