1919 

·      The Junior League of Omaha (JLO) was founded by Harriet Smith Whiting, Rachel Kincade Gallagher and Elizabeth Davis, becoming the twenty-sixth League in the national chain. Sixty-eight Charter Members formed the group. The first activity was to provide volunteers for Visiting Nurses Association, the University of Nebraska Hospital dispensary, the Salvation Army, and other charitable organizations.  

1922  

·      Established Junior League Baby Station-managed by the Visiting Nurses Association-financed by the Junior League of Omaha. 

·      Adopted "Day Nursery" from Women's Service League.  The Day Nursery of the Junior League operated for more than twenty years before being turned over to the Community Chest.  $51,324. 

1920-30's  

·      Participated in the formation of the Community Chest; purchased new home for The Day Nursery; sponsored stage productions and money-raising revenues. 

1933 

·      Took over Children's Theater from the Omaha Community Playhouse and annually produced a play with League members as the cast. 

1935-40's 

·      Produced Follies-style shows, horse and dog shows and rummage sales. 

·      Initiated radio program "Answer Please". 

1944 

·      Held Golf Exhibition and organized Telethon to raise funds for Children's Memorial Hospital and presented $1,000 war bond to the fund. 

1946 

·      Began Volunteer Association with the Joslyn Art Museum. 

1947 

·      Assumed operation of "The Jumble Shop of the Junior League" from the Nebraska Society of Colonial Dames". 

1948 

·      Opened Hospitality Shop at Children's Memorial Hospital, turning it over to Friends of Children's Hospital in 1956.  $16,500. 

1950's

1950's 

·      Instrumental in the establishment of the Omaha Junior Theater. 

1953 

·      Began classes in "Adventure in Foreign Lands" for gifted children, at the Joslyn Art Museum and continued the project for seven years. 

·      Aired a series of radio programs on episodes of Nebraska history called "Board The Bus". 

1955 

·      Co-sponsored Volunteer Bureau with UCS, turning it over to that agency in 1960.  $21,710. 

·      Produced "Challenge", a series of teenage discussions on problems of the day, televised on KMTV. 

1957 

·      Organized Omaha Symphony Guild and sponsored "The Viennese Ball" to help this two-year project.    

·      Co-sponsored Film Library with the Omaha Public Library.  $19,640. 

1958 

·      Televised a series of educational programs for children in cooperation with the Joslyn Art Museum. 

·      "Keys to the City", four sessions on the community portion in the Provisional Course, was presented on WOW-TV as an educational service. 

1959 

·      Began five-year operation of "The Gallery", a gift and snack shop at Meyer Therapy Center.  $4,400. 

1960 

·      Co-sponsored Omaha Hearing School with financial assistance for a four-year period.  $16,000. 

1961 

·      Purchased two films, "Dangerous Stranger" and "Name Unknown," aimed at the prevention of crimes against children.  After being televised, these films were donated to the Omaha Police Department. 

·      Co-sponsored the Omaha Charity Horse Show for two years. 

1963 

·      Co-sponsored Haven Academy, a school for emotionally disturbed children, as a four-year project. $20,000.  

·      Voted financial assistance toward the construction of a Children's Zoo. $7,500.  

·      Co-sponsored the Legal Aid Society as a three-year project with the Omaha Bar Association and UCS, $14,500.  

·      Purchased film on the retarded child titled, "The Innocents" for television viewing and then donated it to the Film Library.  

1965 

·      Televised a Christmas Puppet Show. 

1966 

·      After a thirty-year interim, the League produced a Cabaret, netting approximately $17,000.  

·      Contributed financially toward the Fontenelle Forest Association over a three-year period, for expanding their program and hiring a full-time director for the Nature Center. $10,000.   

·      The Provisional Class researched and produced, "The Proud Man's Land," a film about the Omaha Indians, in cooperation with KMTV.  

1967 

·      Introduced a live puppet show, "A Team For Safety," which was trouped to Omaha Schools and won the OPPD Safety Award for the year. 

1968 

·      Provided the funds to help establish "Crisis Intervention, Inc.," as sanctioned by the Eastern Nebraska Mental Health Association.  

·      Began Newborn Hearing Screening Bureau's "Focus-1968—Facing a Changing Omaha," an educational conference. 

1969 

·      50th Anniversary Year.  

·      Sponsored International Indoor Tennis Tournament, netting $19,491.  

·      Pledged $40,000 for physical improvement of the Nature Center at Fontenelle Forest.  

·      Sponsored "Mary Cassatt and the Impressionists" exhibit at the Joslyn Art Museum with a $9,000 grant.  

·      Provided $1,500 to the youth phase of a three-part Volunteer Training Program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. 

1970 

·      Initiated sponsorship of "Way of a City," a community education course, in cooperation with UNO.  

·      Established the Fontenelle Forest Guild.  

·      Pledged $9,000 for a Cultural Education Series to be produced for Omaha Schools in cooperation with the Omaha Junior Theater, the Omaha Ballet Association and the Nebraska Arts Council.  

·      Sponsored Family Day at the Joslyn Art Museum, drawing record attendance.  

·      Sponsored and promoted a four-program series on Drug Abuse Education for students in cooperation with ETV Channel 26 and MOEBA. 

1971 

·      Sponsored and promoted a four-program series on Drug Abuse Education for students in cooperation with ETV Channel 26 and MOEBA.  

·      Pledged $20,821 as a two-year commitment for Community Legal Education in cooperation with the Legal Aid Society and Lawyers' Wives, Inc. 

1972 

·      Voted to sponsor a Bus for Handicapped, Inc. Commitment not to exceed $5,000. 

1973 

·      Voted $1,900 to sponsor "Discovering Art," an art lecture series for 6th grade students. 

1974 

·      Deposited $10,000 in the Franklin Community Federal Credit Union.  

·      Voted $17,000 and a three-year volunteer commitment to a Goodwill Industries Model Volunteer Program.  

·      Co-sponsored a pilot Creative Workshop for children with City Parks and Recreation and UNO.   

1975 

·      Voted to publish an inventory and guide of historical buildings, homes, and neighborhoods, entitled "Historic Omaha - 1976."  

·      Initiated the Sustainer Distinguished Service Award.  

·      Voted to sponsor Volunteers in Diversion and Advocacy.  

·      Voted to develop Parent Assistance Line in conjunction with Family Service of Omaha-Council Bluffs. 

1976 

·      Received a $20,000 L.E.A.A. grant for project VIDA.  

·      Voted $41,000 toward the restoration of the General Crook House at Ft. Omaha with a three-year volunteer commitment.  

·      Voted to publish Omaha City / Architecture in conjunction with Landmarks.  

·      Initiated an evening course "Kaleidoscope" with UNO. 

1977 

·      Voted $6,425 and a two-year volunteer commitment for the development of a Girls Club of Omaha Expansion Program.  

·      Selected by AJLI as one of the ten national demonstration sites to develop a paralegal model for Project VIE (Volunteers Intervening for Equity).  Voted $5,000 and a three-year volunteer commitment.  

·      Voted $7,500 to bring the American Wind Symphony to Omaha in the summer of 1978.  

·      Inclusion of the VIDA project in the Association Impact Handbook as one of the nine top national criminal justice projects.   

1978 

·      Voted $4,000 and a one-year volunteer commitment for a Hands-on Exhibit for the Children's Museum.  

·      Voted $7,220 and a one-year volunteer commitment for "From Downtown With Love."  

·      Voted to adopt two position statements: (1) to support a coordinated school volunteer program; (2) to support government and private funding of programs designed to protect and assist abused and neglected persons.  

·      Sponsored the appearance of the American Wind Symphony Floating Arts Center.  

·      Developed Project VIE (Volunteers Intervening for Equity), a paralegal demonstration project of AJL, and established a Community Advisory Board.  

·      Helped secure a $17,727 grant from the Independent Order of Foresters for the full funding of the Parent Assistance Line project, enabling the project to be turned over to Family Service of Omaha-Council Bluffs. 

1979 

·      60th Anniversary Year.  

·      Voted $60,000 and a three-year volunteer commitment for the Girls Club of Omaha.  

·      Published a meeting room guide, "Let's Meet Downtown."  

·      Deposited $10,000 in the Franklin Community Federal Credit Union.  

·      Purchased with the Douglas County Historical Society a Historic Marker for the General Crook House.  

·      Hosted for the second year, the opening party for the Women's College World Series.  

·      Distributed copies of Skills for Impact: Voluntary Action in Criminal Justice.  

·      Approved a three-year project to start a volunteer program for the Omaha Public Library.  

Back to Top  

1980's

1980 

·      Completed and implemented Organizational Self Assessment.  

·      Selected as Outstanding Volunteer Group of the Year by the Volunteer Bureau.  

·      Formed the Junior Leagues of Nebraska State Public Affairs Committee (SPAC).  

·      Pledged $6,100 for a three-year project to the Children's Museum.  

·      Allocated $8,920 for one year to the Crisis Center Project.  

·      Provided $3,000 to "That's Wintertainment" for a period of three years.  

·      Approved funds of $26,477.20 over a two-year period for VIE.  

·      Adopted three position statements: (1) to support the theory that sound energy conservation measures could ease the energy crisis; (2) to support the utilization of older volunteers (55 years of age and older) within League projects and within our community; (3) to support the development and operation of programs and services that promote the improvement of the quality of life for women in Omaha. 

1981 

·      Agreed to organize the structure of an Omaha Community Foundation at the request of the Peter Kiewit Foundation.  

·      Adopted position statements on the arts and child advocacy.  

·      Printed a separate Annual Report of the Junior League of Omaha for 1980-81 containing the financial statements and accomplishments.  

·      Approved funds of $20,543 over a period of two years (1981-83) for the Children's Crisis Center.  

·      Conducted a community fund solicitation and produced a follies show, "River City Razzmatazz", which netted $170,000 for the Community Trust Fund.  

·      Grossed over $100,000 at the Jumble Shop for the first time. 

1982 

·      Approved new projects for Children's Crisis Center, the Omaha Children's Museum and Y.W.C.A. Career Development.  

·      Approved community activities for the Douglas County Historical Society, Legal Aid Society and Emmy Gifford Children's Theater.  

·      Adopted position statements on Domestic Violence and the Elderly.  

·      Approved position statements through SPAC on Voluntarism, Women, Children and Arts and Historic Preservation.  

·      Trained League Grantsmen who raised $310,000 for League projects and related activities.  

·      Established the Omaha Community Foundation in collaboration with the Kiewit Foundation and Omaha community leaders.  

·      Produced a new public relations slide/tape show on the history and accomplishments of the JLO.  

·      Selected as Volunteer of the Year by the Volunteer Bureau for being the Project Chairman of Children's Crisis Center. 

1983 

·      Published a cookbook, "Amber Waves".  

·      Developed a career-counseling project in conjunction with the YWCA entitled "Future Directions."  

·      Instigated the Ident-a-Kid/Omaha and fingerprinted over 5,000 children from March 1983 through May 1983.  

·      Co-sponsored a Gubernatorial Forum addressing social issues.  

·      Donated $10,000 to the Omaha Community Foundation.  

·      Organized a Community Arts Forum to discuss funding.  

·      Produced a brochure on historic Omaha.  

·      Approved new projects for Omnibus Omaha, Get Set, and Octopuff in Kumquat.   

·      Received the Quality of Life award from Omaha Life Underwriters. 

1984 

·      Co-sponsored a Forum on Youth Services Commission, a Public Relations Seminar, two Arts Forums and a Volunteer Week Rally.  

·      Organized and publicized the "Chemical People" programs and assisted with community task force formation.  

·      Initiated the concept "Technical Team" to serve JLO committees and community agencies in areas of expertise.  

·      Approved projects for "One Night Only," SWEAT Equity, ECHO, Speaking for Children, Volunteer Management, and Neale Woods Nature Center.  

·      Approved two new position statements on Education and Voluntarism.  

·      Received the Mayor's Partnership Award for Ident-a-Kid/Omaha.  

·      Hosted the Henry Rosso's Fund Raising School and half-day seminar by Mr. Rosso for JLO members and several Area IV Leagues 

1985 

·      Co-sponsored a Children at Risk Conference with the Advocacy Office for Children and Youth.  

·      Prepared legislation for establishing a Children's Trust Fund in Nebraska.  

·      Applied for and was approved as a replication site for the Teen Outreach program.  

·      Collaborated with Hallmark Cards, Inc., to cosponsor with the Children's Museum, the Kaleidoscope exhibit.  

·      Approved $53,000.00 for 10 new projects as follows: Radio Talking Book, Child Saving Institute, ECHO, Bubbylonian Encounter, Women's Shelter, Omaha Hospice, Octopuff in Kumquat, Teen Outreach, Emmy Gifford Children's Theater and the Arthritis Foundation Play.  

·      Accepted awards of recognition from YWCA, United Way of the Midlands, Omaha Bar Association Public Service Award for 1985, and the Omaha Children's Museum.  

·      Sponsored a Public Relations seminar with KMTV.  

·      Assisted in the merger of the Children's Crisis Center, PAL and Child Saving Institute.  

·      Received an AJL award in Public Relations for the Omnibus Omaha PSA.  

·      Printed 11,000 Education for Parenting booklets with the assistance of the Child Abuse Council of Nebraska.  

1986 

·      Approved $112,810 over a three year period for twelve new projects: Omaha Ballet, Community Playhouse (ACCT Fest), Food Bank, Significant Interiors Survey PRIDE Omaha, Nebraska Teacher Recognition Day, Omaha Hospice Organization, Omnibus Nebraska, "One Night Only," Radio Talking Book, United Catholic Social Services - Women's Shelter/HOPE, and Teen Outreach Addendum.  

·      Conducted a seminar on publications, which was attended by seventeen Area IV Leagues.  

·      Presented the first two speakers for "One Night Only": Dr. Henry Kissinger and Jane Bryant Quinn.  

·      Implemented the new AJL Bylaw, which prohibits meeting in places, which discriminate.  

·      Established Fund-raising Guidelines and Asset Acquisition Guidelines.  

·      Accepted a Kiewit Grant to expand the Teen Outreach Project.  

·      Conducted Community Training seminars in the area of boardsmanship, fund-raising, marketing, public relations, publications and volunteer management; over 200 individuals and agencies benefited.  

·      Established Omnibus Nebraska; cosponsored Omnibus Institute.  

·      Advocated successfully for the passage of the Children's Trust Fund Legislation in coalition with other organizations.  

·      Accepted the AJL Public Relations Third Place Award for the 1985 Annual Report. 

1987 

·      Approved $90,158 over a two year period for eight new projects: Omaha Food Bank, Omaha History Museum, Omaha Homeless Project, Project Plus Literacy Project, Significant Interiors Survey, UNMC Healthy Heart Life-style, Shelter/H.O.P.E. (addendum Healthy life-styles curriculum project.)  

·      Hosted the AJL Area IV Presidents' Meeting in Omaha.  

·      Accepted awards of recognition from the Nebraska Association for the Gifted, the Omaha Education Association, the Food Bank and PRIDE.  

·      Recommended guidelines for a Community Assistance Fund to grant funds without volunteers for a two-year trial period.  

·      Recommended a two-year pilot program for Jumble Shop paid shifts.  

·      Established and developed criteria for the Sustainer Volunteer Hall of Fame and inducted the first five members.  

·      Presented two speakers for "One Night Only": Louis Rukeyser and Beverly Sills.  

·      Held the first Cookbook Fair in AJL history, by selling cookbooks from around the country to the membership at discounted prices.  

·      Created an ad-hoc committee to study the long term planning of the League structure.  

·      Approved an addition of $1,000 to the Projects Council budget for the creation of a Projects Council Discretionary Fund. 

1988 

·      Approved $53,356 over a two year period for five new projects and two addendums: history Spots, Life-style, Omaha History Museum (addendum), Omaha Homeless, Police Video Training, Project Plus (addendum), Red Cross/Caring For Kids.  

·      Granted Community Assistance Funding to Community Alliance, Inc.; Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Midlands, UNMC Respite Care Program; Adolescent Pregnancy and Parenting Consortium of the Midlands, Inc.; and the Crisis Line.  

·      Received plaques or certificates of appreciation from the Food Bank, Lion's Eye Bank, Omnibus/Nebraska, Radio Talking Book and on behalf of Project Homeless: the Judges' Award from the Volunteer Bureau, and the Spirit of Service Award from the National Council of Christians and Jews.  

·      Cosponsored the Early Childhood Development Education Conference.  

·      Assisted the Omaha Ballet Guild with planning and implementing three special events: "Ballet Up to the Barre," "Nutcracker Tea," and the Guild Annual Meeting.  

·      Presented a program to the Nebraska State Teachers Convention regarding the Omaha History Youth Project, including a bus tour of historic Omaha.  

·      Worked with the Junior League of St. Paul to have copyright rights granted to Omnibus/Nebraska.  

·      Presented Project PLUS to the National Commission on Adult Basic Education in Seattle, Washington.  

·      Researched, documented, and photographed the following significant interiors: Trinity Cathedral, King Fong's Cafe, Omaha Woman's Club Residence, Douglas County Courthouse, and Central High School.  

·      Reached 42,890 children through the University of Nebraska Medical Center/Heart Health Life-styles curriculum project. 

1989 

·      Approved $22,890 over a two year period for eight new projects: Focus on Our Tomorrows, Woman to Woman, Reminiscences, Time to Talk, Partners, Latchkey, Victim Witness and Lifesight.  

·      Granted Community Assistance funding to the Omaha Hearing School, Westside Special Education, Intergenerational Orchestra, Youth Emergency Services and the Visiting Nurses Association.  

·      Cosponsored a Breast Cancer Symposium featuring Ann Jillian with the American Cancer Society and Clarkson Hospital.  

·      Formed a Task Force to complete a feasibility study to procure the Joslyn Castle, which was submitted to the membership and defeated.  

·      Published IMPACT, a quarterly magazine distributed to the membership and the community.  

·      Participated in the conception of the Mutual of Omaha's Nebraska Pro-Am Golf Tournament.  

·      Celebrated the $1,000,000 Sale at the Jumble Shop.  

·      Sponsored a regional Homeless Conference to address long-range plans for this population.  

·      Conducted a Lifesight Conference for professionals concerned with the elderly. 

1990 

·      Approved $40,574 for Arts for the Handicapped, Center Stage Audience Development, Girls' Club Addendum, Operation Role Model, Partnership in Caring - NE AIDS Project, Project Self-Reliance, Wellspring, Woman to Woman Projects.  

·      Granted Community Assistance funding to Charles Drew Health Center, Millard Good Samaritan Center, Holy Family Church, Franciscan Adult Day Care Center, Urban League of NE Sienna Francis House, Habitat for Humanity, Omaha Braille Services and dispersed volunteers to community via the Seasonal Calendar project.  

·      Established annual fund/endowment.  

·      Cosponsored Meredith Hallowell speech for Woman to Woman with United Way.  

·      Cosponsored "Early Childhood Care and Education" luncheon. —Cosponsored with Creighton University a conference on eating disorders.  

·      Concluded Amber Waves cookbook with a Party Tour and sales to a remaindering firm.  

·      Received awards from Metro Arts, Omaha Community Playhouse, American Red Cross, and Society to Prevent Blindness.  

·      Sponsored speaker Cecilia Willis of National Council on Alcohol through Woman to Woman.  

·      Trained 600 child care providers through Red Cross Safecare for Kids.  

·      Provided 500 hours of volunteer assistance to victims or witnesses of crime through Victim/Witness. 

1991 

·      Approved the following projects: Wellspring $3,455.00, NE AIDS Project Partnership in Caring $925.00, Project Self-Reliance $3,800.00, Center Stage Audience Development $3,200.00, Woman to Woman/C.A.R.E. for Kids $18,300.00, Habitat for Humanity $3,100.00, Joslyn Castle Visited $4,225.00.  

·      Granted Omaha Police Department $1,000, Meyer Rehab. Hattie B. Munroe $925, Social Settlement $1,000, Senior Health Foundation $1,000, Children's Transplant Assn. Potter House $1,000. Oncology Nursing Society $942.30, Lao-Hmong Association $993.91, Stephen Center $994.10, National Kidney Foundation $532.22, Girl Scouts $600.00. Nebraska Center for Book $1,000 through Community Assistance Fund.  

·      Held media breakfast with Dr. Elizabeth Karnes for Woman to Woman Media Kickoff.  

·      Participated in March Against Racism.  

·      Participated in UN Rights of the Child Vigil.  

·      Adopted Paperworks, stationery/gift retailing, a Gourmet fund-raiser, and fund-raising obligation bylaw to begin 1991-92.  

·      Sponsored national Fund-raising School.  

·      Agreed to cosponsor Volunteer 2000 in 1991.  

·      Initiated involvement in media violence conference to be held in the fall of 1991.  

·      Participated in AJLI prevent to promote childhood immunizations.  

·      Cosponsored with Creighton University a speaker on women's health issues.  

·      Adopted Council Management System to begin 1991-92. 

1992 

·      Hosted an issue session on women's organizations for the Greater Omaha Women's Fund.  

·      Compiled a 72-year history of JLO commitments of volunteer time and money in the areas of women and children, historic preservation, and voluntarism.  

·      Approved co-sponsorship of Creighton's Women and Health Conference 1992.  

·      Approved the adoption of an Open Placement Fair.  

·      Received the BMW Corporation Community Impact National Merit Award for Wellspring project.  

·      Approved the following community projects for 92-93: Operation Smart with Girls Inc. for 2 years; Partnership In Caring with NE AIDS Project for 2 years; Ready By Six for 2 years; Uta Halee Girls Village for 3 years; Wellspring for 1 year; Joslyn Castle addendum for 1 year.  

·      Recommended the revised Market Days for membership approval and event in the spring of 1993.  

·      Approved a 5-year commitment to the JLO Scholarship Fund. Approved the Community Assistance Fund grants for $9,609.79 to Landon Court, Salvation Army, New Cassel, Society for the Prevention of Blindness, NE Urban Indian Wellness, University of NE Television, Epilepsy Foundation, Creche Child Care, Health Fair of the Midlands, Nature Conservancy, and Presbyterian Methodist Ministries.  

·      Cosponsored the Red Cross Volunteer 2000 Conference in October.  

·      Implemented the initial year of the Council System.  

·      Committed over $57,000 and over 3,500 volunteer hours in 1991-92.  

·      Facilitated the opening and promotions of Paperworks fund-raiser, which netted over $8,562 in 1991-92.  

·      Operated the Jumble Shop, a thrift shop in Benson, which netted over $58,559 in 1991-92. 

1993 

·      Approved restructuring Community Advisory Board to group advisors by category to include Business/Civic, Children and Family, Community Foundation/Grantsmanship, Education, Marketing/Public Relations, Focus Areas, Media, Immediate Past President.  

·      Received the Service Club of the Year Award at the River City Roundup Breakfast.  

·      Held Lancer Hockey mini-fund-raiser.  

·      Launched a new major fund-raiser, Market Days.  

·      Approved the following projects: Ninos en Accion $5,150, Race Against Breast Cancer $2,000 and Literacy Project $843 for 1993-94.  

·      Granted two $500 scholarships for high school seniors on the basis of their volunteer work.  

·      Granted $4,000 to the American Red Cross, Child Saving Institute, Emergency Pregnancy Service, Omaha Area Youth Orchestra, and the YMCA through the Community Assistance Fund.   

·      Received the Jonathan C. Goldsmith Caregiver award from the Nebraska AIDS Interfaith Network.  

·      Cosponsor for Childhood Immunization Task Force.  

·      Developed Parent Resource Directory and expanded collaboration with Omaha 2000's Goal I Task Force.  

·      Cosponsored Creighton's Women and Health Lectures.  

·      Cosponsored National Coalition for Children Summit with the National Academy of Pediatricians. Conducted "Homecoming" at the March general meeting for former members. 

1994 

·      Celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the Junior League of Omaha through special events, articles in JLO THIS MONTH, special guest speakers, historical presentations at General Meetings, sale of 75th Anniversary sweatshirts, production of "Video History of the League", appearances on local TV stations, Community Open House and a City of Omaha Proclamation by Mayor Morgan.  

·      Approved the relocation of the Jumble Shop to 3038 North 90 Street.  

·      Approved the relocation of Headquarters to 610 North 108 Street.  

·      Received visit from AJLI President, Mary Babson, to speak at the February General Meeting in honor of the League's 75th Anniversary. Mayor Morgan presented President Babson with a key to the city.  

·      Received the Angel Award form Girls Incorporated.  

·      Approved and signed contract agreement with Susan B. Komen Foundation for Race for the Cure.  

·      Approved the following projects:  1994-95 Healthy Kids-Ready by Six $2,480.00 and 1995-96 Race for the Cure $5,000.00.  

·      Cosponsored Creighton University's "Women and Health Lecture" featuring Byllye Yvonne Avery, National Black Women's Health Project Founding President.  

·      Approved Community Assistance Fund grants to the following:   

·      1) Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts - $1,000.00, 2) Children's Respite Care Center - $1,000.00, 3) La Plaza Community Health Center - $1,000.00 and 4) Project Hope - $1,000.00.   

1995 

·      Approved American Girl Fashion Show as a fund-raiser for two additional years - 1996-97 and 1997-98.  

·      Revised and distributed updated Nebraska Foundation Directory.  

·      Approved League sponsorship of the It's Us photography diversity exhibit for display in September 1996.  

·      Approved the following projects:  a)  Christmas in April - Omaha:  1996-97 $3,350 and 6 placements.  1997-98 $2,550 and 6 placements.  b)  Omaha 2000 - Early Childhood Education:  1996-97 $475 and 8 placements.  c)  Cure 2000 - Leukemia Society of America: 1996-97 $1,050 and 3 placements.  Listening Link and Race for the Cure are returning projects.  

·      Approved establishment of Junior League of Omaha Foundation, Inc.  Authorized transfer of up to $25,000 to the Foundation following the 1995-1996 audit.  

·      Spoke to representatives from over 30 agencies at Community Forum in May. 

1996 

·      Brought Time Warner "It's Us" exhibit to the W. Dale Clarke Library for a month exhibition.  

·      Hosted a Town Hall meeting for the State Department of Education to discuss State Standards in Public Education.  

·      Approved the following Projects: a) Hospice House 1997-1998 $2,000 and 5 placements; 1998-1999 $5,000 and 20 placements. Read With Me 1997-2000 $5,000 and 20 placements each year.  

·      Approved insurance proposal from Johnston Insurance. Approved Board of Directors Liability Insurance to be continued through Redland.  

·      Approved the following organizations receive Community Assistance Funds:  Child Connect $1,000; Madonna School $695; Parent Assistance Line $1,000; Children Respite Care $1,000; Easter Seals $1,000.  

·      Represented the League at the Easter Seals Telethon.  Presented a $1,000.00 check from Community Assistance Funds. 

1997 

·      Celebrated the Jumble Shop's 50th Anniversary.  

·      Received an award as one of the Race For The Cure sponsors.  

·      Developed a new design for the Junior League PR brochure.  

·      Approved the American Girl Fashion Show as a fund-raiser for 1998-99.  

·      Received a $10,000 matching grant from the Parker Foundation for the Omaha Public Library and Junior League's Read With Me Project.  

·      Developed a 30 second Junior League of Omaha Public Service Announcement with the assistance of KMTV3.  

·      Hosted the 1998 Boardsmanship Insatiate in collaboration with the Nebraska Beta Unit of the National Association of Parliamentarians.  

·      Approved a $1,000 Community Assistance Fund Grant to Camp Fire Boys and Girls Latchkey After School Program.  

·      Approved the revised Leadership Development Course for 1998-99 and selected 13 members to participate.  

·      Approved five $500 volunteer scholarships for high school seniors.  

·      Approved the following projects: a) Western Heritage Museum of Omaha History/Activity Book - 1998-99 $4,500 and 14 placements b) The Child Saving Institute Mamma & Me Program - 1998-99 $3,750 and 12 placements; 1999-2000 $3,750 and 12 placements c) Race for the Cure - 1998-99 $350 and 7 placements; 1999-2000 $350 and 7 placements; 2000-2001 $350 and 7 placements.  

·      Approved a contribution to the Junior League of Omaha Foundation in the amount of 75% of excess funds as of May 25, 1998 in honor of the Junior League of Omaha's 80th Anniversary. 

1998 

·      In honor of the 80th Anniversary of the Junior League of Omaha, approved eight $1,000 community assistance grants to:  Camp Fire Boys & Girls, Habitat for Humanity, Historical Society of Douglas County, Omaha Symphony Concerts for Youth, Omaha VA Medical Center, Presbyterian Outreach Inc., Radio Talking Book and Salvation Army Stepping Stones.  

·      In honor of the 80th Anniversary of the Junior League of Omaha, approved one $8,000 grant to past JLO project Omaha Theater for Young People.  The Theater, originally Emmy Gifford Theatre was founded by a former member and the grant was a joint effort with the JLO Foundation who contributed $1,000 towards this grant.  

·      Hosted 80th Anniversary Kickoff Luncheon & Book Signing featuring Omaha native, Letitia Baldrige at Happy Hollow Country Club.  Her mother, Regina Connell Baldrige was JLO President in 1935-36.  The event raised over $10,000.  

·      Approved a three-year lease extension of the Jumble Shop at 3038 North 90 Street.  

·      Approved a three-year lease extension of JLO Headquarters at 610 North 108 Street.  

·      Held a joint General Meeting with Junior League of Lincoln (NE) at Mahoney State Park.  Special guest speaker, AJLI President Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker addressed both memberships.  

·      Approved a contribution to the Junior League of Omaha Foundation in the amount of 75% of excess funds of May 31, 1999 audited results.  

·      Approved and awarded four $1,000 volunteer scholarships to graduating Omaha high school seniors.  

·      Hosted a community training on Collaboration to area nonprofit agencies.  

·      Approved the following project: Seasonal Calendar as a new project with a budget of $1,500 and 6 Placements.  

·      Approved the American Girl Fashion Show as a fund-raiser for 1999-2000.  

·      Received $5,000 grant from John Becker Fund (Omaha Community Foundation) for Omaha Public Library's Read with Me Project.  

·      Collected over 5,000 donated toys for annual Jumble Shop Toy Sale.  

·      Collaborated with Hallmark Cards, Inc. to sponsor the Kaleidoscope exhibit for three weeks in Omaha.  

1999 

·      Completed these projects:  Child Saving Institute Mama & Me Program  

·      Continued with these projects:  Race for the Cure and Seasonal Calendar.  

·      Continued with these Fundraisers: American Girl, Jumble Shop and Market Days.  

·      Received an award as one of the sponsors for Race for the Cure.  

·      Approved the American Girl Fashion Show as a fund-raiser for 2000-2001.  

·      Received a $5,000 matching grant from the Parker Foundation for the Omaha Public Library and the Junior League's Read with Me Project.  

·      Collected 2,000 books for the Millennium 2000 Done in a Day Project Books were given to "Project Headstart"  

·      Approved the following New Projects for 2000-2001:  Lydia House, Camp Fire Boys and Girls, Eating Disorders.  

·      Approved four $1,000 Volunteer Scholarships for High School Seniors.  

·      Approved Community Assistance Grants:  $1,000 Children's Respite Care; $1,000 Lupus Foundation.  

Back to Top  

2000

2000 

·      Projects Included:  Race for the Cure, Read with Me, Lydia House, Eating Disorders, Seasonal Calendar, Camp Fire Boys & Girls.  

·      Fundraisers Included:  Jumble Shop, American Girl Fashion Show, Market Days, Nebraska Foundation Directory.  

·      Established the Junior League of Omaha Website: (www.juniorleagueomaha.org)  

·      Received "Make a Difference Day" Award from USA Weekend and the Fremont Tribune for the Seasonal Calendar - WIC Baby Shower.  

·      Approved the following project for 2001-2002 Race for the Cure Outreach.  

·      Community Assistance Grants went to: Precious Memories Child Care, Open Door Mission, Fontenelle Nature Association, Girls Inc. "Kid-Ability", Partnership In Aging, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts.  

·      Approved and awarded eight $1,000.00 Volunteer Scholarships to graduating Omaha high school seniors. 

2001 

·      Projects included:  Read with Me, Race for the Cure - Community Outreach,  Lydia House - Life Skills, Camp Fire Boys and Girls - I am Peer Proof, and Seasonal Calendar.  

·      Fund raisers included:  American Girl Fashion show, Holiday Mart, Jumble Shop and the Nebraska Foundation Directory Booklet.  

·      The following new projects were approved for the 2002-2003 League year:  Bright Spaces, Youth Emergency Services.  

·      Community Assistance Grants were awarded to: Nebraska AIDS Project, This Side Up Campaign, Monroe-Meyer Institute, and American Lung Association.   

·      Three scholarships were awarded for students demonstrating outstanding Community Service.   

·      Seasonal Calendar was approved as a permanent project.  

·      Collected donations to assist with the victims of the September 11 tragedy in New York City and Washington D.C.  

·      Corresponded with sister Leagues directly affected by 9-11.  

·      Negotiated and signed lease extensions; five years for Headquarters 608 N. 108th Court, and three years for Jumble Shop 3038 N. 90th Street.  

·      Designed and began implementation of the New Image Campaign.  

·      Drafted new Strategic Plan. 

2002 

·      Projects included:  Bright Spaces, Camp Fire Boys and Girls - I am Peer Proof, Read With Me/Sustainer Project, Seasonal Calendar and Youth Emergency Services.  

·      Fund raisers included:  American Girl Fashion Show, Holiday Mart, Jumble Shop and the Nebraska Foundation Directory Booklet.  

·      The following new projects were approved for the 2003-2004 League year:  

·      Back to Sleep and the Signature Project Task Force.  

·      Community Assistance Grants were awarded to: The Douglas Historical Society, Visiting Nurses Association, Family Services, Reach Out and Read, and the Easter Nebraska Office on Aging/Partnership in Aging.  

·      Approved and awarded four $1,000 scholarships for students demonstrating outstanding Community Service.  

·      Developed and implemented Point System.  

·      Created Strategic Planning implementation plans for four focus areas: Fund Development, Image Campaign, Signature Project Task Force, and Training.  

2003 

·      Projects for the 2003-2004 League year include:  Bright Spaces (final year), Back to Sleep (first year of a two year project), Quick Response Team (ongoing), and Signature Project Task Force (one year project).  

·      Realized revenues from the following fundraisers:  American Girl Fashion Show, Holiday Mart, Jumble Shop and the Nebraska Foundation Directory and the Fund Development Campaign Drive.  

·      Approved the following projects for the 2003-2004 League year: Heartland Literacy and the Signature Project which focuses on Childhood hunger and nutrition and the Foodtastics program.  

·      Community Assistance Grants were awarded to: the Compassionate Friends ($1,000), Girls Inc. of Omaha ($1,000), and Together Inc. ($1,000).  

·      Approved and awarded three $1,000 scholarships for students demonstrating outstanding Community Service.  

·      Passed a resolution stating changes in the goal and future of Holiday Mart.  

·      Restructured Board of Directors to delete Strategic Planning Chair and responsibilities would be given to Executive Board of JLO.  

·      Restructured Annual Active Awards and implemented Women To Watch: recipients:  Lesley Brandt, Lori Meier and Lisa Russell.  

·      Conducted Strategic Planning session with Board of Directors to update 4 areas of emphasis and create new area of focus: membership.  

·      Accepted, on behalf of the JLO, the Governor's Point of Light Award in January of 2004.  

·      Created and implemented with the Publications Committee a "stand alone" Annual Report to be sent in May.  

·      Celebrated the 85th Anniversary at a December Birthday party at Joslyn Castle.  Invited guests were the founding three members' relatives and the guest speaker was Jean Gallagher Day.  Each month historical articles were written in the JLO This Month celebrating our successes. 

2004 

·      Projects for the 2004-2005 League year include:  Back to Sleep (final year), Done In A Day (ongoing), Heartland Literacy (first year of three year project), Project Development (ongoing) and Signature Project HIP Kids (first year of ongoing project).  

·      Approved the following project for the 2004-2005 League year: Dance Without Limits, an after school dance training program for grade school children in at risk areas.  

·      Educated the membership on purposes and goals of the JLO Foundation.  Membership approved a $100,000 donation to the JLO Foundation.  

·      Realized revenues from the following fundraisers: American Girl Fashion Show (ongoing but first year of expanded shows, boutique, vendor booths and auction), Toast to Omaha (inaugural year of fundraiser intended to honor community institutions with which the League has partnered), Jumble Shop, Nebraska Foundation Directory and Fund Development's Annual Fund and Campaign Drive.  

·      With members of a Finance Ad Hoc, hired a CPA to create the general financial books and prepare payroll and payables for the League and develop new procedures for such.  

·      Re-instituted and conducted Past President's Luncheon on November 4th.  

·      Implemented training programs at all general meetings with Training Committee on varied topics from self-defense, JLO History (Mary Maxwell) and Lively Omaha (Connie Spellman).  

·      Community Assistance Grants were awarded to: the Children's Respite CareCenter for ($982.43), Voices for Children ($1,058), Tsunami Victims ($1,000), and Precious Memories Daycare.  

·      Approved and awarded three $1,000 scholarships for students demonstrating outstanding Community Service.  

·      Awarded Annual Women To Watch award: Recipients:  Kristin Lewis, Lisa Gravelle and Beth Greiner.  

·      Instituted Leadership Lessons presented at each Board meeting and re-communicated through Council and Committee meetings.  

·      Changed phraseology of Junior League "Obligations" to Junior League "Engagements".  Engagements were tracked.  Accomplishments in completion of specific financial and participation goals were communicated to membership. 

2005 

·      Projects for the 2005-2006 League year include:  Dance Without Limits (1st year of a three year project with a $1,500 budget), Done In A Day (ongoing with a $1,725 budget), Heartland Literacy (final year with a $300 budget), Project Development (ongoing) and HIP Kids (second year of ongoing project with a $30,000 budget). 

·      Conducted the most successful Annual Fund drive to date raising $3,445 for the general operating fund.  This was the first year that the Board and Management had a goal of 100% participation. 

·      Realized revenues from the following fundraisers:  American Girl Fashion Show (ongoing but included a JLO sponsored boutique for the first year), Toast to Omaha (second year of fundraiser intended to honor community institutions with which the League has partnered), Jumble Shop, Nebraska Foundation Directory and Fund Development's Annual Fund Campaign Drive.  

·      Conducted Past President's Luncheon in November and secured underwriting for the event. 

·      Approved $9,980 in Community Assistance Grants to the following: Big Brothers and Big Sisters ($1,000), Chicano Awareness ($1,000), Girls. Inc. of Omaha ($1,000), Greater Omaha Community Action (GOCA) ($1,000), Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy ($890), Open Door Mission ($1,000), Ronald McDonald Care Mobile ($1,000), Royal Family Kids' Camp ($1,000), Youth Leadership Omaha ($1,000), American Red Cross for Hurricane Katrina Efforts ($1,000). 

·      Approved and awarded three $1,000 scholarships for students demonstrating outstanding Community Service. 

·      Awarded Annual Women To Watch award:  Recipients:  Brooke Gravett, Sheryl Orlich and Jennifer Zatechka.  

·      With Fund Development kicked off a new JLO Cookbook to be published in November 2006.  Coordinated PR items for the cookbook.  

·      In conjunction with AJLI and with the support of the Community Council planned and executed the Kids in the Kitchen event on April 29, 2006. 

·      Oversaw the creation of a new JLO website that will allow for a "members" only section, online payments, dedicated HIP Kids pages, and enhanced content. 

·      Welcomed the Holland Center for the Performing Arts to Omaha by providing a $5,000 underwriting gift, providing over 40 volunteers to the Day of the Arts, and holding the 2006 Toast to Omaha at the Center. 

·      In conjunction with the HIP Kids committee, provided a booth sponsorship ($1,000) for The Literacy Center of the Midlands, 2nd Annual Read and Romp event. 

·      In conjunction with the Marketing and PR committee, included the Junior League of Omaha in the Metro Monthly Event Book. 

·      In conjunction with the HIP Kids committee, provided a T-shirt sponsorship ($5,000) for the All Our Kids Race. 

·      In conjunction with the HIP Kids committee, co-sponsored bookmarks with HIP tips to be used in conjunction with the Summer Reading Program at the Omaha Public libraries.